A gunman attempted to assassinate former president Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday, grazing Trump’s right ear with a round before the former president was whisked away by Secret Service.
Trump put out a statement on social media on Sunday urging Americans to “stand United” and not allow “Evil to Win.”
“Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers yesterday, as it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening,” Trump wrote. “We will FEAR NOT, but instead remain resilient in our Faith and Defiant in the face of Wickedness.”
Law enforcement returned fire at the gunman immediately after the first shots rang out. The gunman was killed, according to law enforcement. At least one rally-goer was killed and two others wounded.
“Our love goes out to the other victims and their families,” Trump continued. “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.”
The event sent a shockwave through the U.S. and around the world. Follow along for the latest updates below:
Melania Trump issued a statement on Sunday on the attempted assassination of her husband. The former first lady thanked law enforcement and expressed sympathy for the victims of the shooting. She wrote that when she “watched that violent bullet strike my husband, Donald, I realized my life, and Barron’s life, were on the brink of devastating change” and called the gunman a “monster” who “recognized my husband as an inhuman political machine.” She asked for Americans to “reunite” and “ascend above the hate, the vitriol, and the simple-minded ideas that ignite violence.” ‘Let Us Reunite’: Melania Trump Speaks Out After Attempted Assassination On Husband
A bipartisan pair of lawmakers, Reps. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) and Mike Lawler (R-NY), plan to introduce legislation to increase Secret Service protection for presidential candidates. The lawmakers in a statement Sunday called Trump’s attempted assassination “a dark moment in our nation’s history” and said “it’s clear that more protection is needed for all major candidates for president.” Lawmakers Propose Bill Giving ‘Enhanced’ Secret Service Protection To Presidential Candidates
Trump authorized a fundraiser for the rally-goer killed during the attempted assassination. The GoFundMe, promoted by Donald Trump Jr., has earned hundreds of thousands of dollars toward supporting the family of the victim. Former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy donated $30,000 to the cause. Trump Authorizes Fundraiser For Supporter Killed During Assassination Attempt. It’s Exploded In Donations.
Leaders from around the world expressed shock at the attempted assassination and put out statements in support of Trump and wished him a speedy recovery. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Argentina President Javier Milei, and others reacted to the shooting, decrying political violence. World Leaders Express Shock, Stand With Trump Following Assassination Attempt
Law enforcement rapidly began an investigation into the shooter, who the FBI has identified as 20-year old male named Thomas Matthew Crooks. Police raided the Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, home of Crooks on Saturday night, according to neighbors. Federal Election Commission records show Crooks to be a donor to ActBlue, the progressive donation clearinghouse. Police Ransack Home Of 20-Year Old Suspected Shooter, Who Donated To Liberal Org On Biden’s Inauguration Day
This story will be updated as new details are made available. Please refresh the page for the latest news.
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