Donald Trump narrowly avoids assassination at rally; ISKCON cites past festival support, claims divine intervention saved him.
New Delhi, 15 July 2024
Former US President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, an incident that has sparked discussions about divine intervention, particularly among followers of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness).
ISKCON spokesperson Radharamn Das drew attention to Trump’s involvement 48 years ago in supporting the first Rath Yatra festival in New York City. According to Das, former president had provided his train yard for free to assist in the construction of the festival chariots, which are central to the annual celebration dedicated to Lord Jagannath. (Also read: PM Modi Official Tour To Austria And Russia Begins)
Das pointed out that 48 years ago, Donald Trump played a crucial role in saving the Jagannath Rathayatra festival. He linked Trump’s support then to what he described as Lord Jagannath reciprocating by protecting Trump during the recent rally. The timing of the assassination attempt, aligning with the festival’s global observance, emphasized to Das and ISKCON members the importance of spiritual protection.
During the rally, shots were fired, with one bullet striking Trump’s ear and causing minor injuries. The incident unfolded amid heightened security concerns, leading to swift action by Secret Service agents who neutralized the assailant. Despite the chaos and danger, Trump later reflected on the moment, acknowledging the gravity of the situation and expressing gratitude for his safety.
Following the attack, President Joe Biden initiated a review of security protocols to investigate how a 20-year-old armed with an AR-15-style rifle breached security, endangering political figures and the public. (Also read: Supreme Court Grants Arvind Kejriwal Temporary Release In Money Laundering Case)
The incident has reignited debates about security at political events and prompted discussions about the role of faith and protection in times of crisis, particularly within spiritual communities like ISKCON, where beliefs in divine intervention are deeply rooted.
