'Not My First Time': How Many Times Has Donald Trump Faced Assassination Attempts?

Last Updated:April 26, 2026, 11:24 IST

U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were escorted out of the White House Correspondents' dinner after loud, unidentified bangs were heard at the venue

U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were escorted out of the White House Correspondents’ dinner after loud, unidentified bangs were heard at the venue, prompting a swift response by the Secret Service.

Addressing a media briefing after the incident, Trump invoked previous attempts on his life as he described the shooter as a “would-be assassin“.

“As you know, this is not the first time in the past couple of years that our republic has been attacked by a would-be assassin who sought to kill. In Butler, Pennsylvania, less than two years ago, you all know that story, and in Palm Beach, Florida, a few months after that, we came close, we really did," Trump told reporters.

“But yet, everybody in that room … there was a tremendous amount of love and coming together," he added.

A Look At Previous Assassination Attempts

Butler, Pennsylvania

In July 2024 — when Donald Trump was running for President — a gunman fired multiple shots at him at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Secret Service agents rushed to shield him on stage as additional shots were heard across the venue, triggering panic among attendees.

Mar-a-Lago, Florida

Nearly two months later, in September 2024, Trump faced a second assassination attempt when an armed suspect was found near the golf course at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. Later, he was moved to safety unharmed as Secret Service agents opened fire in response.

Las Vegas, Nevada 

In June 2016, a man attempted to snatch a police officer’s firearm during a Trump rally in Las Vegas, Nevada, intending to use it against him.

He was immediately subdued and later pleaded guilty to firearm and disruption-related charges.

North Dakota Attempt

In September 2017, Gregory Lee Leingang stole a forklift from a North Dakota oil refinery with the intention of ramming it into Trump’s presidential vehicle.

However, he was stopped before reaching the motorcade after the forklift malfunctioned.

News world 'Not My First Time': How Many Times Has Donald Trump Faced Assassination Attempts?

Read More