Donald Trump assassination attempt: Here’s what we know

Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt Saturday night after a shooter opened fire at his campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania.

 

 

Trump was injured in the attack and was quickly rushed offstage, but soon after declared in a statement he was “fine.” The shooter was killed, as was a rally attendee. Two other attendees were critically injured, according to the Secret Service.

Authorities identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, but have yet to establish a motive for the shooting. The FBI and Pennsylvania state law enforcement officials said they are working together on what they called an active investigation.

Here’s what we know about the shooting:

Is Trump OK?

Trump was injured in the attack — video showed blood streaming from his right ear immediately afterwards — and he was rushed to a nearby hospital. His campaign released a statement shortly afterwards saying he was “fine.”

On Truth Social, Trump’s social media platform, the former president later said he was “shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening.”

By Saturday night, Trump had left the Butler, Pa., area, according to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. He still plans to attend the Republican National Convention, which begins Monday, according to a statement released after the shooting.

What happened?

A gunman opened fire during Trump’s rally Saturday night near Butler, Pa., at approximately 6:15 p.m., shortly after the former president took the stage.

In video of the incident, multiple popping sounds could be heard before Trump grabs his right ear. Secret Service agents quickly rushed the stage, collapsing on top of Trump in a protective manner. After a few moments, someone is heard saying “shooter down,” and the Secret Service lets Trump up. The presumptive Republican presidential nominee was seen visibly bleeding from the area around his right ear and could be heard asking Secret Service agents to get his shoes as they started to whisk him away to his convoy. Trump also raised his fist defiantly to the crowd.

In a news conference late Saturday night, Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek labeled the attack an “assassination attempt.”

The Secret Service, which is charged with protecting presidents, former presidents, and candidates for the office, described the incident as:

Was anyone else injured?

Yes, the gunman was killed by the Secret Service. A male audience member died in the attack, and two other male attendees suffered critical injuries, according to the Secret Service and Pennsylvania state authorities.

What do we know about the shooter?

The FBI released a statement early Sunday morning identifying the shooter:

“The FBI has identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the subject involved in the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump on July 13, in Butler, Pennsylvania. This remains an active and ongoing investigation, and anyone with information that may assist with the investigation is encouraged to submit photos or videos online at FBI.gov/butler or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.”

Is there still a danger to the public?

While the investigation is still ongoing, Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens said there is “no reason to believe that there is any other existing threat out there.” Investigators said late Saturday that they will continue to try and determine whether the suspect acted alone.

What happens next?

FBI and Pennsylvania officials will continue their investigation jointly, with the FBI leading up the inquiry and local authorities handling the homicide and injuries to the rally attendees.

Rojek said they continue to pursue a motive for the shooting, as well. Officials labeled the location an “active crime scene.”

Law enforcement is also encouraging anyone at the rally or anyone who has any information about the incident to come forward.

As for Trump, the Republican National Convention begins Monday in Milwaukee where he will be nominated as the party’s presidential nominee for a third time. Trump said Saturday night that after the shooting that he would still attend the convention.

➕ Read more

• World leaders condemn shooting at Trump rally, denounce political violence. “Leaders from multiple nations expressed shock at the incident, denounced political violence and wished Trump a quick recovery.” [Reuters]
• Trump rally shooting is being investigated as an assassination attempt, officials say. “Law enforcement recovered an AR-style rifle at the scene, according to a third person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing investigation.” [Associated Press]
• Four U.S. presidents were assassinated; others were targeted, as were presidential candidates. “Before Saturday’s apparent attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, there have been multiple instances of political violence targeting U.S. presidents, former presidents and major party presidential candidates.” [Associated Press]
• Trump rally attendee says he saw alleged shooter “move from roof to roof.” “Macer said he did not get a clear look at the alleged shooter, but reiterated that he saw him move from building to building.” [CBS News]
• Biden says he’s grateful Trump is safe after rally shooting, denounces political violence. “‘It’s sick,’ the president added.” [CNN]
• Eyewitnesses describe scene at Trump rally shooting: ‘It’s pure insanity’ Eyewitnesses who spoke to CNN on Saturday described an awful scene following a shooting at former President Donald Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. [CNN]