LIVE UPDATES: Trump Survives Assassination Attempt at Rally; Biden Urges Americans to Stand Together

The FBI is investigating an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13.

Former President Trump is injured but safe after a bullet fired by a would-be assassin pierced his right ear about 10 minutes after the start of the rally.

The FBI named Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the subject involved in the assassination attempt. The agency said the investigation remains active and ongoing. No motive has been identified.

Corey Comperatore, a firefighter and father of two daughters, was identified as the sole slain victim. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said he died protecting his family.

Two other rally attendees, both men, were seriously injured. They have not been identified.

Former President Trump on July 14 called for unity, adding that it was “God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening.”

What else we know so far:

• The Secret Service shot and killed the attacker, who fired from a nearby rooftop with a direct line of sight to the former president.
• Law enforcement personnel were responding to several reports of suspicious activity in the minutes leading up to the shooting, officials say. Several witnesses on the ground say they saw the man on the roof prior to the shooting and had warned law enforcement officers.
• President Joe Biden addressed the nation, offering prayers for former President Trump and condemning the shooting. Democrats and Republicans expressed shock and issued an outpouring of well wishes.
• The Trump campaign confirmed in a statement that the former president will appear as planned at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where he will be formally nominated to represent the GOP in the presidential election.
• House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and other lawmakers said that Congress intends to conduct a full investigation into the attack.

Follow here for live updates:

Vice President Extends Condolences to Victim’s Family

Vice President Kamala Harris has extended her and her husband’s “deepest condolences” to the family of shooting victim Corey Comperatore.

“Doug and I extend our deepest condolences to the family of Corey Comperatore, who was tragically killed at former President Trump’s rally,” she said of the retired volunteer firefighter who was killed by a failed assassin who was attempting to kill former President Donald Trump.

“He was a husband, father, and firefighter who was shielding his family from gunfire. Our hearts break for this loss from yesterday’s abhorrent violence,” the vice president said.

Biden Urges Americans to Stand Together

President Joe Biden on July 14 addressed the nation from the Oval Office, highlighting a need to “lower the temperature on our politics” in the wake of the assassination attempt against his rival, former President Donald Trump.

“We are not enemies. We’re neighbors or friends, coworkers, citizens, and most importantly, we’re our fellow Americans,” he said. “We must stand together.”

This was his first Oval Office address since the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack in Israel last year.

He said the political rhetoric in the country “has gotten very heated.”

“It’s time to cool it down,” the president added.

The shooting, he said, calls on Americans to “take a step back, take stock of where we are, how we go forward from here.”

The president reiterated his condemnation of the attack, saying, “There is no place in America for this kind of violence, for any violence ever. Period. No exceptions. We can’t allow this violence to be normalized.”

“The power to change America should always rest in the hands of the people, not in the hands of would-be assassins,” the president said.

FBI Believes Trump Shooter Acted Alone, Investigating Attack as Act of Domestic Terrorism

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) officials said on July 14 that they believe the would-be assassin of former President Donald Trump acted alone.

The agency is investigating the attack as both an attempted assassination and an act of domestic terrorism, officials told reporters in a press call.

Authorities have identified the shooter as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, a resident of Bethel, Pennsylvania. At a Trump rally in Butler on July 13, the assailant fired several shots from an elevated position near the venue. Witnesses saw a man with a rifle at a rooftop on a nearby building.

Read full story here

Secret Service: No Changes to RNC Security

Secret Service officials confirmed on July 14 that no changes have been made to security at the Republican National Convention, which starts on July 15, after yesterday’s assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

“This is a National Special Security Event,” Audrey Gibson-Cicchino, RNC coordinator of the Secret Service, said at a press conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

“That designation is the highest level of security designation that the federal government can determine. So we are confident in these security plans that are in place for this event, and we’re ready to go. It’s been an 18-month process.”

Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey B. Norman said the designation means the convention receives extra security, in contrast with smaller events like rallies.

Michael Hensel, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI for Wisconsin, also said, “Currently, there are no known articulated threats against the RNC or anyone visiting the RNC.”

When asked by the press for more information on the assassination attempt, Ms. Gibson-Cicchino referred all queries to the Secret Service’s D.C. public affairs office.

Trump Says He’s Leaving for RNC Sunday

Former President Donald Trump announced that he won’t delay his trip to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for the Republican National Convention (RNC) despite the recent attempt on his life.

The former president said in a post on Truth Social that in the immediate aftermath of the shooting he initially wanted to delay his trip by two days.

