Trump Injured but ‘Fine’ After Assassination Attempt at Rally
July 14, 2024 World
Former President Donald Trump was injured during a shooting at a campaign rally in western Pennsylvania on Saturday night. The attack, which left one attendee dead and two others seriously injured, occurred in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump, who was treated at a nearby hospital for a gunshot wound to the ear, was released later that evening and left the state. The suspected shooter, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was also killed.
Details of the Attack on Trump
The chaos erupted around 6:15 p.m. as Trump was beginning his speech on immigration and border crossings. As he turned to show a chart to the crowd, three gunshots were heard. Trump immediately reacted, touching his right ear and lowering himself to the ground as Secret Service agents moved to protect him.
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is helped off the stage at a campaign event in Butler, Pa., on
Saturday, July 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
“I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear,” Trump said in a social media post. He described the immediate sensation of the bullet and the subsequent bleeding, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
Response from Law Enforcement
Special Agent Kevin Rojek of the FBI’s Pittsburgh field office confirmed at a press conference that the incident was being treated as an assassination attempt. The FBI, along with other law enforcement agencies, launched an investigation to determine the motive behind the attack.
Witness Accounts and Reactions
Attendees described a chaotic scene as shots rang out and law enforcement moved swiftly to protect the former president. Dave McCormick, the Republican nominee for Senate in Pennsylvania, recounted seeing blood and the rapid response of Secret Service agents.
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surround by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally,
Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Trump, after being escorted off the stage, briefly returned to address the crowd, pumping his fist and encouraging them to "fight" before being taken to a hospital. Photos of this moment quickly circulated on social media, praised by his supporters as a testament to his resilience.
Political Reactions
The incident prompted immediate reactions from political leaders across the spectrum. President Joe Biden condemned the violence, emphasizing the need for national unity against such acts. He also confirmed that he had spoken with Trump and been briefed by law enforcement.
Trump’s family and campaign team reassured the public of his condition and determination to continue his campaign activities, with plans to attend the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
U.S. Secret Service agents respond as Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surrounded on stage
by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Condolences and Continued Investigation
Trump expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and thanked law enforcement for their swift response. As the investigation continues, officials have not yet released the identities of the shooting victims, although it was reported that Rep. Ronny Jackson’s nephew was among those injured.
The attack has led to increased security measures and a renewed call to address political violence in the United States.