Butler, PA – Former President Donald Trump was left bloodied after a bullet struck his ear when a gunman opened fire at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The incident sent shockwaves across the nation and prompted a rapid response from law enforcement and political leaders.
What Happened?
The rally was in full swing, with Trump just minutes into his speech, when the sound of gunshots rang out. As the crowd screamed in panic, Trump ducked, and Secret Service agents quickly surrounded him. Moments later, Trump was lifted off the stage, visibly bleeding from his ear. He raised a fist in defiance and appeared to mouth the word “Fight” before being whisked away in an armored vehicle and driven to a local hospital.
Casualties and Response
One person was killed, and two others were critically injured in the shooting, according to police reports. The gunman, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Pennsylvania, was shot dead by police at the scene. Investigators believe Crooks climbed onto the roof of a shed outside the rally and opened fire with an AR-style rifle. Butler County’s district attorney confirmed that one innocent person was suspected to have been killed in the attack.
Is Donald Trump Hurt?
Trump was seen bleeding from his ear and later confirmed that he had been shot but not seriously hurt. In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed his gratitude to law enforcement and extended condolences to the families of the victims.
“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 stated. “Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured. It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realised then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”
Reaction from Leaders
President Biden called the attack “sick” and confirmed that he had spoken to Trump on the phone. “There’s no place in America for this kind of violence. It’s sick. It’s one of the reasons we have to unite this country,” Biden said during a brief statement in Delaware.
Vice President Kamala Harris expressed relief that Trump was not seriously hurt and offered prayers for him. Former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, wished Trump a speedy recovery, emphasizing that there is no place for political violence in a democracy. Former President George W. Bush condemned the attack as a “cowardly act.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also condemned the attack, stating, “I am appalled by the shocking scenes at President Trump’s rally and we send him and his family our best wishes. Political violence in any form has no place in our societies and my thoughts are with all the victims of this attack.”
Moving Forward
The FBI has confirmed that the incident was an assassination attempt against Trump, underscoring the ongoing threats to political figures in the current polarized climate. As the investigation continues, there is a renewed call for civility and respect in political discourse, aiming to prevent such acts of violence in the future.
