BREAKING NEWS: Trump rally at Pennsylvania interrupted with shots fired; suspect ID’d

Written by Rashmika Vinakota

Published on July 13, 2024

Listen to the story here,

 

(Butler, PA)- Donald Trump was rushed off stage during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania by secret service agents when shots were heard on Saturday, July 13.

Trump was seen dropping to the ground as the right side of his face was covered in blood as his ear was hit. He was being taken off stage and was seen pumping his fist in the air. He was moved to the nearby medical center.

Attendees described the sounds as a popping noise and then saw Donald Trump fall to the ground. The public were panicking and law enforcement were attempting to control the crowd.

“It sounded like someone set firecrackers off…and then we saw (him) hit the deck and it was scary,” a rally attendee told ABC News.

The attendees at the Trump rally at Butler were anticipating an announcement of a possible running man.

ABC News is reporting that this incident is currently being investigated as a possible assassination attempt on Former President Donald Trump.

Investigators have identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, from Bethel Park. Two law enforcement officials tell Associated Press investigators that they think the gun was bought by his father at least six months ago. (9:00 am)

Trump said he will still be speaking at the Republican National Convention which kicks off at Milwaukee from July 15 to July 18. (8:13 am)

Law enforcement said that they recovered an AR-style rifle at the scene of the Trump rally shooting, according to an AP source. (9:30 pm)

A statement from Donald Trump in the medical center expresses his thanks to the secret service and law enforcement and extends his condolences to the families of the deceased bystander and the severely injured individual. (8:52 pm)

Stephen Lasko who attended the rally at Butler shared with ABC News that it took ten minutes for the public to clear out. He also said that he saw the building the shooter was perched on top of saying, “it was like a warehouse.” He said the building was approximately 300 – 400 yards away from where Donald Trump was standing. (8:36 pm)

Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger Told ABC News that the shooter was not in the venue but on the roof of an adjacent building. (8:27 pm)

“There is no place in America for this kind of violence,” says President Joe Biden in a statement from the White House. (8:16 pm)

 

 

Following this incident, Biden shared on the platform X, formerly known as Twitter –

I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania.

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…

— President Biden (@POTUS) July 13, 2024

Former President Barack Obama also shared on X,

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.…

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 13, 2024

Officials at Washington say that this will be treated as a possible assassination attempt. Former President Donald Trump has been reported to have no life threatening injuries. (8:12 pm)

Hours after the incident occurred, and the venue has been secured, people have begun to leave. (8:10 pm)

The FBI is now being involved in the investigation of this incident. (8:09 pm)

The shooter was reported to be killed by the secret service (8:02pm)

Following this assassination attempt, security in New York City has increased from the NYPD at 40 Wall Street, City Hall, and Trump Tower. (8:14 pm)

Richard A. Goldinger, Butler County District Attorney says that one bystander is confirmed dead and a possible second.

 

Featured image by Evan Vucci//AP News

Video from Fox News