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Attempted assassination of Donald Trump in Pennsylvania

Coordinates: 40°51′25.3″N 79°58′15.6″W / 40.857028°N 79.971000°W / 40.857028; -79.971000
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Shooting at a Donald Trump rally
Trump raising his fist and shouting, with blood on his ear, while being carried by Secret Service agents. There is an American flag nearby in the background.
Bloodied Donald Trump being escorted away by Secret Service immediately after the shooting
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Map
LocationButler Farm Show Grounds
near Butler, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Coordinates40°51′26″N 79°58′16″W / 40.8571223°N 79.9711779°W / 40.8571223; -79.9711779
DateJuly 13, 2024 (2024-07-13)
6:11 p.m. (5 months ago)[1] (EDT)
Deaths2 (the perpetrator and a rally attendee)[2]
InjuredAt least 3, including Donald Trump[3]

On July 13, 2024, former United States president Donald Trump was injured in a shooting at a rally held at a showgrounds in Butler, Pennsylvania.[4] Law enforcement officials stated that the shooter fired from an elevated position using a rifle and was killed by a Secret Service counter-assault team member.[5]

Trump was shot by a bullet that pieced his upper right ear before being surrounded by the Secret Service and escorted to a vehicle. He was then sent to the hospital, where he remains in a non-threatening condition.[6][7] Federal and local officials reported that the suspected shooter and a rally attendee were killed, while two attendees were critically injured.[2][8]

The shooting is being investigated as an attempted assassination.[8] It is the first time that a U.S. president or presidential candidate was injured in an attempted assassination since Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981.[9]

Background

Donald Trump

Former president Donald Trump is the presumptive Republican nominee for the 2024 United States presidential election.[10] The rally was held as part of his presidential campaign for the election in order to raise votes in the swing state of Pennsylvania.[11] The shooting occurred two days before the Republican National Convention to be held on July 15, 2024.

Pennsylvania rally

Trump's rallies are screened for weapons and prohibited items.[4] Butler County Republican Committee chairman James E. Hulings estimated 50,000 people were at the rally.[12]

In 2020, Trump won 65 percent of the vote in Butler, Pennsylvania—the site of the rally—compared to Biden's 33%.[13]

Shooting

At around 6:11 pm Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), gunshots were heard at the Donald Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.[14][15] At least three rallygoers were hit, leaving one person dead and two in critical condition.[16] Blood was visible in the left-hand bleachers at the venue.[17] The shooter did not undergo security screening as they were reportedly outside the security perimeter of the rally, and was killed by United States Secret Service snipers soon after the shooting.[18]

Secret Service agents lunged toward Trump and shielded him, who, after a few seconds on the ground, got up and, with blood on his face, raised and pumped his fist at the crowd. He was then escorted to a vehicle.[19] A spokesman for the Secret Service confirmed that "an incident occurred" and affirmed that Trump was "safe".[20] He was shortly afterwards examined at a local medical facility, according to campaign spokesman Steven Cheung, who also affirmed that Trump was "fine".[21] Trump later stated on Truth Social that a bullet "pierced the upper part of [his] right ear".[22]

According to Butler County district attorney Richard Goldinger, an alleged perpetrator and an audience member were killed.[23] At least one other person is in critical condition.[24][25] According to Goldinger, authorities have yet to determine the shooter's identity.[25]

According to the Secret Service, it was an AR-15 style rifle that was used in the assassination attempt.[26]

Aftermath

The United States Secret Service is leading an investigation with the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.[27] The incident is being investigated as an assassination attempt.[9][28] It is the first time a current president or presidential candidate has been shot since Ronald Reagan in 1981.[9]

Misinformation spread on social media shortly after the attack, alleging without evidence that the shooting was carried out by the deep state, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Antifa, or transgender rights activists.[29] Some claimed Joe Biden ordered the attack.[30]

An AP image taken by Evan Gucci was spread on social media shortly afterwards. Politico described it as "[being used] as an opportunity to tout conspiracy theories and stoke political tensions".[31]

