Former President Donald Trump was safe but sustained an injury to his right ear after an assassination attempt at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday.
Photos showed Trump with blood on his ear as he was rushed off the stage. He later said on Truth Social he was “shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear.”
The FBI on Saturday night declared the shooting an assassination attempt against the former president. The shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was killed by authorities at the scene.
President Joe Biden addressed the nation after the shooting.
“There’s no place in America for this kind of violence, it’s sick, it’s sick,” Biden said.
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Here's What We Know About The Shooting At Trump's Rally
- Former President Donald Trump suffered an injury in his right ear as a result of the shooting. An attendee named Corey Comperatore was killed and two others are in critical condition.
- The Secret Service counter assault team killed the gunman, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. He reportedly conducted the shooting with an AR-15-type semiautomatic rifle. The authorities have since uncovered bomb-making materials in Crooks' home and vehicle.
- Former First Lady Melania Trump put out a rare statement in the wake of the shooting, claiming that "a monster who recognized my husband as an inhuman political machine attempted to ring out Donald's passion."
- Biden reportedly spoke to Trump Saturday evening. He publicly condemned the shooting on Saturday, claiming that “there’s no place in America for this kind of violence.”
- At a press conference on Sunday, Biden denounced the shooting again and offered his condolences to the victims of the shooting. He added that it’s unclear at the moment what the shooter’s motives are and urged Americans not to jump to conclusions.
- Biden is scheduled to speak again on Sunday night. He was set to travel to Texas on Monday to speak in honor of the 1964 Civil Rights Act anniversary, but the White House said Sunday that the trip has been postponed.
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Police Officer Came Across Gunman Shortly Before Shooting: AP
Two law enforcement sources told The Associated Press that a local police officer confronted the gunman after bystanders alerted the authorities that they saw someone on the roof. The gunman reportedly pointed his gun at the officer causing him to stand down. The shooting occurred moments later.
Trump Heads To Milwaukee Today
Trump told his followers on Truth Social that he will be headed to Milwaukee at 3:30 p.m. today, less than 24 hours after the shooting.
The former president said he originally planned to delay his trip to the Republican National Convention by two days, but decided he “cannot allow a ‘shooter,’ or potential assassin” to change his plans.
The former president said he originally planned to delay his trip to the Republican National Convention by two days, but decided he “cannot allow a ‘shooter,’ or potential assassin” to change his plans.
Biden Urges People Not To Make Assumptions, Lays Out Plan For Investigation
In a plea to the nation, Biden urged, “Don’t make assumptions about [the shooter’s] motives or affiliations,” and asked for patience as the FBI and its partner agencies investigate the shooting.
The president announced that he has directed the head of the Secret Service to review all of the security measures at the Republican National Convention, which is scheduled to begin tomorrow.
Biden also ordered for an independent review of the national security at Saturday’s Trump rally to assess what happened, vowing to share the findings with the public.
“We must unite as one nation,” Biden said as he concluded his brief remarks.
The president announced that he has directed the head of the Secret Service to review all of the security measures at the Republican National Convention, which is scheduled to begin tomorrow.
Biden also ordered for an independent review of the national security at Saturday’s Trump rally to assess what happened, vowing to share the findings with the public.
“We must unite as one nation,” Biden said as he concluded his brief remarks.
Biden Addresses Nation After Assassination Attempt On Trump
In an official address from the Oval Office, Biden said he spoke to Trump after the shooting and condemned the assassination attempt.
“Last night, I spoke with Donald Trump,” Biden said, describing the conversation as “short but good.” “I’m sincerely grateful he’s doing well and recovering.”
“An assassination attempt is contrary to everything we stand for as a nation,” Biden continued. “It’s not who we are as a nation. It’s not America, and we cannot allow this to happen. Unity is the most elusive goal of all, but nothing is more important than that right now.”
“Last night, I spoke with Donald Trump,” Biden said, describing the conversation as “short but good.” “I’m sincerely grateful he’s doing well and recovering.”
“An assassination attempt is contrary to everything we stand for as a nation,” Biden continued. “It’s not who we are as a nation. It’s not America, and we cannot allow this to happen. Unity is the most elusive goal of all, but nothing is more important than that right now.”
Biden To Address Nation Sunday Night
After he gave brief remarks on the assassination attempt against Trump Sunday afternoon, the White House emailed an updated schedule for Biden showing he will address the nation in an address starting at 8 p.m. ET.
Biden Gives Remarks After Briefing On Trump Assassination Attempt
Biden spoke briefly from the White House after receiving an update on where the investigation of the assassination attempt against Trump stands.
He called for "unity" and took a moment to acknowledge the audience member who lost their life at the Trump rally yesterday.
He called for "unity" and took a moment to acknowledge the audience member who lost their life at the Trump rally yesterday.
