The White House has responded after former professional wrestler and politician Jesse Ventura suggested that the 2024 assassination attempt on President Donald Trump was staged.
The incident occurred during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July 2024, when a 20-year-old gunman, Thomas Crooks, allegedly fired multiple shots from a nearby rooftop. One bullet reportedly grazed Trump’s ear before Secret Service agents quickly escorted him to safety. He survived without major injuries.
As expected with such a major event, some critics have questioned whether the attack was genuine. Ventura raised doubts during an appearance on Piers Morgan Uncensored, asking why there is no visible scar from the injury. He compared the situation to a “blade job,” a wrestling term for intentionally cutting oneself to simulate injury and add drama.
Host Piers Morgan pushed back, noting that a local volunteer fire chief died during the shooting. Ventura dismissed the point and continued to question the narrative, also criticizing Trump’s character and saying he would rather not speak with him.
The White House quickly issued a statement rejecting Ventura’s claims. Officials honored Corey Comperatore, the man killed during the attack, describing him as a hero who sacrificed his life to protect others. The statement also emphasized that Trump narrowly survived and remains determined to continue serving the American people, adding that only “a fool” would believe the event was fabricated.