Former President Donald Trump is reported to be safe following an assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on the evening of July 13, 2024. The rally, part of his campaign activities ahead of the Republican National Convention, was abruptly disrupted when gunshots were fired, leading to immediate action by the Secret Service.
“An incident occurred the evening of July 13 at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania. The Secret Service has implemented protective measures and the former President is safe. This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available”.
Anthony Guglielmi, the U.S. Secret Service Chief of Communications twitter(X) tweet.
The incident took place while Trump was addressing his supporters. He had just remarked…
“then the worst president in the history of our country took over and look what happened to our country. Probably 20 million people… and that’s a little bit old that chart, that chart is a couple of months old. If you really want to see something, take a look at…”
Former President Donald Trump.
Before the sound of gunfire interrupted the event. A live feed showed blood coming from the area of Trump’s right ear as his security team quickly moved him off stage. Despite the chaos, Trump was heard saying…
“Let me get my shoes,” and he raised his fist in the air as he was being escorted, a gesture that prompted chants of “USA, USA, USA.”
Said Former President Trump as he was rushed off stage.
One attendee was killed and two others were critically injured following a shooting on Saturday night. According to Anthony Guglielmi, chief of communications for the US Secret Service, the shooter is also deceased.
Earlier reports from the Secret Service indicated that the shooter (20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks) fired multiple shots from an elevated position outside the rally before being “neutralized” by Secret Service personnel. The swift response by law enforcement ensured the safety of President Trump and other attendees.
The rally, held in Butler, Pennsylvania, was part of Trump’s broader campaign efforts in the lead-up to the Republican National Convention. This particular event was marred by violence when the shots were fired, but swift action from the Secret Service ensured that Trump was immediately taken to safety. He was placed in an SUV by Secret Service officers and driven away from the scene. Shortly after, a voice from the podium microphone confirmed, “Shooter is down, we’re clear”.
As news of the incident spread, several of Trump’s allies and potential vice-presidential picks took to social media to express their support and prayers. Florida Senator Marco Rubio tweeted, “Praying for President Trump and all those attending the rally in Pennsylvania today.” Ohio Senator JD Vance added, “Everyone join me in praying for our President Trump and everyone at that rally. I hope everyone is ok.” North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum also expressed his concern, asking people to “join Kathryn and me in praying for President Trump, his family, and everyone attending the rally today.”
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and New York Representative Elise Stefanik also shared their support, with Noem calling Trump “the toughest man I’ve ever met” and Stefanik urging people to “please pray for President Trump, his family, and all of the patriots at today’s rally in Pennsylvania.” Senator Bill Hagerty posted a photograph of Trump with his fist held in the air and blood on his right ear, with a message encouraging prayers for Trump.
The Secret Service’s protective measures and their ongoing investigation highlight the seriousness of the incident. Details about the shooter or the motive behind the attack have not yet been released. As the investigation continues, more information is expected to come to light.
This incident underscores the volatile nature of political rallies and the ever-present need for heightened security measures for public figures. Despite the disruption, Trump’s resilience and the immediate response from his security team prevented what could have been a far more tragic outcome.
