The survival of former President Donald Trump after Saturday’s assassination attempt has been described as a ‘divine intervention,’ according to a spokesperson for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).

Radharamn Das, Vice President and Director of ISKCON’s WB Annamrita, claimed that exactly 48 years ago, Trump played a crucial role in the first Jagannath Rathayatra festival in New York City.

‘Exactly 48 years ago’

“…Exactly 48 years ago, Donald Trump saved the Jagannath Rathayatra festival. Today, as the world celebrates the Jagannath Rathayatra festival again, Trump was attacked, and Jagannath returned the favor by saving him,” Das said in a lengthy post on X.

In 1976, Trump, then a young real estate mogul, offered his train yard for the free construction of Rathayatra chariots, helping ISKCON devotees overcome logistical challenges. “This attack and his narrow escape show Jagannath’s intervention,” Das said. “Trump’s survival today mirrors how he saved the festival back then.”

What Happened In 1976

In 1976, ISKCON faced significant obstacles in organising the first Rath Yatra on Fifth Avenue. After numerous rejections from property owners, Trump agreed to provide space for chariot construction after a heartfelt appeal from devotees, marking a pivotal moment for the festival.

Das also highlighted the challenges faced in securing a parade permit. Despite initial approval, the permit was later rescinded due to a longstanding mayoral edict. It was only after a personal appeal to the Manhattan police chief that the permit was granted. “Why the police chief signed the permit remains a mystery, but devotees view it as another sign of divine blessing,” Das added.

‘I’m supposed to be dead’

On Saturday, Trump was hit in the ear by a gunman at a campaign rally. He was left with a bloodied face while a bystander was killed and two other people were wounded. On Sunday, Trump said he was “supposed to be dead” and that he survived the assassination attempt only by luck or by God. “I’m not supposed to be here, I’m supposed to be dead,” Trump told the New York Post in an interview aboard his plane en route to Milwaukee for the Republican National Convention.

The 78-year-old Trump said it was a “very surreal experience” he recounted with a white bandage covering his right ear.  Trump told the Post he would have been dead had he not tilted his head slightly to the right to read a chart on illegal immigrants while addressing the rally. “By luck or by God, many people are saying it’s by God I’m still here,” he said.