Donald Trump’s campaign assures he is “fine” following what law enforcement officials are treating as an assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The suspect, a 20-year-old from Pennsylvania, opened fire during the event.
Trump, in a social media post, revealed that he was “shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear.” Secret Service agents swiftly removed the former president from the stage, with blood on his ear.
A prosecutor confirmed that the suspected gunman and at least one attendee are deceased, and two spectators are in critical condition according to the Secret Service.
President Joe Biden and leaders from across the political spectrum condemned the attack. Biden stated, “There’s no place in America for this type of violence. It’s sick. It’s sick.”
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Messages from international leaders pour in
Political leaders worldwide have expressed condemnation for the attack and offered messages of support and hopes for Trump’s swift recovery.
“Political violence in any form has no place in our societies,” stated British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the attack “despicable,” and French President Emmanuel Macron expressed solidarity with the American people.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy labeled the shooting a “horrific crime that must be condemned.”
Leaders from Egypt, Pakistan, and Slovakia also weighed in on the incident, denouncing violence and sending well-wishes to those affected.
View the responses from international leaders here.
FBI identifies suspect in assassination attempt
The FBI named Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the shooter in the assassination attempt on Trump. The investigation remains active, with Crooks’ political affiliations not immediately clear.
Crooks had registered as a Republican voter in Pennsylvania, but he also made a donation of $15 to a progressive political action committee on the day of Biden’s inauguration.
Trump arrives in New Jersey, plans to spend the night at private golf club. Biden returns to White House
Former President Trump landed at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey shortly after midnight. Video footage showed him deplaning surrounded by Secret Service agents and members of the counter assault team.
Trump is set to spend the night at his private golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, while President Biden has returned to the White House following a cut-short trip to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
The White House announced that Biden would receive a briefing on the attempted assassination of Trump later in the morning, with Vice President Kamala Harris also participating.
Law enforcement reveals shooter at Trump rally was a 20-year-old from Pennsylvania
According to law enforcement officials speaking to AP on the condition of anonymity, the assailant who opened fire at the Trump rally was a 20-year-old man from Pennsylvania.
FBI expresses surprise at shooter’s ability to fire multiple rounds
Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Pittsburgh field office, Kevin Rojek, expressed surprise at the shooter’s ability to fire multiple rounds. The investigation is ongoing, with details to be revealed in due course.
The State Police mentioned that the Secret Service was responsible for securing the venue of the rally, and further details are awaited as the investigation continues.
Police have identified the deceased individual and those injured but have chosen not to disclose their identities. Two individuals were critically injured, while another was killed. All victims were adult males.
FBI says motive in assassination attempt against Trump remains unidentified
Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Pittsburgh field office, Kevin Rojek, labeled the incident as an “assassination attempt” on former President Trump. The motive behind the attack is yet to be determined.
The FBI has not released the identity of the deceased shooter, who was killed on the scene. Rojek confirmed that there were no specific threats prior to the shooting.
Trump’s private jet seen leaving Pennsylvania, flight tracking website confirms
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed that Trump had departed from Butler and was under the protection of the US Secret Service and Pennsylvania State Police. Governor Shapiro expressed gratitude that Trump was reported to be fine and extended well-wishes for a quick recovery.
Biden communicates with Trump
The White House disclosed that President Biden held a conversation with former President Trump on Saturday evening. Further details regarding the call were not disclosed.
Biden is scheduled to convene a briefing with homeland security and law enforcement officials at the White House on Sunday morning.
Biden returns to Washington following alleged attempted assassination of Trump
Biden opted to return to the White House after news of the alleged attempted assassination of Trump broke. He cut short his weekend stay in Delaware to monitor the situation.
Shots fired at Trump rally in Pennsylvania
As Trump addressed the crowd, gunshots were heard, leading Trump to clutch his ear in pain. Chaos ensued as Secret Service agents swiftly moved to secure the former president.
Read more about the shooting incident at the rally.
Chaos described by GOP official at rally
Rico Elmore, vice chairman of the Beaver County Republican Party, recounted the chaos when shots rang out at the rally, with someone near him sustaining gunshot wounds.
Elmore shared his experience of attempting to assist a victim who had been shot in the head, highlighting the horror and tragedy of the situation.
Trump campaign, RNC reaffirm convention plans in Milwaukee following rally shooting
The Trump campaign and the Republican National Committee confirmed that the party’s convention in Milwaukee would proceed as planned following the rally shooting.
