RNS: Former US President Donald Trump narrowly escaped a potentially fatal attack during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The 78-year-old sustained injuries to his right ear as gunfire erupted just minutes into his speech, leaving him with visible blood on his face.
Security personnel swiftly reacted, ushering Trump offstage amidst chaotic scenes as he defiantly gestured to supporters with a raised fist. The shooter, identified by authorities as acting alone and firing from an elevated position outside the rally, was neutralized by Secret Service agents. Tragically, the assailant and one bystander lost their lives in the exchange.
Two other attendees were injured and are in critical condition, according to the Secret Service. The agency confirmed that the incident is under investigation as an attempted assassination.
In a statement following the harrowing ordeal, Trump recounted the moment he realized he was hit, describing hearing shots and feeling a bullet graze his ear. He reassured supporters via his Truth Social platform that he was “fine” and currently receiving medical evaluation at a local facility.
Leaders from across the political spectrum swiftly condemned the violence. US President Joe Biden denounced the attack, emphasizing unity and condemning political violence in America. Former President Barack Obama echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of civility in politics. International leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, expressed solidarity with Trump and condemned the violence, asserting that such acts have no place in democracies.
The incident has sent shockwaves globally, prompting heightened security concerns and debates about political tensions in the United States. Investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the attack and any potential accomplices.
US media reports indicate that a bullet pierced the upper part of Trump’s right ear. US investigative agencies are treating this attack as an assassination attempt. The assailant, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was killed on the spot by Secret Service agents. An AR-15 semi-automatic rifle was recovered from the scene, believed to be the weapon used in the attack.
The gunman had positioned himself on the roof of a manufacturing company about 120 meters from the stage where Trump was speaking. The open-air campaign at Butler Farm Show Ground provided the sniper with a clear line of sight. The Secret Service’s counter-sniper team, deployed on a nearby structure, swiftly retaliated, killing the attacker.
The building from which the gunman fired belongs to AGR International Company, which supplies automatic equipment to the glass and plastic packaging industry. It is adjacent to the Butler Farm Show Ground, separated only by a barbed wire fence. The attacker fired approximately 10 rounds in quick succession, one of which injured Trump.
As soon as the shots were fired, Secret Service personnel quickly surrounded Trump, protecting him from further harm. Despite the injury, Trump waved to his supporters before being escorted to his car and taken to the hospital. After receiving first aid for the injury to his ear, Trump was discharged from the hospital.
The shocking incident has led to increased security measures and a renewed focus on political violence in the United States. Authorities are continuing to investigate the motive and any possible connections the attacker might have had.