But, he said, “[I] have just decided that I cannot allow a ‘shooter,’ or potential assassin, to force change to scheduling, or anything else. Therefore, I will be leaving for Milwaukee, as scheduled, at 3:30 P.M. TODAY.”

PA State Police Identify Injured Victims

Pennsylvania State Police confirmed that the two rally attendees injured during the assassination attempt on former President Donald Donald Trump are David Dutch and James Copenhaver.

Mr. Dutch, 57, is from New Kensington, Pennsylvania, and Mr. Copenhaver, 74, is from Moon Township, Pennsylvania.

Both men are in stable condition, but the Pennsylvania State Police declined to confirm any further details on their injuries.

One fatality, 50-year-old Corey Comperatore, a firefighter from Sarver, Pennsylvania, was confirmed earlier today.

“These victims and their families are certainly in our thoughts today,” said Colonel Christopher Paris, Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner.

House Homeland Security Chair Seeks Answers From Mayorkas

House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green (R-Tenn.) is seeking answers from Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in the wake of the failed assassination attempt on former President Trump.

DHS oversees the U.S. Secret Service which is responsible for providing security for the former president.

“The seriousness of this security failure and chilling moment in our nation’s history cannot be understated,” Mr. Green wrote in a July 14 letter to Mr. Mayorkas

Mr. Green raised concerns about “how a shooter was able to access a rooftop within range of line of sight” where former President Trump was speaking.

He ended the letter with a request for several pieces of information, including the security plan that was in place on the day of the shooting.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner (R-Ohio) also weighed in during an interview with CNN’s “State of the Union” on July 14, saying that the shooting resulted from a “security failure.”

House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) has vowed additional investigations.

The FBI is leading the investigation into the incident, assisted by the Secret Service and local law enforcement. President Joe Biden announced on July 14 that he has asked for an independent review of security at the rally.

The Epoch Times has reached out to DHS for comment.

Biden Says Assassination Attempt ‘Contrary to Everything We Stand For’

President Joe Biden said he has asked that the investigation into the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump be “thorough and swift.”

“An assassination attempt is contrary to everything we stand for as a nation, everything,” the president said in remarks from the Roosevelt Room at the White House on July 14.

“It’s not who we are as a nation, it’s not America, and we cannot allow this to happen.”

President Biden said that the FBI is still conducting its investigation, which is still in its early stages, and urged people not to make assumptions.

“We don’t yet have any information about the motive of the shooter. We know who he is. I urge everyone, everyone, please don’t make assumptions about his motives or his affiliations,” the president said.

“I’ve instructed that this investigation be thorough and swift, and the investigators will have every resource they need to get this done.”

President Biden added he’s directed an independent review of the security at the rally in Pennsylvania. He also directed the Secret Service to review all security measures for the Republican National Convention, which begins on July 15 in Milwaukee.

The incident has impacted President Biden’s schedule. He has postponed his trip to Austin, Texas on Monday where he was scheduled to deliver remarks for the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act.

In addition, Vice President Kamala Harris postponed her planned campaign trip to South Florida on Sunday.

The president said that he spoke with the former president last night after the incident, describing the call as “a short, but good conversation.”

“I’m sincerely grateful that he’s doing well and recovering.”

Gov. Shapiro Identifies Rally Attendee Killed at Shooting, Says He ‘Died a Hero’

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro on July 14, confirmed the identity of the event’s sole slain victim.

Corey Comperatore, the governor said at a press conference, was a firefighter, church-goer, and father of two daughters who loved his community and his family. Mr. Comperatore, he added, was also an avid Trump supporter and was excited to be there last night with him.

Mr. Shapiro spoke to Comperatore’s wife who asked that he share “Corey died a hero,” diving on his family to protect them.

“Corey was the very best of us,” the governor said. “May his memory be a blessing.”

Mr. Shapiro also confirmed that he also spoke with the families of the two other attendees who were wounded, and offered his prayers “and the prayers of all 13 million Pennsylvanians” for their recovery. He added that they’re being treated at this time. The two individuals, both males, have not been identified.

Flags across the Keystone State have been ordered to fly at half-mast.

A GoFundMe page was created by the Trump campaign to collect donations for the victims of the assassination attempt and their families. More than $1.2 million had been raised as of mid-day July 14.

Milwaukee Mayor: RNC Will Probably Be ‘One of the Most Secure Places’ in Country

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson told Fox News anchors that the Republican National Convention (RNC) “will probably be one of the most secure places not just in the city but in the country.”

