Day: July 14, 2024

Former President Donald Trump said a bullet pierced part of his ear when a gunman opened fire at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Saturday night. A rally attendee was killed and two others are critically injured, according to the Secret Service. The shooter was neutralized and killed by Secret Service personnel responding to the incident. Follow below for live updates.

Unsurprisingly, Google is showing that the interest in Donald Trump globally this morning is at a three-year high.

The graphic below shows the volume of searches in Trump’s name across the past 10 years. The interest in the assassination attempt has only been topped by Trump’s performance in the elections of 2016 and 2020.

Trump Google Search Trump Google Search Google

Republican representatives Lauren Boebert and Marjorie Taylor Greene have laid the blame for the attempted assassination on Trump’s political opponents.

Lauren Boebert told local news, “Joe Biden is responsible for the shooting”, and tweeted “Shame on him.”

Meanwhile Marjorie Taylor Greene took to X to say, “The Democrats and the media are to blame for every drop of blood spilled today.”

The family of former President Donald Trump has reacted to his assassination attempt.

In a post on Instagram and X, Ivanka slammed the “senseless violence” and paid tribute to her father.

Eric Trump shared an image of his father after the shooting attempt with the message: “This is the fighter America needs!”

Donald Trump Jr. also posted a message of support. “He’ll never stop fighting to Save America,” he said alongside the same image used by Eric.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said it had identified Thomas Matthew Crooks as the “subject involved” in the shooting of former President Donald Trump.

“The FBI has identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the subject involved in the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump on July 13, in Butler, Pennsylvania,” a Sunday morning statement said.

Read more here.

Police officials speaking at this press conference are saying they are not yet prepared to identify the other three victims of today’s shooting, just that all were adult men. One person was killed and two were injured, not including the shooter or the former president, who was injured in his ear.

Read more from Newsweek’s Monica Sager.

Lt. Col. George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police says there is “no reason to believe” there is a remaining threat to the public. But he also said it was “too early” to say this was a lone wolf attack.

Law enforcement officials speaking at a press conference right now say they have a suspect in the attempted assassination of Donald Trump but are not prepared to identify the person.

Police said they were following up on reports that witnesses had flagged law enforcement about “suspicious occurrences” before the shooting.

Former President Trump has departed the Butler area, according to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. In a statement, Shapiro said he was thankful to hear that Trump was “fine” and condemned the attempt on his life.

It is not known where Trump is headed.

Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman — a former Democratic donor who has since become very critical of both President Biden and the left — has formally endorsed Donald Trump for the 2024 U.S. presidential election in the wake of the attempt on his life.

In a lengthy post on X, Ackman said:”I am going to formally endorse @realDonaldTrump. I came to this decision some time ago as many @X followers have already understood from my supportive posts of Trump and my criticisms of @POTUS Biden.”

Ackman’s official endorsement comes after that of Elon Musk, who also threw his support behind Trump following the attempted assassination.

Rep. Ronny Jackson of Texas says his nephew’s neck was grazed by a bullet at the rally in Butler today.

Jackson, a Republican who was on Trump White House medical team, said in an interview on Fox News that his nephew was in a “friends and family” section at the rally when shots rang out.

“He was grazed in the neck, a bullet crossed his neck, cut his neck and he was bleeding,” Jackson told Sean Hannity. Jackson himself was not at the event.

The FBI says it is now assuming the role of lead federal law enforcement agency into the investigation of the shooting at former President Donald Trump’s rally.

“Special agents of the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office responded immediately, to include crisis response team members and evidence response technicians,” the statement reads. “We will continue to support this investigation with the U.S. Secret Service and state and local law enforcement.”

Anyone with information that can assist the FBI is asked to call the tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

President Biden and former President Trump have spoken after the shooting in Butler, Penn., according to the pool traveling with the president. Biden also spoke with the mayor of Butler and the governor of Pennsylvania.

