Evangelical leader Franklin Graham is now reportedly crediting what he calls the “hand of God” for protecting President Donald Trump after yet another assassination attempt, adding a spiritual dimension to an already sobering string of incidents that continue to raise questions about security and the increasingly tense climate surrounding American leadership.
In a message posted Sunday on X, Graham dismissed the idea that the president’s survival comes down to chance. After three separate attempts on Trump’s life, he argued that something greater is at work. “Some people say that President @realDonaldTrump is one lucky man,” Graham wrote. “I don’t think luck has anything to do with it—I believe it is the hand of God.”
The latest incident unfolded Saturday night at the Washington Hilton, where Trump was attending the White House Correspondents’ Dinner alongside Cabinet members, lawmakers, and members of the press. Shots were fired in the lobby area outside the ballroom, prompting an immediate response from security personnel. The president was quickly escorted out of the venue as authorities moved to contain the threat.
Officials apprehended the suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, before he was able to reach the ballroom doors. According to reports, a Secret Service agent was struck during the confrontation but was protected by a bulletproof vest, preventing serious injury. No other individuals were harmed in the attack.
A manifesto allegedly sent by the suspect to family members shortly before the incident was later published by New York Post. The document, signed with the name “Cole ‘coldForce’ ‘Friendly Federal Assassin’ Allen,” outlined his intent to target Trump and other administration officials, prioritizing them by rank. It also included inflammatory accusations against the president, which authorities are now examining as part of their investigation.
This latest attempt marks the third time Trump has been targeted. In July 2024, he was grazed by a bullet while speaking at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in an incident that left a lasting impression on the campaign trail. The gunman in that case, 20-year-old Thomas Crooks, was shot and killed by security. A second attempt occurred in September 2024 at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, where 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh was arrested and later sentenced to life in prison.
For Graham, these repeated incidents reinforce his long-held belief that Trump’s leadership is part of a larger purpose. The son of the late Rev. Billy Graham has often said that Trump was “raised up” to lead the nation and has described him as the most pro-Christian and pro-life president of his lifetime.
At the same time, Graham’s support has not come without controversy. He has faced criticism for defending some of Trump’s more polarizing remarks and actions, including a recent meme involving Jesus that the president later said depicted him as a doctor, as well as a public dispute with Pope Leo XIV.
Despite those tensions, Graham expressed hope that the president and the pope might eventually meet, suggesting such a conversation could highlight Trump’s efforts to protect religious liberty for Catholics and people of all faiths.
As the nation reflects on yet another close call, Graham’s remarks underscore a broader sentiment among supporters who see more than coincidence in these events. Still, the repeated threats—and the need for constant vigilance—serve as a reminder of how fraught the current moment has become, where leadership carries not only influence, but undeniable risk.