The event starts on July 15 and runs through July 18. Former President Donald Trump is set to be nominated as Republican presidential candidate.

Along with the RNC already being designated a “National Special Security Event” which grants it extra security, Mr. Johnson said that he worked in a bipartisan manner with Congress to increase funding for the event to $75 million.

He also praised the Milwaukee police and delivered a message of unity.

“All of us do have to work to make sure that the rhetoric is turned down because at the end of the day, I mean, all of us are part of the same American family,” he said.

Ivanka Trump Says Her Mom ‘Was Watching Over Dad Last Night’

July 14 is the anniversary of the passing of Ivana Trump, ex-wife of former President Trump, and mother of Ivanka, Eric, and Donald Jr.

Ivanka shared a picture of her and her mother saying she was convinced that she was watching over him.

“Two years ago today, my mom passed away,” she said on X. “I believe she was watching over Dad last night during the attempt on his life.

“I miss her every day and pray for the safety of the family and friends she left behind.”

Melania Trump Issues Statement After Assassination Attempt on Husband

Former First Lady Melania Trump on Sunday issued a statement on the assassination attempt targeting her husband, former President Donald Trump, and offered her sympathy to the other victims who were shot during the incident.

In a lengthy statement posted to social media, Ms. Trump wrote that “when I watched that violent bullet strike my husband, Donald, I realized my life, and Barron’s life, were on the brink of devastating change,” adding she is “grateful to the brave Secret Service agents and law enforcement officials who risked their own lives.”

The former first lady, who has been largely out of the public eye during former President Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, called on Americans to “ascend above the hate” and “simple-minded ideas that incite violence.”

Read full article here

Trump Campaign Co-Chairs Brief Staff After Assassination Attempt

Former President Trump’s campaign co-chairs released a memo to all staff, announcing heightened security measures going forward.

Staff in the DC and West Palm Beach offices were advised to stay away on July 14 as they assess both locations.

They will now have 24/7 armed security officers on-site, and “additional security assessments will be in place.”

“We also urge you to recognize the political polarization in this heated election,” Ms. Wiles and Mr. LaCivita said in the memo. “If something looks or feels off, please flag it immediately for leadership or an on-site security team.”

They also instructed staffers to not publicly comment on the day’s events, condemning all violence and stating “we will not tolerate dangerous rhetoric on social media.”

The leaders said they “remained horrified” of the assassination attempt, but urged the team to be resolute in their mission and expressed hope that the act would bring the nation together.

Johnson Says He Spoke to Mayorkas

Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson (R–La.) appeared on NBC’s Today on July 14, announcing that he spoke with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas last night asking “pointed questions.”

He also repeated yesterday’s announcement that Congress will conduct a full investigation into the tragic event to “determine where there were lapses in security and anything else that the American people need to know.”

“We need to know: how could an individual be at that elevation that was seen by apparently bystanders on the ground—how could that not be noticed by Secret Service? Lots more questions than answers this morning.”

The Speaker urged Americans to recover their sense of civility.

“We’ve got to turn the rhetoric down,” he said. “We got to turn the temperature down in this country. We need leaders of all parties on both sides to call that out, and make sure that happens so that we can go forward, and maintain our free society that we all are blessed to have.”

He emphasized that his message was for Americans on both sides.

“We don’t hate people inside the building,” he said of his time in Washington. “You have political opposition and political opponents, but we’re all Americans and we have to treat one another with dignity and respect.”

US Secret Service Rejects Claims Trump Requested Additional Security and Was Denied

The U.S. Secret Service on Sunday refuted claims that former President Donald Trump’s security team requested additional security and was denied during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania where a shooter opened fire at the former president on Saturday evening.

A statement from U.S. Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said that such claims are “absolutely false” for a multitude of reasons, responding to assertions made on social media about the incident. He did not go into specifics about the claims or who made them.

“There’s an untrue assertion that a member of the former President’s team requested additional security resources & that those were rebuffed. This is absolutely false. In fact, we added protective resources & technology & capabilities as part of the increased campaign travel tempo,” Mr. Guglielmi wrote in a post on X.

Read full story here

Advisor Says Use of Jumbotron May Have Helped Save Trump’s Life

Dan Scavino, one of former President Donald Trump’s senior advisors, said the former president’s use of a jumbotron may have helped save his life.

“Thank God last nights rally was one in which President Trump wanted to use and reference the jumbotron, causing him to slightly move his head at the moment shots were fired,” Dan Scavino, Jr. wrote on Xthe morning after the event. “He is grateful for all of the prayers, love, and support out there, as he prepares for the GOP Convention in Wisconsin!”

