In a startling claim that has sparked widespread discussion, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has attributed former US President Donald Trump’s narrow escape from an assassination attempt to divine intervention by Lord Jagannath. According to ISKCON spokesperson Radharamn Das, the incident, which occurred during an election rally in Pennsylvania, is seen as a reciprocation of a favor Trump allegedly extended to ISKCON devotees almost five decades ago.
Das pointed out that 48 years ago, Trump played a pivotal role in facilitating the first Jagannath Rathayatra festival in New York City by providing his train yard for constructing the festival chariots free of charge. This act, according to ISKCON, was crucial in overcoming logistical challenges faced by the devotees at that time.
“Today, as the world celebrates the Jagannath Rathayatra festival again, Trump faced a serious attack, but Lord Jagannath intervened to save him,” remarked Radharamn Das in a statement posted on social media.
The Rathayatra festival holds significant religious and cultural importance in Hindu tradition, symbolizing the journey of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra from their temple to the Gundicha Temple. ISKCON’s belief in Trump’s divine protection stems from their interpretation of his historical association with facilitating this festival in the US.
The recent assassination attempt saw Trump narrowly avoid serious injury when shots were fired during his campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump himself acknowledged the gravity of the situation, emphasizing how a momentary diversion likely saved his life.
President Joe Biden has since ordered a review of the security protocols that allowed a 20-year-old assailant armed with an AR-15-style rifle to get close enough to fire shots at Trump from a nearby rooftop. The incident resulted in the death of one person and injuries to two others before the assailant was neutralized by Secret Service agents.
The ISKCON community’s assertion of divine protection in this instance has sparked both intrigue and debate, highlighting the intersection of spirituality and contemporary political events. As investigations into the incident continue, the role of faith and belief in interpreting such events remains a subject of ongoing scrutiny and discussion.
