‘Truly providential’: Trump made promise to Marc Fogel’s mother moments before Butler assassination attempt

A Mother’s Plea and a Promise Kept: The Story of Marc Fogel and President Trump

In a remarkable and deeply emotional sequence of events, President Donald Trump met with Marc Fogel’s mother, Malphine Fogel, on July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania. During this meeting, Trump vowed to bring her son home if elected president. This poignant encounter was followed by an assassination attempt that nearly took Trump’s life, yet he miraculously survived. The story of Trump’s commitment to Malphine Fogel, the assassination attempt, and the eventual release of Marc Fogel from Russian custody has been hailed as nothing short of providential.

Rep. Mark Kelly, R-Pa., who witnessed the meeting, described the events as a testament to faith and divine intervention. “The president survived the assassination attempt on July 13 in Butler, and he fulfilled his commitment to Mrs. Fogel that he would get her son home,” Kelly told Fox News Digital. “It is an incredible, providential story.” The meeting between Trump and Malphine Fogel took place just before Trump was set to address a rally. During their conversation, Trump assured the elderly mother that he would work tirelessly to secure Marc’s release if elected.

A Promise in the Face of Danger

As Trump took the stage following his meeting with Malphine Fogel, he was met with both support and peril. During the rally, Trump was showcasing a chart that highlighted the surge in illegal immigration under the Biden-Harris administration. As he turned to gesture toward the chart, a bullet pierced the upper part of his right ear. The would-be assassin, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was subsequently neutralized. Trump credited the chart with saving his life, as it redirected the trajectory of the bullet. Despite the close call, Trump remained steadfast in his commitment to Malphine Fogel and her son.

Rep. Kelly drew parallels between the events and the classic film It’s a Wonderful Life, emphasizing the themes of divine providence and the ripple effects of individual actions. “If President Trump did not survive the assassination attempt on July 13, Marc Fogel wouldn’t be home today,” Kelly said. This sentiment underscores the belief that Trump’s survival and actions were part of a larger, divinely orchestrated plan.

Marc Fogel’s Journey: From Imprisonment to Freedom

Marc Fogel, an American teacher from Western Pennsylvania, had been imprisoned in Russia since 2021. He was arrested at an airport for possession of medical marijuana, which led to a 14-year prison sentence. His mother, Malphine, had tirelessly advocates for his release, appealing to U.S. officials and refusing to lose hope. After Trump’s meeting with Malphine, he worked behind the scenes to secure Marc’s release. On the evening of October 18, 2023, Marc Fogel returned to the United States, reuniting with his family after years of separation.

Malphine Fogel expressed her gratitude to Trump during an appearance on Fox News Channel’s America Newsroom. “I met with President Trump, and he was just as cordial as he could be,” she said. “He told me three different times, ‘If I get in, I’ll get him out,’ and I really think he’s been instrumental.” The emotional weight of the moment was evident as she shared her surprise and joy upon hearing from her son after years of uncertainty.

A Story of Faith and Fulfillment

Rep. Kelly reflected on the events, calling them a reminder of the importance of living in the moment and fulfilling promises. “There is a certain time in people’s lives where you realize you don’t have forever, you have right now