Trump Says God Saved His Life

The morning after surviving the attempted assassination, former President Trump posted a message signed with his name to his social media platform, thanking supporters and saying he believes God spared his life.

“Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers yesterday, as it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening,” he said around 7:30 a.m. ET on Sunday, in a post to Truth Social.

“We will FEAR NOT, but instead remain resilient in our Faith and Defiant in the face of Wickedness.

“Our love goes out to the other victims and their families. We pray for the recovery of those who were wounded, and hold in our hearts the memory of the citizen who was so horribly killed.

“In this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand United, and show our True Character as Americans, remaining Strong and Determined, and not allowing Evil to Win,” the presumptive GOP 2024 presidential nominee said.

The former president added that he is looking forward to traveling to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, this week, where Republicans are scheduled to hold their Republican National Convention and officially make him their party’s 2024 nominee.

“I truly love our Country, and love you all,” former President Trump also said.

The message was his second post since a shooter attempted to assassinate him at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday night.

Business Leaders Express Support to Trump and Family

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has made a public statement about the assassination attempt, saying that he was “thankful” for former President Donald Trump’s safety.

“Our former President showed tremendous grace and courage under literal fire tonight. So thankful for his safety and so sad for the victims and their families,” the world’s second richest man said.

The head of Microsoft Satya Nadella expressed support for the former president following news of the attempted killing.

“There is simply no place for any type of violence in our society. Sending my best wishes to President Trump for a speedy recovery and to all those impacted by today’s horrific event,” he said.

Apple CEO Tim Cook said he was praying for the former president’s rapid recovery.

“My thoughts are with him, the other victims and the Trump family. I strongly condemn this violence,” he said.

What We Know About Shooter Thomas Crooks

FBI suspect 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was shot and killed by the Secret Service seconds after he allegedly fired shots toward a stage where former President Donald Trump was speaking in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The upcoming Nov. 5 election would have been the first time that Crooks had been old enough to vote in a presidential race. State voter records show that Crooks registered as a Republican.

When Crooks was 17, he made a $15 donation to ActBlue, a political action committee that raises money for left-leaning and Democratic politicians, according to a 2021 Federal Election Commission filing. The donation was earmarked for the Progressive Turnout Project, a national group that rallies Democrats to vote. The groups did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Crooks’ father, Matthew Crooks, 53, told CNN that he was trying to figure out what happened and would wait until he spoke to law enforcement before speaking about his son.

Law enforcement officials said on Saturday that Crooks carried no identification to the site of the shooting and had to be identified using DNA testing.

The perimeter of the residence of the suspect was guarded on Sunday by yellow police caution tape. An Allegheny County Police vehicle was parked outside.

Social media accounts or other online postings by Crooks cannot yet be identified. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has yet to give any response to the question of whether it has removed any accounts related to the suspect.

More European Leaders Send Well Wishes to Trump

As Europeans wake to news of the attempted assassination of the former president, more European leaders have been giving their first official responses.

French President Emmanual Macron said the violence was a “tragedy for our democracies.”

“My thoughts are with President Donald Trump, the victim of an assassination attempt. I send him my wishes for a speedy recovery,” he said. “France shares the shock and indignation of the American people.”

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in a statement, “The attack on U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump is despicable. I wish him a speedy recovery. My thoughts are also with all of those who were affected by the attack. Such acts of violence threaten democracy.”

President of the EU Ursula von der Leyen expressed deep shock at the shooting and wished former President Donald Trump a speedy recovery. “Political violence has no place in a democracy,” she said.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk decried the violence. “I wish President Donald Trump a speedy and full recovery. Violence is never the answer to political differences in a democracy. I am sure this is one thing we can all agree on without any shadow of doubt,” he said

The leaders of other EU member nations, including Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Greece, Finland, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Sweden, also expressed their well wishes to the former president.

UK, Italian, and other European leaders had sent their messages of support for former President Donald Trump earlier on Sunday morning.

In Turkey, President Erdogan condemned the violent act and conveyed support on behalf of the Turkish people.

“I believe that the investigation into the attack will be conducted most effectively to ensure there is no shadow over the U.S. elections and global stability,” he said. “As Türkiye, we stand with our friends and allies, the American people.”

The spokesperson for U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres said in a statement, “The Secretary-General unequivocally condemns this act of political violence. He sends his best wishes to President Trump for a speedy recovery.”

