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.
BREAKING: Law enforcement recovered an AR-style rifle at the scene of the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally, an AP source says. https://t.co/rDiWzNhDH1
— The Associated Press (@AP) July 14, 2024
- The FBI is leading the investigation.
Updated FBI statement on the ongoing incident that took place today in Butler, Pennsylvania. https://t.co/MfwVeYs3kF pic.twitter.com/6fWqcTbA1S
— FBI (@FBI) July 14, 2024
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.
I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania.
I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well. I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information.
Jill and I are grateful to the Secret…
— President Biden (@POTUS) July 13, 2024
I have been briefed on the shooting at former President Trump’s event in Pennsylvania.
Doug and I are relieved that he is not seriously injured. We are praying for him, his family, and all those who have been injured and impacted by this senseless shooting.
We are grateful to…
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) July 14, 2024
There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy. 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.…
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 13, 2024
Violence has no place in America, especially in our political process. Hillary and I are thankful that President Trump is safe, heartbroken for all those affected by the attack at today’s rally in Pennsylvania, and grateful for the swift action of the U.S. Secret Service.
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) July 14, 2024
Violence is never the answer in our democracy.
I am closely monitoring the situation and praying for former President Trump’s recovery. Thankful to the Secret Service for their quick response.
— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) July 13, 2024
Political violence is never acceptable.
I’m keeping the former president, the bystander who was tragically killed, and all who were injured or whose safety was threatened in my thoughts.
Sending my deepest thanks to law enforcement for helping keep those in attendance safe.
— Senator Dick Durbin (@SenatorDurbin) July 14, 2024
I wish Donald Trump a swift recovery. I am grateful to the first responders and law enforcement officers on the scene who acted quickly.
Let me be crystal clear: Political violence is never acceptable.
— Mayor Brandon Johnson (@ChicagosMayor) July 13, 2024
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.