Eric Trump says shooting changed his father's 'perspective on life and message'

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(NewsNation) — Eric Trump credited “divine intervention” with saving his father’s life after Saturday’s assassination attempt.

“He realized he could have been dead,” Eric Trump told NewsNation’s Chris Cuomo Wednesday night at the Republican National Convention. “If he hadn’t moved his face an inch … a former president, and quite possibly a future president, would have been executed on television.”

Eric Trump defended the Secret Service members who guided his father to safety and said: “We have to find out what happened.”

“Every officer on the scene would have taken a bullet for my father. … I totally defend these people because they are the best of the best,” Trump said.

The shooting changed his father’s outlook on life, Eric Trump said.

“I think it changes your message. … When you’re around death like that, I think he probably realized what’s important in life and what’s not. … what you want your legacy to be,” Trump said.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents during a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is moved off stage during a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
A campaign rally site for Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump sits empty and littered with debris, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is covered by U.S. Secret Service agents during a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents during a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
BUTLER, PENNSYLVANIA – JULY 13: Attendees disperse after gunshots rang out during a campaign rally for Republican presidential candidate former U.S. President Donald Trump at Butler Farm Show Inc. on July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump collapsed before being taken away by Secret Service with visible wounds to the side of his head. Butler County Prosecutor Richard Goldinger said the shooter and an audience member died and another was injured. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)
U.S. Secret Service agents converge to cover Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents during a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is helped off the stage during a campaign event in Butler, Pa., Saturday, July 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Trump was shot in the ear in the shooting. One rallygoer died and at least two others were injured, not including the shooter, who was shot dead by the Secret Service.

The shooter practiced at a shooting range the day before Trump’s rally, CNN reported, citing an unnamed law enforcement official. The 20-year-old also purchased a 5-foot ladder at Home Depot and bought 50 rounds of ammunition the next morning at a local store called Allegheny Arms and Gun Works, CNN reported.

The shooter was a member of the Clairton Sportsmen’s Club, about a 25-minute drive from his home. One of the club’s attorneys, Rob Bootay, denounced Saturday’s shooting, as did Home Depot and the owner of Allegheny Arms and Gun Works.

Meanwhile, Trump attended the Republican National Convention with a bandaged ear. His acceptance speech is scheduled for Thursday.

Arrangements for Corey Compatore, the former volunteer firefighter killed at Saturday’s rally, include a public visitation Thursday in Freeport, Pennsylvania, and a funeral service Friday.

Compatore shielded his family from gunfire moments before he died, Gov. Josh Shapiro said.

NewsNation’s Katie Smith and Brian Entin contributed to this report.