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg condemned the attack and wished the U.S. presidential candidate and victims of the shooting a speedy recovery. “Political violence has no place in our democracies. NATO Allies stand together to defend our freedom & values,” he said.

Eyewitness Describes Man With Rifle Crawling Up Roof Near Trump Rally

An eyewitness, who was standing just outside the grounds during the rally, said that he saw the male shooter lying on a nearby roof, and shortly after, fire the rounds that hit the former president and attendees.

Butler local Greg Smith told The Epoch Times that he and his party saw the U.S. Secret Service nearby and tried to get their attention.

“I had a direct line of sight, directly to the backside of that roof. And I saw a guy crawling up the roof—bear-crawling up the roof—with a rifle,” Mr. Smith told The Epoch Times.

“We could see them looking at us. I stood there for about one or two minutes, pointing at the guy on the roof. And the police were running around, down and around the bottom of the building,” he said.

“And we were like, ‘Hey, man, there was a guy on the roof with a rifle.’ And the police were just running around, don’t know what they were doing. And the next thing you know, the guy crawled up to the peak and took about four shots. I don’t know how many shots it was exactly. That’s what we saw.”

Read the full article.

FBI Identifies Trump Shooter

The FBI has confirmed to multiple news outlets that Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was the shooter who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump.

The Secret Service killed the suspect after he shot and injured former President Trump, fatally shot a rally attendee, and critically injured two others.

The FBI said the investigation remains active and ongoing.

Police Confirm 3 Victims, All Adult Males

The FBI confirmed during a press conference that two adult men are in critical condition, while a third was fatally shot. The shooter was also killed.

Local FBI official Kevin Rojek denied reports that his agency had rejected any additional requests for security from the Trump campaign.

FBI Says Shooting Was Assassination Attempt

Kevin Rojek, special agent-in-charge at the FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office, described the shooting on July 13 as an assassination attempt and requested the public’s help in learning more about the incident.

Mr. Rojek directed the public to FBI.gov/butler and 1-800-CALL-FBI.

He said at a press conference that the agency is close to identifying the shooter and will share that information once it is “100 percent” confident. Mr. Rojek similarly said investigators are working “tirelessly” to identify a motive.

He said the Secret Service was unavailable to join the press conference. The FBI was “still trying to figure … out” who killed the shooter, Mr. Rojek said.

House Oversight Invites Secret Service Head to July 22 Hearing

The House Oversight Committee has formally invited Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to a hearing on July 22.

“Americans demand answers about the assassination attempt of President Trump,” the committee posted on X.

“The tremendous bravery of the individual United States Secret Service agents who protected President Trump, eliminated the gunman, and possibly averted more loss of life cannot be overstated,” a formal letter addressed to Ms. Cheatle states.

The committee said it has launched “an investigation into today’s assassination attempt on President Trump” and requests Ms. Cheatle’s “voluntary appearance” at the hearing.

Signed by Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.), the letter was issued after multiple calls for investigation into the agency, which is housed within the Department of Homeland Security.

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) earlier in the evening called for an investigation by the Senate Homeland Security Committee.

A senior congressional source, referring to the House Homeland Security Committee, told The Epoch Times that the committee will “be conducting thorough oversight into what happened both leading up to and in the immediate aftermath of the attempted assassination of President Trump. Obviously, such reports are deeply troubling and demand investigation.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has also vowed a full investigation.

More World Leaders Issue Statements to Condemn Violence

Leaders across the political spectrum around the world condemned the assassination attempt against former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador was one of the first world leaders to express his condemnation of the attack against the former U.S. president.

“In any case, we condemn what happened to former President Donald Trump. Violence is irrational and inhuman,” he posted on X.

Other leaders across the Americas were quick to expressed their concern at the U.S. attack.

President of Chile Gabriel Boric said, “Violence is a threat to democracies and weakens our life together. We must all reject it.”

Ecuador’s youngest-ever president Daniel Noboa posted, “What has happened today in the United States is unacceptable … This is a critical example of what we are exposed to every day.”

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also condemned the attack, saying on X, “Sara and I were shocked by the apparent attack on President Trump. We pray for his safety and speedy recovery.”

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell Fontelles said he was “shocked” by the news of the attack on former President Trump.

“Once again, we are witnessing unacceptable acts of violence against political representatives,” he said.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “deeply concerned by the attack” on former President Trump, calling him “my friend” and also wishing him a speedy recovery.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the deceased, those injured and the American people,” Mr. Modi said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he was “appalled” to learn about the shooting of former President Trump.

