East Rutherford: On the first anniversary of a failed assassination attempt, US President Donald Trump marked the sombre milestone at the FIFA Club World Cup final, where he joined family, close aides and sporting dignitaries to watch Chelsea defeat Paris Saint-Germain.

The match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey provided a high-profile setting for Trump’s first public commemoration of the July 13, 2024, shooting that nearly claimed his life during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. The president also used the moment to reflect on his survival and release a statement later that evening. 

Celebrations at MetLife stadium

Trump and first lady Melania Trump received loud cheers as they arrived at the stadium moments before musical performances by Robbie Williams and Laura Pausini. Though some in the crowd booed when he briefly appeared on the stadium’s giant screen, the president waved and pumped his fist while entering the VIP suite.

Inside the luxury box, Trump watched the game alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his wife, Leena Al Ashqar. Notable guests in the suite included Attorney General Pam Bondi, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, NFL legend Tom Brady, and media mogul Rupert Murdoch.

Chelsea, representing the English Premier League, dominated the match, leading 3-0 at half-time thanks to two goals from Cole Palmer and one from João Pedro. PSG, who had already claimed Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and the UEFA Champions League titles earlier this season, fell short of securing a fourth major trophy in 100 days.

After the match, Trump took to the field to congratulate the teams, awarding medals to PSG and presenting Chelsea with the championship trophy. “It was an upset today I guess,” he told reporters after flying back to Washington. “But it was a great match.”

Anniversary of a near-deadly attack

The anniversary also marked a year since the July 13, 2024, shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania, during one of Trump’s campaign rallies. The president was grazed by a bullet on his ear, while a bystander was killed and two others were wounded. The shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Crooks, was neutralised by a government sniper.

In his statement Sunday night, Trump said, “It remains my firm conviction that God alone saved me that day for a righteous purpose: to restore our beloved Republic to greatness and to rescue our Nation from those who seek its ruin.” He also honoured the doctors, first responders and attendees who helped guide others to safety, adding, “These men and women arrived at the rally grounds as ordinary Americans, but left as heroes.”

The attempt has since become a defining moment in Trump’s presidential campaign, with his campaign widely circulating the now-iconic photo of him bloodied and defiant, fist raised as he was rushed offstage.

Senate report blames systemic failure

Coinciding with the anniversary, the US Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee released a report denouncing what it called a series of "inexcusable" lapses by the US Secret Service that led to the attempted assassination.

“The United States Secret Service failed to act on credible intelligence, failed to coordinate with local law enforcement,” said Committee Chairman Rand Paul. “Despite those failures, no one has been fired.”

The report criticised a “cascade of preventable failures” and described the agency’s response as “a complete breakdown of security at every level — fuelled by bureaucratic indifference, a lack of clear protocols, and a shocking refusal to act on direct threats.”

Although the shooter’s motives remain unclear, the Secret Service acknowledged a series of communication, technical and human errors. Six unnamed staff members have been disciplined, receiving suspensions ranging from 10 to 42 days, and reassigned to restricted or non-operational roles. Reforms are reportedly underway, including the formation of a dedicated aerial surveillance unit and improved coordination with other law enforcement bodies.

Reflecting on the events, Trump said in an interview with Fox News, “Mistakes were made,” but he expressed satisfaction with the investigation. “It was unforgettable,” he recalled. “I didn’t know exactly what was going on. I got whacked. There’s no question about that. And fortunately, I got down quickly. People were screaming.”

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump added, “God was protecting me,” and acknowledged, “It’s a little bit of a dangerous profession being president, but I really don’t like to think about it too much.”

Diplomatic engagements on the sidelines

The final also served as an informal venue for diplomacy. Trump envoy Steve Witkoff, who was present at the match, confirmed plans to meet with Qatari officials, key intermediaries in ceasefire and hostage talks with Hamas.

“I’ll be meeting them,” Witkoff told reporters ahead of the game. He later expressed cautious optimism about progress in the Gaza negotiations.

Eyes on the 2026 World Cup

Trump has maintained a strong presence at major sporting events since taking office this year. His appearances have included the Super Bowl in New Orleans, the Daytona 500 in Florida, UFC events in Miami and Newark, and the NCAA wrestling championships in Philadelphia.

He has also expressed enthusiasm for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, with MetLife Stadium set to host the final. Despite escalating tensions between the US and its neighbours over tariffs and immigration, Trump brushed aside concerns, saying earlier this year, “Tension’s a good thing.”

He has even suggested, controversially, that “Canada should become the 51st state.”

(With inputs from agencies)