November 21, 2024 8:50 am

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Failed assassination attempt of Trump at Butler rally

BUTLER, PA.—The 45th President of the United States, Donald J Trump, was left bleeding from the right ear following multiple gunshots directed towards him as he spoke on stage to a crowd of tens of thousands at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday, July 13. Shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethal Park, Pennsylvania, is dead and an audience member was killed.

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The U.S. Secret Service escorting a bleeding President Donald J Trump after a failed assassination attempt on July 13, 2024, at a campaign rally in Butler, Pa. SOURCE: Screenshot from Right Side Broadcasting Network.

The attempt on President Trump’s life comes days before he is to officially receive the Republican Presidential nomination at the Republican National Convention this week in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. On March 12, with his Washington state victory, Trump clinched enough delegates to be the Republican Party’s official presumptive nominee.

“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act. He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow,” Steven Cheung, Trump spokesperson, released in a statement on the attempted assassination attempt of President Donald J Trump.

Trump defiant after an attempted assassination attempt on July 13, 2024, at a campaign rally in Butler, Pa. SOURCE: Trump campaign.

Below is a statement from President Donald J Trump released on Truth Social after an attempted assassination on his life:

“I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania.

“Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured. 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. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”

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Picture of the alleged shooter who attempted to assassinate President Donald J Trump. The person, who has been identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethal Park, Pennsylvania, New York Post reports, was neutralized by the U.S. Secret Service.

Up to eight shots rang out at approximately 10 minutes into President Trump’s speech, at 6:15 p.m. EST.  He was sharing a chart with the crowd on a display screen when a shot was heard. President Trump then grabbed his right ear with blood on his hand.

Then multiple shots were heard, Trump and the crowd behind him on the riser ducked to the ground for safety. The U.S. Secret Service rushed to the podium and escorted an injured President Trump from the stage.

Three audience members were shot, leaving one dead and two in serious condition. The shooter has been neutralized by the U.S. Secret Service. The Director of the U.S. Secret Service, Kimberly Cheatle, reports to Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security. House Republicans are currently attempting articles of impeachment against Secretary of Homeland Security Mayorkas over his handling of border security and illegal immigration.

U.S. Secret Service Director Cheatle has repeatedly turned down requests for a larger security footprint around President Trump.

The last attempt of an assassination of a U.S. President was Ronald Regan in on March 30, 1981, as he was leaving the Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C.

“There’s no place in America for this kind of violence – it’s sick, it’s sick,” President Joe Biden said at a presser on the attempted assassination of President Trump. “That’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.”

The FBI announced on X that it has assumed the lead role in the shooting incident that left two dead, including the shooter, two in critical condition and President Trump with a head wound, to his right ear.

Trump landing in Newark, New Jersey the night of July 13 / morning of July 14, just hours after an assassination attempt against him in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Criticism of the Secret Service

What are prominent figures saying?

Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers released the following statement regarding the assassination attempt of Trump that also resulted in the death of a rallygoer: “I condemn political violence in all its forms. I offer my condolence to the innocent person killed, and our prayers are with everyone injured. As a democracy, America requires a peaceful political process. Any attempts to interrupt the democratic process through violence is contemptable. We may have profound political differences, but we must always keep our opposition focused on the ballot box. I will continue to respect all those who work through peaceful means to advance their interests. I hope this offers an opportunity for all Americans to keep their focus on what is best for our country.

Developing story…


Editor’s Note: [10:17 p.m., July 13, 2024] Article updated with latest information.

Mario Lotmore
Author: Mario Lotmore

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