Trump shot in assassination attempt at Pennsylvania rally: What we know
Former President Donald Trump was rushed off stage Saturday evening after being shot in the right ear during an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
Trump, a Republican, is campaigning against Democratic President Joe Biden as each vies for the presidency.
Here's what we know so far about the shooting so far, believed to be the first assassination attempt of a president, sitting or former, since a hand grenade was thrown at former President George W. Bush at a rally in Tbilisi, Georgia in 2005.
Trump campaign says he's fine after shooting
As shots rang out, Trump could be seen grabbing his ear before Secret Service agents told him to "get down." Moments later, as Trump rose to his feet, his ear was visibly bloodied.
Secret Service agents crowded around Trump, who raised his fist toward a crowd of supporters in Butler, Pennsylvania, which is about a 45-minute drive north of Pittsburgh.
Trump was "fine" after the shooting his campaign said, and was checked out at a local medical facility.
"President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act," said Steven Cheung, a Trump campaign spokesperson, in a statement after the shooting.
On social media platform Truth Social, Trump said "(i)t is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country."
"I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear," Trump wrote. "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."
An FBI spokesperson said the bureau was treating the shooting as an assassination attempt. One person in the crowd at the rally was killed, and two others were injured, according to the Secret Service.
Shooter killed by Secret Service, identified by FBI
The man who shot former President Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania political rally has been identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks.
"The FBI has identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the subject involved in the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump on July 13, in Butler, Pennsylvania," the Bureau said in a statement. "This remains an active and ongoing investigation, and anyone with information that may assist with the investigation is encouraged to submit photos or videos online at FBI.gov/butler or call 1-800-CALL-FBI."
Crooks was killed by law enforcement officials moments after he opened fire.
Biden decries political violence
Speaking from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Biden denounced the attack.
“There is no place for this kind of violence in America. It’s sick. It’s sick,” Biden told reporters.
“It’s one of the reasons we have to unite this country. We cannot allow for this to be happening. We cannot be like this. We cannot condone this.”
A White House official said later Biden had spoken to Trump and local officials.
In Michigan, leaders condemn shooting
Leaders in Michigan, from both the Republican and Democratic parties, were also quick to condemn the assassination attempt Saturday.
Mike Rogers, a Trump-endorsed former Republican congressman running for Michigan's open U.S. Senate seat this fall, said on social media the assassination attempt sparked "a somber moment for our nation."
"We are praying for President Trump and all Americans today," Rogers said.
Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Holland, also decried the shooting and said political violence "must never be tolerated."
"I am thankful that President Trump is ok," he said. "I hope you will join me in praying for the family of the innocent life lost as well as the families of those critically wounded in this heinous attack. We settle our differences through debate and at the ballot box."
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer also denounced the shooting.
"There is no place for political violence in this country, period. This is not how we solve our differences," Whitmer wrote on X. "I am horrified to learn of this news, and we will be following the situation closely. I am grateful for those in law enforcement who stepped in immediately."
The road ahead for law enforcement
Following the assassination attempt, law enforcement officials will investigate whether the shooting was an isolated event or part of a broader scheme, said a former federal prosecutor.
“This is an act of domestic terrorism," Matthew Schneider, a former United States attorney in Michigan and now a partner at the Honigman law firm, told the Free Press.
Things like telephone records, employment history and more will be part of the investigation into the shooter, Schneider said.
Schneider also said an investigation into whether the security for the event was adequate is also likely to take place.
USA Today contributed.
Contact Arpan Lobo: [email protected]
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Trump shot in assassination attempt: What we know