Earlier in the evening, Biden said in his remarks to the nation that he had attempted to get a hold of Trump but had at that point been unsuccessful because the former president was with his medical staff.

A map shows the approximate areas where former President Donald Trump and his alleged shooter were positioned during the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Saturday evening.

Video footage from outside the security perimeter at the Butler rally shows what appears be the body of the alleged shooter who fired at Trump on the roof of a low-slung building. The man appears to be wearing some kind of tan or camoflauge clothing.

Law enforcement have gathered outside of Trump Tower in New York City tonight out of an “abundance of caution” after a gunman opened fire at the former president’s rally in Pennsylvania.

Shortly after the shooting, New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ office said there would be an increased police presence across the entire city.

“The NYPD is surging officers to certain sites across the five boroughs,” Adams wrote on X.

Trump supporters are also gathering in front of Trump Tower, as well as a group outside of his Florida residence, Mar-a-Lago.

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Law enforcement stand guard outside of Trump Tower in New York City, after Former President Donald Trump was injured when shots were fired at a rally in Pennsylvania on July 13, 2024. ADAM GRAY/AFP via Getty Images

A photo captured by New York Times photographer Doug Mills seems to show the bullet “flying in the air” beside former President Donald Trump’s head.

The photo shows a gray line just above Trump’s left shoulder. Another photo Mills took shows Trump placing his hand on his ear, and a third shows blood on his hand.

President Biden will head back to the White House from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware shortly, according to the pool traveling with him.

The chairman of the House Oversight Committee says he has contacted the U.S. Secret Service to demand a briefing regarding the apparent attempted assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

Rep. James Comer, Republican of Kentucky, said in a statement late Saturday that the Oversight Committee will send a formal invitation for Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to appear on Capitol Hill.

The request comes amid early, but gathering outrage on social media about the Secret Service’s ability to secure the area where Trump was speaking. The shots were fired from an elevated position outside the security perimeter, according to the agency. Elon Musk was among those calling for Secret Service leadership to resign in the wake of the incident.

Attorney General Merrick Garland has been briefed on the shooting and has spoken with President Joe Biden.

“My heart is with the former President, those injured, and the family of the spectator killed in this horrific attack,” Garland said in a statement. “We will not tolerate violence of any kind, and violence like this is an attack on our democracy. The Justice Department will bring every available resource to bear to this investigation.”

Former President Donald Trump is still planning to attend the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee next week, his campaign and the RNC said Saturday night.

“President Trump looks forward to joining you all in Milwaukee as we proceed with our convention to nominate him to serve as the 47th President of the United States. As our party’s nominee, President Trump will continue to share his vision to Make America Great Again.”

The statement was signed by Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita, the senior advisors for Donald J. Turmp for President 2024, as well as Michael Whatley and Lara Trump, the RNC chairman and co-chairman.

The RNC kicks off Monday, July 15 through Thursday, July 18.

Robert Razzano, who was sitting four rows behind former President Donald Trump, said the crowd was “electric” and “really happy” to see the former president prior to the “mayhem” moments later.

“It was a really surreal moment,” Razzano said on Fox News.

Dave Sullivan, who also attended the Pennsylvania rally, claimed he assisted with two victims who “may have” been shot. “It’s just a sad day for America,” he said. Watch below.

Law enforcement have recovered an AR-style rifle at the scene of the shooting at former President Donald Trump’s rally, as reported by the Associated Press. The shooter’s identity has still not been released.

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said in a statement that his department and the Secret Service are working with law enforcement to investigate the statement.

“We are engaged with President Biden, former President Trump, and their campaigns, and are taking every possible measure to ensure their safety and security,” the statement reads. “Maintaining the security of the Presidential candidates and their campaign events is one of our Department’s most vital priorities.”

Read more from Newsweek’s Adeola Adeosun.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wished former President Donald Trump a “speedy recovery,” noting that there is no place for violence within the political system.