“I am relieved to learn that Donald Trump is now safe and wish him a speedy recovery. My condolences go out to the close ones of this attack’s victim, a rally attendee,” he said on X.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te wished former President Trump’s speedy recovery.

Philippine President Bongbong Marcos said, “Together with all democracy loving peoples around the world, we condemn all forms of political violence. The voice of the people must always remain supreme.”

Chinese leader Xi Jinping expressed sympathies to former President Trump, according to state media. Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas has also issued a statement condemning the violence.

Former US Presidents Condemn Shooting

Former Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama each released statements condemning the attack on former President Trump.

“Violence has no place in America, especially in our political process,” former President Bill Clinton said in a post to X. “Hillary and I are thankful that President Trump is safe, heartbroken for all those affected by the attack at today’s rally in Pennsylvania, and grateful for the swift action of the U.S. Secret Service.”

His successor, former President Bush, said: “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.”

“There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy,” former President Barack Obama said 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 Carter Center, which was founded by former President Jimmy Carter, condemned the violence in a statement posted at 8:45 p.m. ET.

“While we don’t know all the facts, we do know that all Americans should be able to gather peaceably without fear of violence,” it read.

“Our thoughts are with President Trump and all those affected by this horrific act, and we call on all Americans to embrace civility in our democratic process.”

Their statements were issued alongside an outpouring from world leaders.

Ivanka Trump: ‘I Continue to Pray for Our Country’

Former President Trump’s 42-year-old daughter Ivanka Trump thanked the American public for the outpouring of “love and prayers” for her father and the other victims of the “senseless violence” at the campaign rally.

“I continue to pray for our country,” she wrote on X, thanking the Secret Service and “all the other law enforcement officers” for their “quick and decisive actions.”

Speaker Johnson Vows Full Investigation

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) posted at 10:37 p.m. ET on X that the House will conduct a full investigation of the “the tragic events today.”

“The American people deserve to know the truth. We will have Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle and other appropriate officials from DHS and the FBI appear for a hearing before our committees ASAP,” Mr. Johnson wrote.

Mr. Johnson also posted a photo of the former president with the hashtag “#Unstoppable.”

His announcement followed scrutiny of the Secret Service’s handling of the attack and calls by members of Congress to investigate the incident.

House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) wrote on X that he has “already contacted the Secret Service for a briefing and am also calling on Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to appear for a hearing.”

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), who also serves on the Oversight Committee, said late on July 13 that the Secret Service had responded to the committee “and will be briefing us ASAP.”

“We have also notified Secret Service that we will be holding an emergency hearing ASAP to uncover what transpired at President Trump’s rally,” she wrote in her post on X. “The Secret Service Director is being called to testify. Date will be announced soon.”

Rally Spectators Share On Site Observations of Shooting, Aftermath

Trump supporter Erin Autenreith, 66, of Pittsburgh, was seated in the front row, directly in front of former President Trump when the shots rang out.

She said she saw “a little bit of blood” on his left cheek, she told The Epoch Times. Then, when he turned his face the other way, she saw blood running down the right side. She said she felt relieved when he pumped his fist—he seemed to be okay.

She said no one in the front row ducked down because they didn’t care about themselves; they were worried about former President Trump.

She observed Rico Elmore, a speaker at the rally, walking away with “blood all over his shirt.”

Tom Chyb, a Butler resident, told The Epoch Times that he initially thought there were fireworks going off before he realized that shots had been fired. “It was shocking; it was ugly. Just too ugly to be true,” he said, as men in tactical gear ran past.

Logan Reynolds, 27, of Erie, Pennsylvania, was at the very back of the crowd.

When the shots rang out, there was an initial moment of uncertainty about what had just happened. But then, he said, a sea of people turned away from the stage and faced him.

“I saw over 1,000 faces of terror in one instant,” he told The Epoch Times.

He said a sea of people then rushed to leave. He kept telling people to leave in a calm, orderly fashion, concerned that panic could lead to a stampede.

Mr. Reynolds said the shooting made him sad, then angry, but said he felt better after hearing news reports that former President Trump had given a fist pump after getting up from behind the podium. Mr. Reynolds said he gathered a few people together on a bridge to wave Trump flags at passing motorists to bolster morale.

The shooting represented someone “trying to take away the right for us to vote for who we want,” he told The Epoch Times. “That person was undermining our Republic and our democracy.”

Mr. Reynolds said both he and his younger brother “had a funny feeling” about the area later identified as the spot where the gunman had positioned himself, as there were too few security guards there.

“Why wasn’t that building completely locked down? And why wasn’t a sniper on every roof?” Mr. Reynolds asked.

