Trump Assassination Attempt

UPDATE 5:44 p.m. - The US Secret Service told reporters at the scene that a statement will be forthcoming. Video of the shooting appeared to show Trump's right ear was hit. 

Update 5:55 p.m. - Trump campaign issued a statement: "President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act. He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow.”

A county prosecutor in Butler, Penn., has confirmed that one person has been killed in a shooting at Trump rally and that the former president is safe at a undisclosed location.

Here is a summary of what we know so far as of 6:30 p.m. CDT on July 13, 2024:

At the rally, shots rang out. A bullet grazed Trump’s ear. From viewing the live stream and from witness statements at the scene, it sounded like at least nine shots total were fired by either the shooter (or shooters) and the shooting response from the US Secret Service. 

Former FBI Deputy Director John Miller speculated it was a shooter with long gun outside perimeter. It could have been at least two shooters, according to some reports.

A retired general behind Trump was shot and at least two people are dead—one in audience and one shooter.

Trump got off stage wobbly but defiant as he pumped a fist and said fight! It was notable that USSS didn’t rush him off stage quickly as Trump appeared to have a minor injury. 

Trump is at a hospital now and his campaign and the USSS reported that he’s okay.

OAN is reporting that the shooter is "Antifa" and named ___.  Here's his photo: (This was incorrect. NY Post reported the shooter's name at 11 p.m. CDT.

Trump issued a statement via Truth Social. He confirmed that he was shot in the right ear. He confirmed he heard a "wizzing" sound. Rumors on X are that Trump will appear at a UFC fight tonight.

Update 7:55 p.m. CST on July 13, 2024 - The USSS released an updated statement about the circumstances of the assassination attempt. 

"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. 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," stated the USSS.

Pennsylvania is under Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), that is one hour later than us, when we initially reported above that the incident happened at 5:13 p.m. CDT. Both times are identical.

UPDATE 8:15 p.m. CDT - We heard reports that a third shooting victim has died. Meanwhile, Trump departed the Butler Hospital in a large motorcade headed, I believe, to the airport. There are rumors that he will appear at a UFC fight event in Colorado tonight. Later, after the motorcade reached the airport, credible reports were made that the UFC appearance was canceled.

Meanwhile, in addition to Congressman August Pfluger (above tweet) posting his reaction, State Rep. Drew Darby released his statement:

The NY Post reported that the shooter's name was 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Penn.  The Post quoted sources who told them that, "Crooks was planted on a roof of a manufacturing plant more than 130 yards away from the stage at Butler Farm Show grounds."

More here.