“There is no place for political violence, including the horrific incident we just witnessed in Pennsylvania. It is absolutely unacceptable and must be denounced in the strongest terms. My heart goes out to all the victims and I wish the former President a speedy recovery.”

Other representatives and tech leaders continue speaking out against the violence that unfolded.

Tennessee Rep. Steve Cohen said “violence has no place in political arena (sic) or America, adding “thankfully Trump wasn’t killed.”

Florida Sen. Rick Scott called former President Donald Trump “one of the strongest people I know.”

“I’m so thankful he is ok and for the brave officers and agents who rushed to protect him. I’m praying for everyone at the rally and those who are at the hospital.”

Apple CEO Tim Cook expressed his concern for the former president and others affected. “I pray for President Trump’s rapid recovery. My thoughts are with him, the other victims and the Trump family. I strongly condemn this violence.”

Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai also wished Trump a speedy recovery. “I’m shocked by today’s shooting and loss of life. Political violence is intolerable and we must all come together to strongly oppose it.”

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Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is rushed offstage during a rally on July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Former President Donald Trump’s motorcade has been seen leaving the hospital in Butler.

Dozens of vehicles with lights on were videoed driving down the road from the Butler Memorial Hospital around 9:10 p.m. Saturday.

There is still one police vehicle directly outside of the hospital. It is unclear if Trump is in the hospital or with the motorcade.

Pennsylvania State Police are outside of the Butler Memorial Hospital, where officials have confirmed with local news agencies that two people, the shooter and a rally attendee, died.

Brenda Slagle and Dan Taciuch told the Butler Eagle that they saw dozens of vehicles with flashing lights and sirens zoom past their homes.

“It was police car after police car,” Slagle said. “Boom, boom, boom.”

State trooper vehicles now are blocking the entrance to Butler Memorial Hospital, at 1 Hospital Way.

People are standing outside of the hospital, where Trump is being examined, to express their well wishes. One woman, Ash Nix, however, is also holding a sign reading “Wishing Trump a long terrible recovery!”

“The only sad thing is, if something were to happen to him, he becomes a martyr. And we don’t want that,” Nix told WTAJ-TV.

One person was killed and two others are critically injured following the shooting at tonight’s Trump rally, according to the Secret Service.

A suspected shooter fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside of the rally venue, the Secret Service said in a new update.

“US Secret Service personnel neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased,” Secret Service Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi wrote on X.

The FBI is assisting with the investigation.

Former President Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka extended her gratitude to law enforcement for quickly stepping in amid tonight’s shooting.

“Thank you for your love and prayers for my father and for the other victims of today’s senseless violence in Butler, Pennsylvania,” she wrote on X. “I am grateful to the Secret Service and all the other law enforcement officers for their quick and decisive actions today. I continue to pray for our country.”

Former President Donald Trump said he a bullet pierced the upper part of his right ear during tonight’s rally.

Trump just released a statement on Truth Social, marking the first time he’s spoken out since the shooting at his rally in Pennsylvania. The former president also offered his condolences to the family of the attendee who was killed and to a second attendee who was injured.

Trump’s full statement: “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!”

Ohio Senator J.D. Vance blasted the Biden campaign’s rhetoric for what he called an “attempted assassination” on former President Donald Trump.

“Today is not just some isolated incident. The central premise of the Biden campaign is that President Donald Trump is an authoritarian fascist who must be stopped at all costs,” Vance wrote on X. “That rhetoric led directly to President Trump’s attempted assassination.”

Vance is among the top potential contenders to become Trump’s running mate.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise called tonight’s shooting a “clear assassination attempt” on former President Donald Trump.

Scalise said the shooting was “difficult to watch” and brought back “a lot of emotions” during an interview on Fox News. The congressman was one of four people injured when a gunman opened fire on members of the Republican congressional baseball team practicing in Alexandria, Virginia, in 2017.

Scalise called Trump a “special man… he’s a strong man, he’s a caring person.”

