Former President Donald Trump says he was shot in the ear after a gunman perched on the roof of a nearby building opened fire at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday. The FBI is calling this a clear assassination attempt.
The dramatic incident unfolded just before the Republican National Convention, sending shockwaves across the nation. One spectator was killed, and two others were critically injured during the chaos. As Trump delivered his speech, shots rang out, and the former president fell to the ground, hand to his ear. Agents quickly surrounded him and rushed him off the stage amidst the crowd’s screams and confusion.
This chilling incident is being thoroughly investigated by the FBI, the Justice Department’s National Security Division, and the U.S. attorney’s office in Pittsburgh, reflecting the seriousness of the heightened threat environment.
The Secret Service reported that the shooter, positioned on a rooftop outside the venue, fired multiple shots toward the stage. Agents promptly neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased.
Sources revealed that the gunman fired as many as eight rounds from an AR-style rifle from an elevated position 200-300 yards away. Law enforcement described the gunman as a ‘very determined attacker.’
Trump Rally Shooting: Slideshow
One spectator was killed, and two others critically injured, according to the Secret Service. Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens confirmed that all victims were adult men and described the shots as ‘scattered’ across the crowd.
Early on Sunday, the FBI identified the suspected gunman as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. Initially, his identity was withheld during the sensitive early investigation stages. The shooter appears to have acted alone, though investigations are ongoing.
FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek said the investigation is ongoing to determine the shooter’s motive and confirm his identity. ‘It’s a matter of doing biometric verifications,’ Rojek explained, as there was no identification found on the gunman.
There appeared to be blood on Trump’s right ear as he was being taken off stage. Despite the injury, he could be seen mouthing ‘fight’ and pumping his fist.
Bivens praised the law enforcement’s ‘heroic’ actions during what he described as a ‘chaotic scene.’ He confirmed they are investigating reports of suspicious activity received before the shooting.
‘Something was wrong,’ Trump says
A spokesperson for Trump stated, ‘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.’ Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro later confirmed Trump was released from the medical facility and left the Butler area under Secret Service protection.
In a post on Truth Social hours after the shooting, Trump revealed, ‘I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear.’
‘I knew immediately that something was wrong when I heard a whizzing sound, followed by shots, and then felt the bullet tearing through my skin,’ Trump wrote, adding that he bled heavily. He expressed condolences to the family of the rallygoer who was killed, stating, ‘It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country.’ Despite the events, Trump’s campaign confirmed he still plans to attend the RNC.
The incident drew widespread condemnation and support from across the political spectrum. President Joe Biden called the shooting ‘sick’ and said, ‘There’s no place in America for this kind of violence.’ Vice President Kamala Harris expressed relief that Trump was not seriously injured, stating, ‘Violence such as this has no place in our nation.’
Donald Trump Jr. told ABC News that his father is ‘in good spirits’ while under observation at the hospital. Trump’s son Eric shared a photo of his father with his fist raised and wrote, ‘This is the fighter America needs.’ Ivanka Trump condemned the ‘senseless’ act, writing ‘I love you Dad’ on X. Former Vice President Mike Pence and several other political figures extended their prayers and support, condemning the violence.
The incident highlighted a high-security presence, with heavily armed personnel securing the venue as Trump was led off the stage. ‘An incident occurred at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania,’ the Secret Service confirmed, adding that ‘the former President is safe, and an active investigation is ongoing.’
The White House issued a statement noting that President Biden received an initial briefing on the incident. The heavy police presence also extended to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Florida following the shooting.
Pennsylvania Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro condemned the violence, saying, ‘Violence targeted at any political party or political leader is absolutely unacceptable. It has no place in Pennsylvania or the United States.’
In response to the incident, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio called for prayers for Trump and those at the rally.
The ATF’s statement confirmed their involvement in assisting the Secret Service and law enforcement partners, labeling the investigation a top priority.
