Trump Injured in Assassination Attempt as Gunshots Fired at PA Rally
Donald Trump was injured in an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday night. While Trump was either shot in the ear or hit by fragments, his presidential campaign team said he is now "fine" after being quickly shielded by brave Secret Service agents.
The shooter has been identified by the FBI as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, PA, but they noted the investigation remains active and ongoing. Secret Service agents fatally shot Crooks, who attacked from an elevated position about 130 yards away outside the rally, the FBI said.
Crooks' political affiliation is unknown, as he is registered as a Republican voter in the state of Pennsylvania, but had provided a donation to the Progressive Turnout Project, a group dedicated to mobilizing the Democratic party and defending democracy, the day President Joe Biden was sworn in.
Richard Goldinger, the Butler County District Attorney, shared that at least one attendee was reportedly killed in the shooting, and multiple outlets reported the gunman was also shot and killed by law enforcement. Several others were wounded.
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As the gunshots rang out, Trump cringed and grabbed his right ear where he was hit, just inches away from being killed. As he then ducked down, more gunshots rang out, and his protection detail jumped on his body. Someone shouted, "Shooter is down" as the security detail then whisked Trump off stage to safety.
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act,” his campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement. “He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow.”
The Secret Service issued a statement saying, “The former President is safe.” After agents had surrounded him and it was announced the shooter was down, Trump got back up and pumped his fist to indicate he was ok.
On Saturday evening, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, and Ohio Sen. JD Vance, who are all on Trump's vice-president shortlist, quickly issued statements expressing concern for his safety. Rubio shared a photo taken as Trump was escorted off stage with his fist in the air and a streak of blood on his face along with the words “God protected President Trump.”
God protected President Trump pic.twitter.com/96UKVdjF3A
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) July 13, 2024
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer issued a statement condemning the violence. The White House said President Joe Biden was briefed on the incident, and his team issued a statement saying he is "grateful" Trump is doing well after the shooting, saying there is "no place for this kind of violence in America."
The shooting comes just days before the Republican National Convention opens Monday in Milwaukee with Trump as the presumptive Republican nominee for president. President Trump has expressed that he still plans to speak at the Republican National Convention.
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