“For weeks Democrat leaders have been fueling ludicrous hysteria that Donald Trump winning re-election would be the end of democracy in America,” Scalise wrote on X. “Clearly we’ve seen far left lunatics act on violent rhetoric in the past. This incendiary rhetoric must stop.”

Vice President Kamala Harris said she is relieved that former President Donald Trump was not seriously injured.

Harris posted this statement on X: “I have been briefed on the shooting at former President Trump’s event in Pennsylvania. Doug and I are relieved that he is not seriously injured. We are praying for him, his family, and all those who have been injured and impacted by this senseless shooting. We are grateful to the United States Secret Service, first responders, and local authorities for their immediate action. Violence such as this has no place in our nation. We must all condemn this abhorrent act and do our part to ensure that it does not lead to more violence.”

The Biden campaign is pausing all outbound communications and working to pull down television ads as quickly as possible following the shooting at tonight’s rally, the Associated Press reports.

President Joe Biden said he’s been trying to get a hold of Donald Trump this evening, saying the former president is currently with doctors.

While delivering remarks from Delaware, Biden called the violence at tonight’s rally “sick,” while saying everyone must condemn what unfolded in Pennsylvania.

“There is no place in America for this kind of violence, it’s sick,” Biden said. The bottom line is Trump “should have been able to conduct peacefully, everybody must condemn it.”

Biden said he will continue trying to reach Trump this evening.

When asked by a reporter if the incident was an assassination attempt, Biden responded, “I have an opinion but I don’t have any facts.”

Butler City Mayor Bob Dandoy said he is shocked by the shooting at former President Donald Trump’s rally, noting his areas adoration for the 45th president.

“Butler County is very much so Trump Country. We adore him,” Dandoy told Fox News. “I’m glad the president is safe and that he’s doing ok now.”

Dandoy said the area around Trump’s rally is a neighborhood with a lot of “single family homes.” He added there is also a lot of traffic that goes by.

He also said it would not be “ridiculous to think” that someone with “a good shot could set up” near the rally and “touch someone in a bad way.”

Jondavid Longo, the mayor of another city in Butler County, Slippery Rock, was reportedly seen seated in the front row with his wife and family.

President Joe Biden will address the nation after what’s being deemed an assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump tonight.

Former President Donald Trump is at the hospital and in “good spirits,” Donald Trump Jr. told ABC News. Don Jr. said his father is under observation and is “never gonna stop.”

Law enforcement officials say the shooting at Donald Trump’s Pennsylvania rally is being investigated as an attempted assassination of a former president.

The shooter was not attending the rally and was killed by the U.S. Secret Service agents, the official said on the the condition of anonymity.

–The Associated Press

Read more from Newsweek’s Natalie Venegas.

Former President George W. Bush: “Laura and I are grateful that President Trump is safe following the cowardly attack on his life. And we commend the men and women of the Secret Service for their speedy response.”

Independent presidential candidate RFK Jr.: “Now is the time for every American who loves our country to step back from the division, renounce all violence, and unite in prayer for President Trump and his family.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson: “I have been briefed by law enforcement and am continuing to monitor the developments. This horrific act of political violence at a peaceful campaign rally has no place in this country and should be unanimously and forcefully condemned.”

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi: “As one whose family has been the victim of political violence, I know firsthand that political violence of any kind has no place in our society. I thank God that former President Trump is safe. As we learn more details about this horrifying incident, let us pray that all those in attendance at the former President’s rally today are unharmed.”

Dave Portnoy, Barstool Sports: “I just landed and missed an assignation attempt. Holy sh**. What a bad a** reaction from Trump. The election is over. He’s the next president. The Dems should give up. They can’t beat him now.”

Elon Musk: “I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery. Last time America had a candidate this tough was Theodore Roosevelt.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “Sara and I were shocked by the apparent attack on President Trump. We pray for his safety and speedy recovery.”

