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Attempted Assassination of Trump: Here’s What We Know

  • Staff Report

A shooting incident at a rally for former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, is being investigated as an attempted assassination, according to law enforcement officials. 

What Happened

  • During a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Donald Trump appeared to be the target of an assassination attempt. Law enforcement officials confirmed that the former president, who had his ear covered in blood, was swiftly removed from the stage by Secret Service agents.
  • Authorities report that 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, opened fire at the rally on Saturday before being killed by the Secret Service. investigators believe the weapon used by Crooks was bought by his father at least six months ago. No motive is known. 
  • There were also reports that the former President was not shot in the ear but was nicked by glass fragments from a shattered teleprompter. As of Sunday morning (July 14), the Secret Service and FBI had not verified that information. 

Trump’s Condition

  • A spokesman for Trump’s campaign stated that the former president is “fine” and is currently being evaluated at a local medical facility. The Secret Service also released a statement affirming that “the former President is safe.”

Details About The Alleged Shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks

Authorities say that Crooks was a “lone wolf” shooter.

According to a New York Times profile, he was into chess and coding and recently earned an associate’s degree in engineering science. 

He grew up in Bethel Park, an affluent suburb in the South Hills region of Pittsburgh, approximately an hour from the rally site. Classmates from high school described Crooks as an intelligent but somewhat isolated student. He had a job at a nursing home, where he assisted with meals.

Trump to Attend the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee

  • Trump’s campaign and the Republican National Committee announced that the party’s convention in Milwaukee will continue as planned despite the rally shooting. The convention starts Monday (July 15). 

Casualties

  • The shooter was reportedly killed during the incident. One attendee also died, and two people are in serious condition at a local hospital, according to the Secret Service.

Investigation

  • The FBI is actively on the scene and collaborating with the Secret Service in the ongoing investigation. Butler County District Attorney Richard A. Goldinger mentioned that the shooter was outside the rally grounds, and authorities are working to determine how the individual reached that location.
  • Law enforcement recovered an AR-style rifle at the scene, according to a source who spoke to the Associated Press.
  • The Secret Service states that the shots fired at the Trump rally came from an elevated position. 
  • The FBI is leading the investigation.

President Biden, VP Harris and Others React to Trump Shooting

  • President Joe Biden expressed relief that Trump is reportedly “doing well” and emphasized that “everybody must condemn” the attack. Biden described the incident as “sick” and indicated his intent to update the public with further details and possibly a conversation with Trump later.

 

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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