Biden Speaks with Trump

The White House confirmed that President Joe Biden spoke with former President Donald Trump on Saturday evening. The conversation took place after the former president was shot and injured during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

“This evening, President Biden spoke to former President Trump,” a White House official said.

“The President also spoke to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Butler Mayor Bob Dandoy.”

President Biden will depart Rehoboth, Delaware, at 10:30 p.m. tonight, returning to the White House earlier than planned. Initially, the president intended to spend the weekend at his beach house.

Following the incident in Pennsylvania, President Biden delivered remarks at the Emergency Briefing Room in Rehoboth, condemning the attack.

“There’s no place in America for this kind of violence. It’s sick, it’s sick,” President Biden said.

“It’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.”

President Biden was asked if the shooting was an assassination attempt against the former president.

“I have an opinion but I don’t have any facts. So I want to make sure we have all the facts before I make some comments,” he responded.

According to media reports, the Biden campaign has paused all outbound communications and plans to pull down its television ads.

Texas Congressman Says Nephew Shot, Injured in the Neck

Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas), a White House physician during the Trump administration, said a bullet grazed his nephew’s neck at the Trump rally.

His nephew was in an area designated for friends and family to the right of former President Donald Trump, Mr. Jackson said on Fox’s Hannity show Saturday night.

Mr. Jackson said that someone four or five rows behind his nephew was “critically injured.” He said when his nephew went to the triage tent with Mr. Jackson’s sister-in-law for first aid, they observed a person on a gurney with a critical head wound.

FBI, DOJ Investigating Attack

The Justice Department released multiple statements announcing its intent to investigate the shooting at former President Trump’s rally.

On X, the FBI said it is assuming the “role of lead federal law enforcement agency in the investigation of the incident involving former President Donald Trump that occurred earlier today in Butler, Pennsylvania.”

The agency added: “Special agents of the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office responded immediately, to include crisis response team members and evidence response technicians.”

Attorney General Merrick Garland condemned the attack in a statement.

“My heart is with the former President, those injured, and the family of the spectator killed in this horrific attack,” he said.

“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.”

Trump to Attend Republican National Convention

The Trump Campaign and the Republican National Convention confirmed in a statement that former President Donald Trump is “doing well” and will appear in person at the Republican National Convention, which kicks off in Milwaukee on Monday, July 15.

The former president is set to be nominated as the Republican presidential candidate at the convention.

“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,” the statement reads. “President Trump will continue to share his vision to Make America Great Again.”

Homeland Security Department May Face Scrutiny in Congress

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees the U.S. Secret Service, is poised to face oversight from members of Congress following the shooting on July 13.

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) called on the Senate Homeland Security Committee to “investigate this assassination attempt and attempted mass murder and get to the bottom of how it could have happened.”

His comments were made amid questions from top Trump campaign surrogates about the security provided by the U.S. Secret Service.

A spokesperson for Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), former chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, confirmed he was aware of reports that the DHS rejected the Trump campaign’s requests for increased security.

A senior congressional source, referring to the House Homeland Security Committee, told The Epoch Times: “The Committee has seen these reports, as well, and are going to be conducting thorough oversight into what happened both leading up to and in the immediate aftermath of the attempted assassination of President Trump. Obviously, such reports are deeply troubling and demand investigation.”

House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) also said that he is calling for Secret Service Director Kim Cheattle to appear at a hearing.

The DHS did not respond to The Epoch Times’ inquiry before publication time.

Mayorkas Says DHS ‘Taking Every Possible Measure’ to Ensure Trump and Biden’s Safety

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas condemned the Saturday shooting in Pennsylvania “in the strongest possible terms” and praised the Secret Service’s “swift action.”

“We are engaged with President Biden, former President Trump, and their campaigns, and are taking every possible measure to ensure their safety and security,” Mr. Mayorkas wrote on X.

President Joe Biden delivered remarks on Saturday evening after former President Donald Trump was shot and injured during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13.

“There’s no place in America for this kind of violence. It’s sick, it’s sick,” President Biden said from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, where he’s spending his weekend.

“It’s one of the reasons we have to unite this country,” President Biden continued. “We cannot allow for this to be happening. We cannot be like this. We cannot condone this.”

The president said that he hoped to speak with the former president.

“I’ve tried to get a hold of Donald,” he said.

President Biden was asked if this was an assassination attempt against the former president.

“I have an opinion but I don’t have any facts. So I want to make sure we have all the facts before I make some comments,” he responded.

