Trump Survives Assassination Attempt at Pennsylvania Rally, Shooter Killed

Former President and Republican nominee Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt on Saturday evening at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. An assailant fired multiple shots at Trump from an elevated position just outside the security perimeter, striking him in the right ear. Trump was immediately rushed off stage, and the shooter was killed. Emerging from the incident, Trump shouted, "Fight! Fight! Fight!"

Trump reported on his Truth social media platform that he was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of his right ear. He immediately knew something was wrong when he heard a whizzing sound, shots, and felt the bullet ripping through his skin.

The shooter has been identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old man from Pennsylvania. In addition to the shooter, one rally attendee was killed, and two other spectators were injured. Trump extended his condolences to the family of the person who was killed at the rally and to the family of another person who was badly injured. The U.S. Secret Service stated that the incident is under active investigation and has formally notified the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

During Trump’s campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on the evening of July 13th at approximately 6:15 pm, a suspected shooter fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside of the rally venue. U.S. Secret Service personnel neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased.

The shooting took place just under four months before the November 5 election, where Trump is set to compete again with Democratic President Joe Biden. According to most opinion polls, including those by Reuters/Ipsos, the two candidates are closely matched in popularity.

President Biden condemned the shooting, stating that there is no place for this kind of violence in America and calling for national unity to condemn it.

Ron Moose, a Trump supporter present at the rally, recounted the scene. He heard about four shots and saw the crowd immediately drop down. Trump also ducked quickly, and the Secret Service swiftly surrounded and shielded him within seconds.

Moose described seeing a man running while being pursued by officers in military attire. He mentioned hearing more gunfire but was unsure of its source. He observed snipers positioned on the roof of a warehouse near the stage.

The BBC interviewed an eyewitness who reported seeing an armed man with a rifle crawling up a roof adjacent to the event. This individual and others began pointing towards the man, attempting to alert security.

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson condemned the act of political violence at a peaceful campaign rally, stating that it has no place in the country and should be unanimously and forcefully condemned. Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer also stated that political violence has no place in the country.