During a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, former President Donald Trump was wounded on Saturday evening in what authorities are calling an assassination attempt.
The Secret Service reported that the altercation resulted in the deaths of the assailant and one spectator, with two others left critically injured. The FBI has named 20-year-old Thomas Mathew Crooks as the gunman responsible for the attack.
The FBI told Fox News in a statement: “The FBI has identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the subject involved in the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump on July 13, in Butler, Pennsylvania.”
“This remains an active and ongoing investigation, and anyone with information that may assist with the investigation is encouraged to submit photos or videos online at FBI.gov/butler or call 1-800-CALL-FBI,” the statement finished.
Trump was spotted disembarking from his plane early Sunday morning, marking his first public appearance since the assassination attempt.
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Strong and resilient. He will never stop fighting for America. pic.twitter.com/B9yR3SLQJV
— Margo Martin (@margommartin) July 14, 2024
Crooks was fatally shot by Secret Service snipers and authorities later recovered an AR-style rifle at the scene. Crooks hailed from Bethel Park, located 40 miles south of the rally in Butler. The reasons for Crooks firing at the former president nominee are still unknown. Two Secret Service snipers can be seen scanning the area where the shots ultimately came from before Crooks opened fire. They immediately responded with shots of their own.
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“During Former President Trump’s campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on the evening of July 13 at approximately 6:15 p.m., 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 Secret Service announced in a press release. “U.S. Secret Service quickly responded with protective measures and Former President Trump is safe. One spectator was killed, and two spectators were critically injured. This incident is currently under investigation. and the Secret Service has notified the FBI.”
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Trump confirmed that his ear was struck by a bullet in a Truth Social post. “I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin.”
“I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania,” Trump wrote. The former president was released from the hospital shortly after 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday.
President Joe Biden reached out to former President Trump following a shooting. “This evening, President Biden spoke to former President Trump,” confirmed a White House official. The official also noted that Biden had conversations with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Butler Mayor Bob Dandoy.
The White House official added, “Tonight, the President is returning to Washington DC. Tomorrow morning at the White House, he will receive an updated briefing from homeland security and law enforcement officials.”
Former first daughter Ivanka Trump reacted to the assassination attempt on her father, saying “I love you Dad, today and always” on X.
Thank you for your love and prayers for my father and for the other victims of today's senseless violence in Butler, Pennsylvania. I am grateful to the Secret Service and all the other law enforcement officers for their quick and decisive actions today. I continue to pray for our…
— Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) July 14, 2024
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