They stated that President Trump looks forward to attending the convention to accept the nomination as the party’s Presidential candidate.
Law enforcement recovers AR-style rifle at scene of Trump rally shooting, confirms AP source
According to a source familiar with the matter, law enforcement recovered an AR-style rifle at the scene of the shooting. The investigation is ongoing.
Mayorkas: Homeland Security ensures security for campaign after Trump rally shooting
Alejandro Mayorkas of the Department of Homeland Security confirmed that DHS and the Secret Service are collaborating with law enforcement partners to respond to and investigate the shooting at the rally.
Mayorkas emphasized that maintaining security for presidential candidates and campaign events is a top priority for the Department.
Additional reactions
Ivanka Trump expressed gratitude for the support and prayers following the incident at the rally. Michael Cohen emphasized that political violence is not the solution. James Comer condemned political violence and called for a thorough investigation.
Billionaire Elon Musk endorsed President Trump and wished him a speedy recovery. The National Rifle Association offered prayers for the safety of Trump and attendees at the rally.
Several international leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, condemned the violence and expressed relief that Trump is safe.
Secret Service confirms casualties at Trump rally
The Secret Service confirmed that there were casualties at the rally, with one spectator killed and two critically injured after a shooter fired multiple shots from an elevated position outside the venue.
Trump acknowledges bullet injury, updates on shooter remain unknown
Trump revealed in a social media post that he was injured by a bullet that pierced his ear. He thanked law enforcement for their response and extended condolences to the families affected by the incident.
More details about the shooter are yet to be revealed as the investigation continues.
Prosecutor confirms additional injuries at Trump rally
Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger confirmed that apart from the spectator who was killed, another attendee was taken to a local hospital in serious condition.
Goldinger affirmed that the shooter is deceased and provided limited details about the incident.
More condemnations of political violence
Various political figures across party lines condemned the violence at the rally and expressed support for Trump and the victims. Messages of condemnation and calls for peace were echoed by individuals including Vice President Kamala Harris, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The incident at the rally was denounced by leaders such as Nikki Haley, Elizabeth Warren, and Al Gore, who emphasized the need to unite against political violence.
Biden calls for condemnation of attack at Trump rally
President Biden called for universal condemnation of the violence at the rally, expressing relief that Trump is reportedly safe. He awaits further information before formally labeling the incident as an attempted assassination.
Biden promised to provide updates as the investigation progresses and announced plans to speak with Trump.
Trump’s son updates on his condition
Donald Trump Jr. confirmed that he had spoken with his father on the phone and reported that Trump is in good spirits. He expressed confidence in Trump’s resilience in the face of adversity.
Biden to deliver national address after alleged assassination attempt on Trump
President Biden is scheduled to address the nation from the White House’s emergency briefing room following the incident at the Trump rally.
Shooter at Trump rally identified as non-attendee, killed by Secret Service
Law enforcement officials revealed that the individual who fired shots at the Trump rally was not an attendee and was neutralized by US Secret Service agents.
Condemnations of political violence
Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords and other officials issued statements condemning political violence and expressing concerns for the victims of the attack. Additional security measures were implemented in New York as a precautionary measure.
Incident recap
Details of the incident at the Trump rally were recounted, with eyewitness reports describing the chaos that ensued when the shots were fired.
Additional casualties confirmed at Trump rally
Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger confirmed that the suspected gunman was deceased, with at least one rally attendee fatally shot.
Pennsylvania GOP candidate describes sudden shots, blood
Pennsylvania Republican Senate candidate Dave McCormick described the scene of the shooting, highlighting the presence of blood and chaos that unfolded at the rally.
Biden receives updated briefing. ATF prioritizes investigation into rally incident
President Biden received an update on the incident at the Trump rally and ATF confirmed that the investigation is a top priority.
Prayers and concerns from allies and rivals alike
Prominent figures from different political backgrounds shared their thoughts and prayers for Trump and the rally attendees, denouncing political violence and emphasizing the need for unity and peace.
Trump affirms he is ‘fine’ following rally shooting
Donald Trump’s campaign assured the public that he is “fine” after the shooting incident at the rally, with Trump being evaluated at a local medical facility for further examination.
Donald Trump escorted off stage in Pennsylvania after gunshots at rally
Donald Trump was escorted off stage at the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, following the sound of gunshots heard in the crowd.
Donald Trump whisked off stage by Secret Service during rally
Donald Trump was swiftly escorted off stage by the Secret Service after noises resembling gunshots rang out during the rally.