Read full article here

Secret Service: One Spectator Killed and Two Critically Injured

Two spectators were critically injured and one killed during the attack on former President Donald Trump, the Secret Service confirmed in a statement.

The Secret Service also confirmed that it had killed the suspected assailant, who fired the shots “from an elevated position outside of the rally venue.”

Trump: Bullet Pierced Right Ear

Former President Trump, on his platform Truth Social, confirmed that a bullet pierced his ear.

“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,” he said. “Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”

He thanked the Secret Service, and “all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response to the shooting” and expressed condolences to the family of the person who was fatally shot and another one who was seriously injured.

“It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country,” he said.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom was one of the first Democrats to react to the incident.

“Violence has NO place in our democracy. My thoughts are with President Trump and everyone impacted at the rally today,” he wrote in a post on X.

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), a possible vice presidential pick, wrote on X, “God protected President Trump”

Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of X, wrote, “I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery.”

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) wrote on X: “I am horrified by what happened at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania and relieved that former President Trump is safe. Political violence has no place in our country.”

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) also responded with a post on X: “Political violence is absolutely unacceptable.I wish Donald Trump, and anyone else who may have been hurt, a speedy recovery.”

“My thoughts and prayers are with former President Trump. I am thankful for the decisive law enforcement response. America is a democracy. Political violence of any kind is never acceptable,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wrote a message on X, “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.”

Former President Barack Obama also weighed in and wished former President Trump “a quick recovery.”

“There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy. 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,” the former president wrote on X.

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) said he is “horrified by this apparent assassination attempt,” in a post on X.

“Grateful for the swift response by law enforcement and Secret Service. Wishing President Trump a swift recovery.”

Former Vice President Mike Pence shared his reaction on X: “Karen and I are praying for President Trump and urge every American to join us.”

Trump Injured in Apparent Assassination Attempt

Former President Trump is safe with a minor injury after an attack during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. The person who allegedly shot him is dead, according to the Butler County district attorney.

Law enforcement officials said that Trump appeared to be the target of an assassination, the Associated Press reported.

A rallygoer was also killed in the attack, according to the district attorney’s office. The Epoch Times has contacted the district attorney’s office for more information. Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger told CNN that another rallygoer is in serious condition.

Former President Trump was minutes into his speech in front of a crowd of thousands when gunshots interrupted the event. The former president winced, grabbed his right ear, and ducked down as Secret Service agents swarmed in to shield him on the floor near the podium.

Several more shots rang out while the president was down. Moments later, back on his feet, surrounded by Secret Service agents, and blood running down his face, the president told the agents, “Wait, wait, wait,” and the turned and pumped his fist three times toward the crowd.

Former President Trump then walked down from the stage surrounded by agents.

“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,” the Secret Service said in a statement.

The Secret Service killed the assailant, who had targeted the former president from outside the security perimeter. Several rally attendees told The Epoch Times and NTD that the shooter was atop a nearby barn. An eyewitness who spoke to BBC also said the shooter was atop a building.

The apparent assassination attempt is the first such attack on a president or presidential candidate since Ronald Reagan in 1981. The attack occurred just two days before the GOP convention, where the former president is expected to be formally nominated as the Republican Party presidential nominee in the 2024 election.

“The entire crowd just went down. Everybody was covering themselves, just trying to stay safe,” one observer told NTD immediately after the incident.

Shortly after 6:30 p.m. ET, a medical helicopter landed near the site of the rally. The Trump campaign said the former president “is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility.”

“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act,” said Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung.

The White House said that President Joe Biden “has received an initial briefing on the incident,” including with Homeland Security officials.

“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,” he said.

President Biden also expressed his gratitude to the Secret Service.

“There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it,” he added.

Vice President Kamala Harris similarly said that she’s relieved to hear he’s “not seriously injured.”

“We are praying for him, his family, and all those who have been injured and impacted by this senseless shooting,” she said in a statement.

“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.”

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro condemned the violence and said he has been briefed on the situation. He said state police “are on the scene in Butler County and working with our federal and local partners.”

Mike Boatman, a part of the group known as the Front Row Joes, has attended 94 rallies for the former president. He said he was in the center of the front row and to his left heard the pop-pop-pop of shots.

He was stunned to see former President Trump clutch his right ear and disappear behind the lectern where he’d been speaking.

He heard another volley of shots.

“I would have rather they shot me than him,” Mr. Boatman, of Evansville, Indiana, told The Epoch Times. “He’s the only guy who can save this country.”

From The Epoch Times