Trump gives first interview since attempted assassination as he opens up on the decision that saved his life, why he raised his fist and yelled 'fight' and how 'reality is just setting in'

Donald Trump has given his first in-depth interview after surviving an assassination attempt at his Pennsylvania rally Saturday. 

Trump revealed how turning his head away from the crowd to look at a video scream may have saved his life at the Butler, Pennsylvania rally.

He said Sunday: 'I rarely look away from the crowd. Had I not done that in that moment, well, we would not be talking today, would we?' 

Trump turned his head at the vital moment and ended up with a bloody ear. He was hustled off stage by his Secret Service detail, but not before giving his supporters a clenched fist salute. 

He added that the 'reality is just setting in' with him regarding the shooting and the chaotic aftermath.  

Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old would-be assassin who shot Donald Trump, opened fire at the former president with an AR-style rifle from a roof 130 yards from the rally stage in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday at 6.15pm. 

The former president also addressed the now-iconic moment where he raised his fist and mouthed 'fight' to the stunned audience. 

He said he wanted his fans to know he was alright 'and that America goes on, we go forward, that we are strong.'

'The energy coming from the people there in that moment, they just stood there; it's hard to describe what that felt like, but I knew the world was looking. I knew that history would judge this, and I knew I had to let them know we are OK,' Trump added. 

Trump is also re-thinking his speech at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee this week. 

'The speech I was going to give on Thursday was going to be a humdinger,' he told the Washington Examiner.

'Had this not happened, this would've been one of the most incredible speeches aimed mostly at the policies of President Joe Biden. 

'Honestly, it's going to be a whole different speech now,' he added.

Trump, who has often cut a divisive figure in American politics, now plans a Thursday speech that could unite the nation. 

'It is a chance to bring the country together. I was given that chance. This is a chance to bring the whole country, even the whole world, together. The speech will be a lot different, a lot different than it would've been two days ago,' he said. 

A member of the crowd was killed in the deadly shooting, while two others who were wounded are in critical condition. All three are males, according to law enforcement officials.

Trump was left bloodied and hurt during the assassination attempt as he was seen to suddenly grab hold of his ear as loud bangs rang out and whizzed by before he ducked to the floor.

The Secret Service swarmed around the 45th US President as piercing screams were heard from the MAGA crowd.

He then got to his feet with blood pouring down his cheek and raised his fist in the air and defiantly shouted 'fight' while the audience shouted 'USA' as he was dragged off stage and bundled into a vehicle.

Secret Service agents could be heard shouting 'the shooter is down' in the ensuing chaos and the gunman was later confirmed dead.

Trump was taken to hospital for treatment before being later released.

Spokesman Steven Cheung said Trump is 'fine' and being checked out at a local medical facility while the former president's eldest son Donald Trump Jr said his father 'is in great spirits'.

Trump flew back to New Jersey ahead of his spending the night at his golf resort in Bedminster.

In a post to his Truth Social network, Trump thanked the Secret Service and other law enforcement 'for their rapid response'.

'I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin,' he said on social media.

'Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening.

'I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of law enforcement, for their rapid response,' Trump added.

'Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured.

'It is incredible that such an act can take place in our country.

'GOD BLESS AMERICA!' 

In an image that has already gone around the world, Trump was pictured repeatedly pumping his fist with blood dripping from his face while being swarmed by Secret Service agents.

Moments later, he was rushed away to safety. 

President Biden said in a statement that Americans 'must unite as one nation' in response to the horrific scenes.