Nikki Haley To Speak At Republican Convention After All
In an apparent display of party unity following the assassination attempt on Trump, former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley hasaccepted an invitation to speak at this week's Republican National Convention.
Haley's team said last week the former South Carolina governor, who ran against Trump in the GOP primary, had not been invited to speak at the event.
Haley's team said last week the former South Carolina governor, who ran against Trump in the GOP primary, had not been invited to speak at the event.
Biden Rescheduling Texas Trip
The White House said Sunday Biden will postpone his trip to Texas following the assassination attempt on Trump.
Biden was scheduled to speak at the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin on Monday to commemorate the anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
Biden was scheduled to speak at the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin on Monday to commemorate the anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
Trump Campaign’s GoFundMe For ‘Butler PA Victims’ Raises $1.4 Million In 15 Hours
A GoFundMe page set up by the Trump campaign to support victims of the Trump rally shooting has raised more than $1.4 million in 15 hours.
The fundraiser, titled “Support For Butler PA Victims," was set up by the national finance director of Trump’s campaign, Meredith O'Rourke.
“President Donald Trump has authorized this account as a place for donations to the supporters and families wounded or killed in today’s brutal and horrific assassination attempt,” the page reads. “All donations will be directed to these proud Americans as they grieve and recover. May God bless and unite our nation.”
The fundraiser, titled “Support For Butler PA Victims," was set up by the national finance director of Trump’s campaign, Meredith O'Rourke.
“President Donald Trump has authorized this account as a place for donations to the supporters and families wounded or killed in today’s brutal and horrific assassination attempt,” the page reads. “All donations will be directed to these proud Americans as they grieve and recover. May God bless and unite our nation.”
Adam Schultz/The White House via AP
Photo Shows Biden's Situation Room Briefing On Trump Rally Shooting
A photo provided by the White House shows Biden in the Situation Room with members of his national security team.
Man Killed At Trump Rally Identified
At a press conference on Sunday, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro identified the man fatally shot at the Trump rally as Corey Comperatore.
Shapiro said Comperatore was the father to two daughters, and had attended the rally with his family.
"Corey was a girl dad. Corey was a firefighter. Corey went to church every Sunday. Corey loved his community. And most especially Corey loved his family," Shapiro said. "Corey was an avid supporter of the former president and was so excited to be there last night with him in the community."
Shapiro said Comperatore's wife recounted to him how her husband dove in front of his family to protect them when the gunfire began.
"Corey was the very best of us," Shapiro said. "May his memory be a blessing."
According to local media, Comperatore formerly served as fire chief in Buffalo Township, Pennsylvania, about 30 minutes from Butler.
Two others remain in critical condition, Shapiro said.
Shapiro said Comperatore was the father to two daughters, and had attended the rally with his family.
"Corey was a girl dad. Corey was a firefighter. Corey went to church every Sunday. Corey loved his community. And most especially Corey loved his family," Shapiro said. "Corey was an avid supporter of the former president and was so excited to be there last night with him in the community."
Shapiro said Comperatore's wife recounted to him how her husband dove in front of his family to protect them when the gunfire began.
"Corey was the very best of us," Shapiro said. "May his memory be a blessing."
According to local media, Comperatore formerly served as fire chief in Buffalo Township, Pennsylvania, about 30 minutes from Butler.
Two others remain in critical condition, Shapiro said.
Biden To Deliver Remarks This Afternoon
Biden will give public remarks at 1:30 p.m. ET from the White House's Roosevelt Room.
Biden, Harris Get Situation Room Briefing On Trump Rally Shooting
Biden has returned to the White House from his trip to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are receiving a Situation Room briefing from Homeland Security and law enforcement officials about the shooting.
According to the White House, here's who is in attendance at the briefing:
Attorney General Merrick Garland, Department of Justice
Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Department of Homeland Security
Christopher Wray, FBI Director
Jake Sullivan, Assistant to the President & National Security Advisor
Liz Sherwood-Randall, Assistant to the President and Homeland Security Advisor
Kim Cheatle, Director of United States Secret ServiceThe following staff are participating in the briefing:
Jeff Zients, Assistant to the President & Chief of Staff
Lorraine Voles, Assistant to the President & Chief of Staff to the Vice President
Steve Ricchetti, Assistant to the President & Counselor to the President
Ed Siskel, Assistant to the President & White House Counsel
According to the White House, here's who is in attendance at the briefing:
Attorney General Merrick Garland, Department of Justice
Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Department of Homeland Security
Christopher Wray, FBI Director
Jake Sullivan, Assistant to the President & National Security Advisor
Liz Sherwood-Randall, Assistant to the President and Homeland Security Advisor
Kim Cheatle, Director of United States Secret ServiceThe following staff are participating in the briefing:
Jeff Zients, Assistant to the President & Chief of Staff
Lorraine Voles, Assistant to the President & Chief of Staff to the Vice President
Steve Ricchetti, Assistant to the President & Counselor to the President
Ed Siskel, Assistant to the President & White House Counsel
Bomb-Making Materials Found In Shooter's Vehicle, Home: Reports
Bomb-making materials were found in the home and vehicle of suspected Trump rally gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks, law enforcement officials told The Associated Press.