Georgia Republican Rep. Mike Collins sparked outrage with a controversial post on X, following reports of a shooting incident at Trump’s Pennsylvania rally.

Collins suggested President Biden was behind the attack, tweeting “Biden sent the orders.” He later added, “It’s after 4pm, guess Biden won’t say anything until tomorrow?” The unsubstantiated claims drew swift criticism from online users.

Newsweek has contacted Collin’s office via email for further comment.

President Joe Biden has released a statement saying he is grateful that former President Donald Trump is doing well.

“I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania,” Biden wrote in a statement to Newsweek.

“I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well. I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information.

Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it.”

Former President Barack Obama condemned the violence at the Pennsylvania rally, adding we should be “relieved” that the former President Trump wasn’t seriously injured.

“There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy,” Obama wrote on X. “Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics. Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery.”

The NYPD is increasing its presence at Trump Tower following the deadly shooting at tonight’s Pennsylvania rally.

“Out of an abundance of caution, the NYPD will be increasing its presence across the city, including at Trump Tower, 40 Wall Street, Foley Square, & City Hall,” Fabien Levy, spokesperson for New York Mayor Eric Adams, wrote on X.

The shooter who fired at former President Donald Trump is now dead, district attorney Richard Goldinger told Newsweek. CNN said the shooter was “neutralized.”

A rally attendee was also killed, Goldinger told the Associated Press.

Read more from Newsweek’s Monica Sager.

President Joe Biden has received a briefing on the incident, according to the White House.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro condemned the violence at former President Donald Trump’s rally in Butler.

“Violence targeted at any political party or political leader is absolutely unacceptable,” Shapiro wrote on X. “It has no place in Pennsylvania or the United States. I have been briefed on the situation.”

Pennsylvania State Police are on scene and working with federal and local partners as the investigation is ongoing.

“Lori and I are praying for President Trump, the Secret Service officers who protected him, those attending the event, and all of the first responders still on the scene,” Shapiro added.

Former President Donald Trump’s eldest son Donald Trump Jr. shared a photo of his father with his fist in the air, gesturing to a cheering crowd, as Secret Service was rushing him off stage.

“He’ll never stop fighting to Save America,” Don Jr. wrote.

The U.S. Secret Service said former President Donald Trump is “safe” as the agency investigates the incident.

“An incident occurred the evening of July 13 at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania,” Secret Service Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi wrote on X. “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.”

Donald Trump’s campaign said the former president is “fine” after being rushed off the stage at the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act,” spokesman Steven Cheung told Newsweek in a statement. “He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow.”

Staunch supporters of former President Donald Trump were quick to react with outrage after he was escorted from the stage at Pennsylvania rally with blood on his face after loud popping was heard.

“Someone just tried to ASSASSINATE President Trump. The Democrats and the media are to blame for every drop of blood spilled today. For years and years, they’ve demonized him and his supporters,” GOP Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia wrote on X, formerly Twitter. She included a video of the incident.

Representative Lauren Boebert, a Colorado Republican, said she was praying for Trump and the local community.

“Throughout history, those who hate God and embrace evil have joined forces with one another to oppose God, His Son, His Holy Spirit, and His people. WE ARE ONE NATION UNDER GOD and WE WILL OVERCOME EVIL!” she wrote on X.

Read more from Newsweek’s Jason Lemon.

Minutes into former President Donald Trump’s speech in Pennsylvania Saturday evening, loud popping could be heard and people were seen crouching down and heard screaming.

Trump appeared to fall to the ground and when he stood back up, there was blood running down his face. He was then rushed off stage by Secret Service.

Read more from Newsweek’s Jenni Fink.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is rushed offstage during a rally on July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania. Loud popping was heard during his speech, Trump seen being escorted by security off… Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is rushed offstage during a rally on July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania. Loud popping was heard during his speech, Trump seen being escorted by security off stage. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) Getty Images/Anna Moneymaker

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