Assassination Attempt on Trump at Rally: Former President Injured, Gunman and Audience Member Killed

Former President Donald Trump was shot and injured in an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday evening.

The attack resulted in the death of an audience member and the gunman.

Law enforcement officers stand over the alleged shooter in Butler, PA, on July 13, 2024. Obtained by NY Post

Trump sustained a bullet wound to his ear during the incident, which occurred as he was delivering a speech to his supporters. The former president was seen ducking to the ground amid a series of shots and screams from the crowd.

Former President Donald Trump holding his ear after shots rang out at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid

Secret Service agents quickly surrounded Trump, shielding him as he was escorted off the stage with a bloodied face.

Despite the chaos, Trump raised his fist and shouted “fight” as the audience chanted “USA”.

The FBI identified the assailant as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, who fired “multiple shots” from an “elevated position”. Crooks, a registered Republican according to state records, was killed by police snipers.

In addition to the fatality, two other men were critically injured in the shooting.

Trump later confirmed that a bullet had pierced the upper part of his ear.

“I immediately knew something was wrong when I heard a whizzing sound and felt the bullet ripping through my skin,” Trump said on social media. “There was a lot of bleeding, and I realized what was happening.”

Donald Trump is covered by U.S. Secret Service agents on stage at a campaign rally, Saturday, AP

Trump expressed gratitude to the Secret Service and law enforcement for their rapid response.

He also extended condolences to the families of the deceased and injured victims.

The incident took place while Trump was speaking on stage. He suddenly dropped to the ground, clutching his ear, as gunfire erupted.

Secret Service agents shielded him, and he remained down for about a minute before being helped.

Pic: AP

Despite his injury, Trump managed to raise his fist and shout “fight” before being quickly escorted into a vehicle. The Secret Service confirmed they were treating the incident as an attempted assassination.

Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung assured that Trump was “safe” and undergoing a medical checkup at a local facility. Footage from the event showed a building with a white roof about 100 meters from where Trump was speaking, with what appeared to be a body and a rifle on top.

Pic: AP

FBI Special Agent Kevin Rojek stated that the shooter’s motive was still unclear.

Authorities also identified suspicious packages near the shooter’s location, prompting bomb squads to ensure the area was safe for investigators.

George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police confirmed they were investigating whether the shooter had any accomplices.

Pic: AP

Hours after the attack, Trump was seen giving a brief wave as he disembarked from his plane in Newark, New Jersey. President Joe Biden condemned the violence and spoke with Trump, emphasizing that there is “no place in America for this kind of violence.”

Enforcement declared the would-be assassin was neutralized. AP

In a national address, Biden stated, “It’s sick. We cannot allow this to be happening.” Former President Barack Obama echoed these sentiments on X, stressing the importance of civility and respect in politics.

Pic: AP

Obama added, “Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics.”

Trump raising his fist to the crowd as he is rushed into a vehicle after the shooting.

Secret Service agents rush the stage. Pic: AP

“Political violence in any form has no place in our societies, and my thoughts are with all the victims of this attack,” he stated.

Snipers opened fire at the gunman. Pic: AP

Pic: AP

Israel’s President Benjamin Netanyahu also shared his concern, posting, “Sara and I were shocked by the apparent attack on President Trump. We pray for his safety and speedy recovery.”