Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt Saturday night after a shooter opened fire at his campaign rally near Butler, Pa.
Trump sustained an injury to his right ear in the attack and was pictured with blood running down the side of his face, but soon after declared in a statement he was “fine.” The suspected 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 said they have yet to establish a motive. 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.
Trump was rushed to a nearby hospital, and his campaign released a statement shortly afterward 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.”
On Sunday, Trump released another statement thanking people for their well wishes: “Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers yesterday, as it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening. We will FEAR NOT, but instead remain resilient in our Faith and Defiant in the face of Wickedness.”
Trump also said he looked forward to addressing the country at the Republican National Convention later this week.
What happened?
A gunman opened fire during Trump’s rally Saturday night near Butler, Pa., at approximately 6:15 p.m. ET, shortly after the former president took the stage.
In video of the incident, multiple popping sounds can 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 agents let Trump stand up. The presumptive Republican presidential nominee can be seen bleeding from the area around his right ear and can be heard asking Secret Service agents to get his shoes as they start to whisk him away to his convoy. Trump also raises 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 the following:
Was anyone else injured?
Yes, the alleged 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 as Thomas Matthew Crooks 20, of Bethel Park, Pa. Authorities raided his home Sunday.
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 to 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, he is set to address the country Thursday night when he formally accepts the Republican Party’s nomination for president in Milwaukee.
Yahoo News
