In a shocking turn of events on Saturday, former U.S. President Donald Trump was shot in the ear during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, roughly 50 kilometers north of Pittsburgh. Trump, who is aiming to unseat President Joe Biden in the upcoming election, was seen with blood streaked across his face following the incident.
The moment was chaotic as Trump’s security detail quickly formed a protective barrier around him. Despite the injury, Trump emerged moments later, visibly defiant, and gestured with a fist pump while mouthing the words, “Fight! Fight! Fight!”
The shooter, later identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was swiftly neutralized by police. Tragically, the incident also resulted in the death of one rally attendee and injuries to two others. Authorities are investigating the event as an assassination attempt, though the motive remains unclear. State records show that Crooks was a registered Republican.
Trump, 78, had just begun his speech when the gunfire erupted. He initially clutched his ear, then fell behind the podium as Secret Service agents moved in to protect him. He reappeared shortly after, his iconic red ‘Make America Great Again’ hat missing, and could be heard saying, “Wait, wait,” before being rushed into a black SUV.
Trump addressed the incident later on his Truth Social platform, saying, “I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. Much bleeding took place.” He expressed gratitude for the swift actions of his security team and the medical professionals who treated him.
This incident has intensified concerns about security measures at political events, especially with less than four months to go before the November 5 election, where Trump is set to face off against President Joe Biden. The shooting has added a new layer of tension to an already heated political climate, with polls indicating a tight race between the two candidates.
Political leaders from both parties have condemned the violence. President Biden stated, “There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it.”
The shooting has also raised questions about a potential lapse in security by the Secret Service, which is responsible for the lifelong protection of former presidents. This marks the first shooting of a U.S. President or major party candidate since the 1981 assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed that Trump left the Butler area under the protection of the Secret Service, with support from Pennsylvania state police.
Trump is scheduled to formally accept the Republican nomination at the party’s national convention in Milwaukee, starting Monday. In response to the attack, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson stated on social media, “This horrific act of political violence at a peaceful campaign rally has no place in this country and should be unanimously and forcefully condemned.”
References:
https://fortune.com/2024/07/13/donald-trump-assassination-attempt-election-win-political-violence-civil-war-ian-bremmer/
https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/07/14/shots-taken-from-rooftop-how-the-trump-assassination-attempt-unfolded/
