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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
Source: Michael Candelori/Flickr
Security measures are being reviewed for the Republican National Convention, starting Monday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Biden Condemns Shooting in Speech
President Joe Biden, who spoke to his White House rival after the attack, condemned the shooting.
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.”
Biden Campaign Halts Ads
The Biden campaign announced it was pausing all messaging to supporters and pulling its television ads as quickly as possible.
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.
Republicans Cite Biden’s “Bullseye” Comment
Some Republicans pointed to a comment Biden made to donors on July 8.
Source: Wikimedia
Biden stated, “It’s time to put Trump in the bullseye.”
Potential Boost of Presidential Chances
Market investors made predictions following the attack.
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.
Former Presidents Express Relief and Condemns Attack
Former President Barack Obama tweeted, “There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy.”
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.