Incident Overview
Location: Butler, Pennsylvania
Date: Saturday, July 13, 2024
Event: Political Rally
Target: Former President Donald Trump
On Saturday, July 13, 2024, former President Donald Trump was the target of an apparent assassination attempt during a political rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The attack occurred just days before Trump was set to accept the Republican nomination for a third time. The incident, marked by a barrage of gunfire, caused widespread panic among the attendees.
The Shooting
Shooter: Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania
Weapon: Firearm
Location of Shooter: Elevated position outside the rally venue
Early Sunday, the FBI identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. According to the Secret Service, Crooks launched his attack from an elevated position outside the rally venue, which was held at a farm show in Butler, Pennsylvania. Crooks was armed with a firearm and opened fire on the rally attendees, aiming for the stage where Trump was speaking.
Immediate Aftermath
Trump’s Condition: Injured, shot in the ear
Response: Secret Service protection and evacuation
Trump’s Statement: Defiant and reassuring
Former President Trump was hit by a bullet in the upper part of his right ear. Despite his injury, Trump was quickly surrounded by Secret Service agents, who promptly evacuated him to his SUV. In a show of defiance, Trump pumped his fist as he was being escorted away.
In a statement released by Trump’s campaign, the presumptive GOP nominee was reported to be doing “fine” after the shooting. Trump himself detailed the incident on his social media site, describing how he immediately knew something was wrong when he heard a whizzing sound and felt the bullet rip through his skin, causing significant bleeding.
Casualties
Fatalities:
- Shooter: Thomas Matthew Crooks
- Attendee: One male attendee
Injuries:
- Two critically injured spectators, both male
In addition to Trump’s injury, the attack resulted in the death of one attendee and critically injured two other spectators, all identified as men. Secret Service agents fatally shot Thomas Matthew Crooks during the incident, neutralizing the immediate threat.
Ongoing Investigation
Agency: FBI
Status: Active and ongoing
The FBI has taken charge of the investigation, which remains active and ongoing. Details about Crooks’ motives or any potential accomplices are yet to be disclosed.