Responses

Domestic

Trump

After the shooting, Trump made a statement on Truth Social where he thanked law enforcement and secret service.[32] Additionally he said "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 realized then what was happening."[33]

Federal officials

Joe Biden delivering remarks on the incident

President Joe Biden responded to the incident by stating that he was "grateful to hear" that his two-times opponent, Trump was safe and asserting that there was "no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it".[34]

House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries[35] and Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer[36][37] issued statements denouncing the political violence. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson posted on Twitter, "Praying for President Trump."[38] Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said "I thank God that former President Trump is safe" and that "political violence of any kind has no place in our society."[17][39]

State officials

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro and Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer denounced political violence.[40][41]

Others

Former president George W. Bush called the shooting "cowardly" and applauded the Secret Service for their response.[42] Former president Barack Obama tweeted "There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy" and wished Trump a quick recovery.[43] Former president Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State and 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton also condemned the attack.[44]

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said "it is time to put division aside and pray for President Trump and his family".[45]

International

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu tweeted, "Sara and I were shocked by the apparent attack on President Trump. We pray for his safety and speedy recovery."[46][39] Brazilian former president Jair Bolsonaro expressed his solidarity with Trump after the incident.[47] Argentine president Javier Milei expressed his support to Trump,[48] as did former Argentine president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner.[49]

Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni tweeted "I am following with apprehension the updates from Pennsylvania, where the 45th President of the United States @realDonaldTrump was shot during a rally. My solidarity and my best wishes for a speedy recovery go to him, with the hope that the next few months of the electoral campaign will see dialogue and responsibility prevail over hatred and violence. #Trump"[50]

Guatemalan president Bernardo Arévalo tweeted "The path of violence is not the path of democracy" and wished Trump a swift recovery.[51]

United Kingdom prime minister Keir Starmer tweeted "Political violence in any form has no place in our societies" and sent Trump and his family his best wishes.[52]

New Zealand prime minister Christopher Luxon tweeted, "I'm shocked by the events at Donald Trump's Pennsylvania rally today. My thoughts are with the former President, his family, and the victims of this attack. No country should encounter such political violence."[53]

Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau wrote on Twitter that he was "sickened" by the shooting, and that "It cannot be overstated — political violence is never acceptable. My thoughts are with former President Trump, those at the event, and all Americans." Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre tweeted: "I condemn in the strongest of terms the attempted murder of former president Trump today."[54]

