- Former President Donald Trump was shot during a campaign rally.
- The FBI identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks from Pennsylvania.
- Two people died, including the shooter, and two were injured.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump was shot in the ear during a campaign rally on Saturday. The incident left the Republican candidate’s face streaked with blood and prompted immediate action from his security detail. Despite the chaos, Trump reemerged shortly after, pumping his fist and mouthing “Fight! Fight! Fight!”
The FBI quickly identified the shooter as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Pennsylvania. According to the Secret Service, Crooks and one rally attendee were killed, while two other spectators were injured in the incident. The shooting is being investigated as an assassination attempt.
In response to the event, President Joe Biden reached out to Trump, expressing his concern. He also contacted Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Butler Mayor Bob Dandoy. Trump had just begun his speech when the shots rang out. He initially grabbed his ear, examined the blood on his hand, and then dropped to his knees. Secret Service agents swiftly surrounded and protected him, ushering him into a vehicle shortly after.
On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump later confirmed he was shot in the upper part of his right ear, causing significant bleeding. The shooter’s motive remains unclear, but both Republican and Democratic leaders condemned the violence. Trump’s campaign confirmed he was doing well after the attack.
This shooting occurred just months before the November election, where Trump faces a rematch against President Biden. Opinion polls show a close contest between the two candidates. Biden released a statement condemning the violence and calling for national unity against such acts.
Republican Representative Ronny Jackson of Texas revealed his nephew was injured at the rally, sustaining a neck wound. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with shots ringing out and the crowd panicking. Security agents quickly moved to protect Trump, and additional shots were fired as officers pursued the suspect.
A local resident reported seeing what appeared to be a sniper on a nearby roof, trying to alert security before the event. The shots seemed to come from outside the secured perimeter, raising questions about security measures at the rally.
The Secret Service and FBI are leading the investigation. The attack has sparked concerns about political violence, with some Republicans blaming inflammatory rhetoric from Democratic leaders. Trump’s campaign insisted he would still attend the upcoming Republican National Convention.
The Kremlin also condemned the attack, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov denying any involvement by current U.S. powers and emphasizing the dangers faced by Trump due to his political position.
