Getting hit by a bullet makes it more dramatic and makes him more of a martyr for his rabid cult fans. If it didn’t hit him then there’s always the hint of the question - “was he the actual target?”. Which makes him less important to his fans.
Years ago, on a highway/motorway in England. A mini passed me at speed, and after I turned the next bend in the road, I found said mini upside down on the side of the road. Its occupants were either sitting down or wandering around confused. Various other cars stopped to help but I don’t recall if any were hurt. I was trying to help the confused wanderer.
That’s the worst part. His cult take and echo his every thought as gospel, regardless of how insane they may be.