Crooks, 20, was killed by authorities shortly after the shooting that killed one and injured several more, including the former president.
Crooks, 20, was killed by authorities shortly after the shooting that killed one and injured several more, including the former president.
House Oversight Committee Requests Hearing With Secret Service Director On July 22
Late Saturday, the House Oversight Committee penned a formal request for Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to testify before the congressional committee at a hearing set for July 22.
"Americans demand answers about the assassination attempt of President Trump," the committee posted on X.
Read the letter here.
"Americans demand answers about the assassination attempt of President Trump," the committee posted on X.
Read the letter here.
Gun Recovered From Scene Was Legally Purchased By Shooter's Father: Report
The firearm recovered from the scene of the shooting at Trump's rally was legally purchased by the father of the deceased suspect, Thomas Matthew Crooks, according to ABC News.
The gun, which authorities have described as an AR-15-type semiautomatic rifle, was traced to Crooks' father by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Crooks, 20, was shot dead by authorities after firing multiple shots toward the stage where Trump was speaking, injuring the former president and killing one person in the process.
The gun, which authorities have described as an AR-15-type semiautomatic rifle, was traced to Crooks' father by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Crooks, 20, was shot dead by authorities after firing multiple shots toward the stage where Trump was speaking, injuring the former president and killing one person in the process.
Melania Trump / X
Melania Trump Releases Rare Statement After Shooting
Melania Trump released a rare statement on Sunday following the shooting at Donald Trump's rally that injured the former president.
In a two-page letter posted to X, Melania Trump said "the fabric of our gentle nation is tattered" and praised Secret Service for saving her husband.
"When I watched that violent bullet strike my husband, Donald, I realized my life, and Barron's life, were on the brink of devastating change," she wrote.
She continued: "A monster who recognized my husband as an inhuman political machine attempted to ring out Donald's passion ... Donald, the generous and caring man who I have been with through the best of times and the worst of times."
It was a rare statement from the former president's wife, who has largely stayed out of the limelight since Donald Trump left office.
Read more here.
In a two-page letter posted to X, Melania Trump said "the fabric of our gentle nation is tattered" and praised Secret Service for saving her husband.
"When I watched that violent bullet strike my husband, Donald, I realized my life, and Barron's life, were on the brink of devastating change," she wrote.
She continued: "A monster who recognized my husband as an inhuman political machine attempted to ring out Donald's passion ... Donald, the generous and caring man who I have been with through the best of times and the worst of times."
It was a rare statement from the former president's wife, who has largely stayed out of the limelight since Donald Trump left office.
Read more here.
Sen. John Fetterman: 'It's A Dark Day For Our Nation'
Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) said on CNN's State of the Union Sunday morning that he was "stunned" by the shooting at Trump's rally.
"It’s a dark day for our nation," he told CNN's Jake Tapper. "I’m stunned. I was actually close by that at the time. And sadly, I was actually in that region to attend a vigil for a trans teen that was murdered, there. And it was just a very sad night."
He continued: "I’m just so glad that Donald Trump is going to be okay. And my heart goes out to people that have lost their lives and all of that. And it isn’t about politics or anything other than just and condemns in the strongest kinds of terms about this kind of violence and where we are at.”
Read more here.
"It’s a dark day for our nation," he told CNN's Jake Tapper. "I’m stunned. I was actually close by that at the time. And sadly, I was actually in that region to attend a vigil for a trans teen that was murdered, there. And it was just a very sad night."
He continued: "I’m just so glad that Donald Trump is going to be okay. And my heart goes out to people that have lost their lives and all of that. And it isn’t about politics or anything other than just and condemns in the strongest kinds of terms about this kind of violence and where we are at.”
Read more here.
Trump: 'It Was God Alone Who Prevented The Unthinkable'
Trump posted a message of thanks to social media on Sunday and attributed his safety to a higher power, following the shooting at his rally in Pennsylvania.
"Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers yesterday, as it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening," he posted to Truth Social, his social media site.
He continued: "We will FEAR NOT, but instead remain resilient in our Faith and Defiant in the face of Wickedness. ... 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."
"Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers yesterday, as it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening," he posted to Truth Social, his social media site.
He continued: "We will FEAR NOT, but instead remain resilient in our Faith and Defiant in the face of Wickedness. ... 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."
New York Times Photographer Captures Apparent Bullet In Midair
Doug Mills, a longtime New York Times photographer, was documenting Trump's rally in Pennsylvania Saturday when he captured an image of what appears to be a bullet whizzing by the former president's head.
Read more here.
Read more here.