Assassination Attempt on Donald Trump During Pennsylvania Rally

By: May Man Published: Jul 14, 2024

In an assassination attempt at a campaign rally, Donald Trump was shot and injured, while a spectator and the gunman were killed.

The former president sustained a bullet wound to his ear during the incident, which took place on Saturday evening in Butler, Pennsylvania, approximately 30 miles (50 km) north of Pittsburgh.

Trump’s Narrow Escape

Trump, the Republican challenger set to receive his party’s formal nomination in Wisconsin this week, later remarked, “God alone prevented the unthinkable from happening.”

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Trump injured and is carried off stage by the secret service

Source: 9News

As shots rang out and the crowd panicked, Trump was seen ducking.

Escorted to Safety by Secret Service

Secret Service agents quickly surrounded him, escorting him off stage to an armored vehicle.

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Trump escorted to safety by the secret service after attempt on his life

Source: @elonmusk/X

Despite a bloodied ear, Trump defiantly pumped his fist and shouted “fight,” as the audience chanted “USA.”

One Dead and Two Critically Injured

The Secret Service reported that in addition to the deceased spectator, two people were critically injured.

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Trump on the ground with bloodied ear

Source: @ACTBrigitte/X

The gunman fired “multiple shots” from an “elevated position” outside the rally venue.

Gunman Identified

The FBI identified the attacker, who was shot dead by security forces, as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, a registered Republican according to state records.

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Rooftop of a building where the gunman was positioned with his semi-automatic rifle

Source: SkyNews/YouTube

Footage from the scene showed a body and a semiautomatic rifle on the roof of a factory building about 150 meters from where Trump was speaking.

Trump Expresses Gratitude on Truth Social

On Truth Social, Trump, 78, expressed gratitude, writing: “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.”

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Trump throws a fist pump in the air after attempted assassination

Source: @DonaldJTrumpJr/X

“Our love goes out to the other victims and their families. We pray for the recovery of those who were wounded, and hold in our hearts the memory of the citizen who was so horribly killed. In this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand united, and show our true character as Americans, remaining strong and determined, and not allowing evil to win. I truly love our country, and love you all, and look forward to speaking to our great nation this week from Wisconsin.”

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Seriousness of Attack Spurs Concerns Over Political Violence

This attack is the most serious attempt on a president or presidential candidate since Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981, raising concerns about political violence in a deeply divided US less than four months before the presidential election.

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Source: Michael Candelori/Flickr

Security measures are being reviewed for the Republican National Convention, starting Monday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Biden Condemns Shooting in Speech

President Joe Biden, who spoke to his White House rival after the attack, condemned the shooting.

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President Joe Biden speaks to an audience from the White House

Source: Shutterstock

He stated, “There is no place in America for this kind of violence. It’s sick. Sick. We cannot allow for this to be happening.”

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Biden Campaign Halts Ads

The Biden campaign announced it was pausing all messaging to supporters and pulling its television ads as quickly as possible.

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A photograph of Joe Biden on stage

Source: Wikimedia

Many Republicans blamed Biden and his allies, arguing that their attacks on Trump as a threat to democracy had created a toxic environment.

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Republicans Cite Biden’s “Bullseye” Comment

Some Republicans pointed to a comment Biden made to donors on July 8.

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A photograph of Joe Biden on stage

Source: Wikimedia

Biden stated, “It’s time to put Trump in the bullseye.”

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Potential Boost of Presidential Chances

Market investors made predictions following the attack.

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A photograph of Donald Trump

Source: Wikimedia

They believe Trump’s defiant response may boost his chances of winning back the presidency, with trades betting on his victory expected to increase.

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Former Presidents Express Relief and Condemns Attack

Former President Barack Obama tweeted, “There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy.”

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Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Donald Trump together at Trump’s inauguration.

Source: Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons

“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. Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery.” His predecessor, George W. Bush condemned the shooting as a “cowardly attack” on Trump’s life.

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