What We Know So Far About the Attack on Donald Trump
Donald Trump Survives Assassination Attempt
During a rally last night, Donald Trump was the target of an assassination attempt by what appears to be a lone sniper.
Trump was quickly escorted off the stage with blood around his ear.
The Weapon Used: an AR-15 Rifle
The AR-15 semi-automatic rifle is one of the most popular and recognizable American firearms.
It has been used in several recent mass shootings in the United States, including the October 2017 Las Vegas attack that killed 59 people and the November 2022 attack that claimed five lives in Colorado Springs.
Trump Urges Americans to “Stay United” After the Attack
Donald Trump released his second statement on the Truth social network after the Saturday shooting in Pennsylvania.
He stated his anticipation to speak at the upcoming Republican National Convention in Wisconsin later this week.
The Historic Moment of the Assassination Attempt on Trump
The exact moment the bullet passed near Trump’s head was captured by New York Times photographer Doug Mills.
Previously mentioned key points:
Trump was addressing a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, when loud noises were heard around 6:13 PM.
It appears that something hit Trump in the area of his right ear while speaking, with videos showing him quickly grabbing his ear and then crouching to the ground as security agents and others rushed to help him.
One spectator was killed, and at least two others were injured.
Trump rose with a bloodied face, raising his fist to the sky as if to say “I am alive and will continue to fight.” He was swiftly escorted off the stage and into his vehicle.
The rally location is now an active crime scene, with the FBI leading the investigation.
Trump’s team and the Secret Service confirmed he is “well” and was checked at a local medical facility.
Trump later posted a statement on Truth social network stating he was hit by a “bullet that went through the top of my right ear.” The Butler County District Attorney confirmed the alleged shooter and a rally attendee died.
One person at the rally was in critical condition.
The Secret Service confirmed two individuals were severely injured.
The shooting is being investigated as an attempted murder.
The FBI identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, from Bethel Park, PA, as the “subject involved” in the shooting.
He is registered as a Republican in voter records but once donated $15 to a liberal voter group.
The Secret Service shared additional details on the shooter’s location and confirmed he was killed by them.
ABC News reported law enforcement stating the suspect was perched on a rooftop and used an AR-type rifle.
The Republican-controlled House of Representatives summoned Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to testify at an Oversight Committee hearing scheduled for July 22.
President Joe Biden stated “all must condemn political violence” in a speech shortly after the shooting.
The White House confirmed Biden and Trump spoke.
Biden is returning to the White House, while Trump is in New Jersey.