See also

References

  1. ^ Nolfi, Joey (July 13, 2024). "Donald Trump grazed by gunfire at rally in Pennsylvania". Entertainment Weekly.
  2. ^ a b Yee, Curtis; Santana, Rebecca; Whitehurst, Lindsay; Orsi, Peter. "Live updates: Shooter dead, rally attendee killed and Trump whisked off stage after gunshots ring out at rally". Associated Press. Archived from the original on July 13, 2024. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  3. ^ Levien, Simon J. (July 14, 2024). "Report From the Scene: 'Get Down! Shots Fired!'". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  4. ^ a b Gold, Michael; Levien, Simon; Robertson, Campbell. "Trump 'Safe' After What Sounded Like Gunshots at Rally". The New York Times. Archived from the original on July 13, 2024. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  5. ^ Tanyos, Faris (July 13, 2024). "Trump rally shooter killed by Secret Service sniper, officials say - CBS News". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  6. ^ Hayes, Christal. "Trump, with blood on face, raises fist in air". BBC. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  7. ^ "Live updates: Trump says he was shot in the ear during rally; one attendee and shooter are dead". AP News. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  8. ^ a b Barnes, Julian E.; Gold, Michael; Levien, Simon J. (July 13, 2024). "Live Updates: Trump 'Safe' After Shooting at Rally; Suspect Killed". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  9. ^ a b c Colvin, Jill (July 13, 2024). "Shooting at Trump rally is being investigated as assassination attempt, AP sources say". AP News. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  10. ^ Kinnard, Meg (March 13, 2024). "Biden and Trump are now their parties' presumptive nominees. What does that mean?". AP News. Archived from the original on July 11, 2024. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  11. ^ O'Donoghue, Gary; Murphy, Matt (July 14, 2024). "Trump rushed off stage at rally as shots heard". BBC News. Archived from the original on July 13, 2024. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  12. ^ Vigdor, Neil. "Some people who were in the crowd described the evacuation of the rally as a logistical nightmare". The New York Times. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  13. ^ Alund, Natalie Neysa (July 14, 2024). "Where was Trump rally? Butler County, PA appearance was site of shooting Saturday". USA TODAY. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  14. ^ "Gunshots reportedly fired at Donald Trump rally – as former president rushed off stage". Sky News. Archived from the original on July 13, 2024. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  15. ^ "Trump rushed off stage at Pennsylvania rally as loud noises heard". BBC. Archived from the original on July 13, 2024. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  16. ^ null (July 14, 2024). "Update from Michael Gold". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  17. ^ a b Gold, Michael; Levien, Simon J.; Robertson, Campbell (July 13, 2024). "Live Election Updates: Trump 'Safe' After What Sounded Like Gunshots at Rally". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on July 13, 2024. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  18. ^ Stein, Chris; Lawther, Fran (July 14, 2024). "Trump rally shooting being investigated as assassination attempt; Biden says 'everybody must condemn' political violence – latest". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  19. ^ Lawther, Fran (July 13, 2024). "Donald Trump rushed off stage at rally after sound of gunshots ring out – live updates". The Guardian. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  20. ^ null (July 13, 2024). "Update from Michael Gold". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on July 13, 2024. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  21. ^ Gold, Michael (July 13, 2024). "Steven Cheung, a Trump spokesman, said former President Donald J. Trump is "fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility."". The New York Times. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  22. ^ Colvin, Jill; Smyth, Julie Carr; Long, Colleen; Tucker, Eric; Balsamo, Michael; Price, Michelle L. (July 13, 2024). "Shooting at Trump rally is being investigated as assassination attempt, AP sources say". AP News. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  23. ^ "Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger said two people are dead, including an apparent shooter". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on July 13, 2024. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  24. ^ Stein, Chris; Lawther, Fran (July 13, 2024). "Donald Trump is 'fine' after being rushed off stage at rally amid possible gunshots – latest updates". the Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  25. ^ a b Powell, Tori B.; Shelton, Shania; Meyer, Matt; D'Antonio, Isabelle; Tucker, Emma; Yeung, Jessie (July 13, 2024). "Live updates: Trump injured in shooting at Pennsylvania rally that left at least 1 dead | CNN Politics". CNN. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  26. ^ News, A. B. C. "Video Trump rally shooter used AR-15-style rifle, Secret Service says". ABC News. Retrieved July 14, 2024. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  27. ^ "The Secret Service is leading the response". The New York Times.
  28. ^ Smith, David; Vargas, Ramon Antonio (July 14, 2024). "Trump rally shooting being investigated as suspected attempt on his life". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  29. ^ Frenkel, Sheera; Hsu, Tiffany (July 14, 2024). "Social Media Platforms Deluged by Unsubstantiated Claims About Trump Rally". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  30. ^ Stein, Chris; Lawther, Fran; Stein (now), Chris; Lawther (earlier), Fran (July 14, 2024). "Trump says 'bullet pierced upper part of right ear' in rally shooting; Biden says 'everybody must condemn' political violence – latest". the Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  31. ^ "Photo of bloodied Trump fist pumping immediately spotlighted by his allies". Politico.
