Trump is Fine After Assassination Attempt at Rally in Butler, PA

BUTLER, Pa. — On Saturday, an unsettling event took place when former President Donald Trump became the target of an assassination attempt during a rally held about 30 miles north of Pittsburgh. The violent act left one person dead and two critically injured, all of whom were adult males, according to the U.S. Secret Service. The shooter was promptly neutralized by Secret Service agents, ensuring Trump’s safety as he was quickly removed from the stage, leading to an abrupt end to the rally.

Early Sunday, the FBI identified the assailant as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park, PA, located approximately 40 miles south of Butler.

The Incident Unfolds

Lt. Col. George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police provided an update during a late Saturday news conference, explaining that it will take some time to determine conclusively whether Crooks acted alone. He mentioned that the victims’ families had been notified, but their identities were not being disclosed at this time. The Pennsylvania State Police will oversee the homicide investigation, while the FBI will handle the attempted assassination aspect. Authorities emphasized that there is no ongoing threat linked to this incident.

Trump’s Response

In a heartfelt post on Truth Social, Trump expressed his gratitude to the agents who protected him. “Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured,” he wrote. “It is incredible that such an act can take place in our country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong as I heard a whizzing sound and shots and immediately felt the bullet ripping through my skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening.”

Steven Cheung, Trump’s campaign communications director, confirmed that Trump was examined at a local medical facility and is fine.

The Aftermath and Political Reactions

Despite the incident, the Trump campaign and the Republican National Committee (RNC) reassured the public that the Republican National Convention, set to begin Monday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, will proceed as planned. Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesman for the U.S. Secret Service, detailed that at approximately 6:15 p.m. ET, a shooter fired multiple shots from an elevated position outside the rally venue. Secret Service agents killed the shooter, and tragically, one spectator was killed and two others critically injured.

President Biden condemned the violence, labeling the incident as “sick” and asserting that such actions have no place in America. He shared that he had spoken to Trump following the attack and was returning to Washington for an updated briefing from Homeland Security and law enforcement officials. A Biden campaign official indicated that all outbound communications would be paused and television ads pulled down as quickly as possible.

Eyewitness Accounts

Chris Takach, an attendee at the rally, recounted his experience to Oliver Morrison of NPR member station WESA. “We were next to the speaker tower on the fence line, heard the shots, we heard ammunition, riddle around in metal, and then the hydraulic line on the speaker tower on the right side come down, and then everybody hit the deck. Then the cops all converged toward the right side of his body, Trump’s that is.”

Lawmakers React

Congressional leaders swiftly responded to the news of the assassination attempt. House Speaker Mike Johnson stated, “Praying for President Trump.” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries extended his thoughts and prayers to Trump and praised the swift response of law enforcement, emphasizing that political violence of any kind is never acceptable.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer echoed these sentiments, expressing his horror at the events and relief that Trump was unharmed. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell also has voiced his gratitude that Trump appeared to be okay, condemning the attack on a peaceful rally and commending the quick actions of the Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies.

Prominent political figures, including former presidential candidates Doug Burgum, Ron DeSantis, and Nikki Haley, took to social and other media to express their concern and offer prayers for Trump. Attorney General Merrick Garland assured the public that the Justice Department would utilize every available resource in the investigation.

Conclusion

The assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at the rally in Butler, PA, serves as a stark prompt of the persistent threat of political violence. The swift and decisive actions of the Secret Service prevented further tragedy, and the outpouring of support from political leaders across the spectrum highlights a unified stance against such acts. As the investigation continues, this incident will undoubtedly influence future security measures and political strategies to safeguard public figures and the public at large.