Former president and presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump was shot in the ear after an attempted assassination at a Pennsylvania rally.
One spectator and the shooter were killed while another spectator was injured and in critical condition.
Trump was addressing supporters in Butler, Penn. Saturday evening when several two bangs interrupted his speech. Trump was seen putting his hand to the ear and lowering himself to the ground before being swiftly tackled by Secret Service agents.
After a second volley of shots, one of the agents surrounding the former president can be heard saying “shooter is down” before helping lift Trump up from the stage and escorting him into a waiting vehicle.
Trump arose with blood on his ear and the side of his face. He fist-pumped the air several times as he was helped off stage while supporters chanted “USA, USA, USA.”
A statement from the Trump campaign called the apparent attack “heinous.”
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act. He is fine and being checked out at a local medical facility,” a campaign spokesperson told reporters.
On Sunday, Trump urged Americans to “stand united.”
“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,” Trump said on Truth Social, a social media company owned by the former president.
Law enforcement sources have said the shooter, who was reportedly on a roof outside the security perimter, was killed by Secret Service agents.
The shooter was Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Penn. His motive remains unknown, officials say.
The shooter’s father, Matthew Crooks, told CNN he was trying to establish “what the hell is going on.” He indicated that would not comment further until he spoke to law enforcement.
One witness told True North he was disturbed by the incident.
“I’m all nerves. I’m freaked out,” the man said. “I hope we can fight through this.”
The United States Secret Service confirmed Trump was “safe” after the attack vowing to release further information when available.
“An incident occurred the evening of July 13 at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania,” read a statement from the chief of communications for the Secret Service, Anthony Guglielmi. “The Secret Service has implemented protective measures and the former president is safe. This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available.”
In a brief address to reporters Saturday evening, President Joe Biden said he was “grateful” that Trump is safe and thanked Secret Service for their efforts. “There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it,” Biden said.
Canadian Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also condemned the attack and said he was glad the shooter was dead.
“I condemn in the strongest of terms the attempted murder of former President Trump today,” Poilievre wrote. “I am relieved he is safe. My prayers are with other innocent people harmed or killed by this heinous act. I am also happy that the suspected shooter is dead. Democracy must prevail.”
True North’s Rachel Parker was on the scene for the rally, which police sources said had about 12,000 attendees.
HAPPENING NOW: Here is a tiny look at thousands of people attending the Donald Trump rally in Butler PA. Police tell me they are expecting north of 12,000 people today. #PATrumpRally pic.twitter.com/7UQAkQ2RJ0
— Rachel Parker (@Emmanuel_Rach) July 13, 2024