  32. ^ Gold, Michael (July 14, 2024). "Trump, on Social Media, Describes Being 'Shot With a Bullet' in the Ear". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  33. ^ Tangcay, Jazz (July 14, 2024). "Donald Trump Says Bullet Pierced His Ear: I Felt It 'Ripping Through the Skin'". Variety. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  34. ^ "Biden 'grateful to hear' Trump is safe after shooting at campaign rally". The Independent. July 14, 2024. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  35. ^ "Representative Hakeem Jeffries of New York, the Democratic leader, said in a statement: "My thoughts and prayers are with former President Trump."". The New York Times.
  36. ^ "Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, Democrat of New York and the majority leader, in a statement says, "I am horrified by what happened at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania and relieved that former President Trump is safe."". The New York Times.
  37. ^ Lucey, Catherine (July 13, 2024). "Schumer Horrified by Apparent Shooting, Relieved That Trump Is Safe". The Wall Street Journal.
  38. ^ Frazier, Kierra; Herszenhorn, Miles J. (July 13, 2024). "Photo of bloodied Trump fist pumping immediately spotlighted by his allies". Politico. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  39. ^ a b "Trump shooting latest: 'Shooter and audience member dead' – as bloodied former president tells supporters to 'fight'". Sky News. Archived from the original on July 13, 2024. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  40. ^ Santana, Rebecca; Whitehurst, Lindsay; Orsi, Peter (July 13, 2024). "Pennsylvania governor condemns violence against any political party or leader". Associated Press. Archived from the original on July 13, 2024. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  41. ^ Vigdor, Neil (July 13, 2024). "Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, a harsh critic of Donald J. Trump who was the target of a kidnapping plot, condemned the violence on Saturday". The New York Times. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  42. ^ Byrnes, Jesse (July 14, 2024). "George W. Bush condemns 'cowardly attack' at Trump rally". The Hill. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  43. ^ Obama, Barack [@BarackObama] (July 14, 2024). "There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy. Although we don't yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn't seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics. Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery" (Tweet). Retrieved July 14, 2024 – via Twitter.
  44. ^ Clinton, Bill [@BillClinton] (July 14, 2024). "Violence has no place in America, especially in our political process. Hillary and I are thankful that President Trump is safe, heartbroken for all those affected by the attack at today's rally in Pennsylvania, and grateful for the swift action of the U.S. Secret Service" (Tweet). Retrieved July 14, 2024 – via Twitter.
  45. ^ Polus, Sarah (July 13, 2024). "RFK Jr. calls for prayers for Trump after apparent shots ring out at rally". The Hill. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  46. ^ Netanyahu, Benjamin [@netanyahu] (July 14, 2024). "Sara and I were shocked by the apparent attack on President Trump. We pray for his safety and speedy recovery" (Tweet). Retrieved July 14, 2024 – via Twitter.
  47. ^ "Bolsonaro e outras autoridades se pronunciam após incidente em comício de Trump". g1. July 13, 2024. Archived from the original on July 13, 2024. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  48. ^ "Estados Unidos. La reacción de Javier Milei tras el ataque a Donald Trump". La Voz (in Spanish). July 13, 2024. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  49. ^ "De Obama a Elon Musk: las primeras reacciones de referentes del mundo sobre el atentado contra Trump". infobae (in European Spanish). July 13, 2024. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  50. ^ Meloni, Giorgia [@GiorgiaMeloni] (July 14, 2024). "eguo con apprensione gli aggiornamenti dalla Pennsylvania, dove il 45esimo Presidente degli Stati Uniti @realDonaldTrump è stato colpito durante un comizio. A lui la mia solidarietà e i miei auguri di pronta guarigione, con l'auspicio che i prossimi mesi di campagna elettorale possano veder prevalere dialogo e responsabilità su odio e violenza. #Trump" (Tweet). Retrieved July 14, 2024 – via Twitter.
  51. ^ "Video: Trump resulta herido tras escucharse disparos en su mitin en Pensilvania" (in Spanish). July 13, 2024. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  52. ^ Starmer, Keir [@Keir_Starmer] (July 14, 2024). "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" (Tweet). Retrieved July 14, 2024 – via Twitter.
  53. ^ Luxon, Christopher (July 14, 2024). "I'm shocked by the events at Donald Trump's Pennsylvania rally today. My thoughts are with the former President, his family, and the victims of this attack. No country should encounter such political violence" (Tweet). Retrieved July 14, 2024 – via Twitter. {{cite web}}: Check |author-link= value (help); {{Cite tweet}}: Missing or empty |user=; Missing or empty |number= (help)
  54. ^ Mangione, Kendra (July 13, 2024). "'Democracy must prevail': Shooting at Trump rally condemned by Trudeau, Poilievre". CTV News. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
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