Attempted Assassination of Former US President Donald Trump at Pennsylvania Rally

Attempted Assassination of Former US President Donald Trump at Pennsylvania Rally

Former United States President Donald Trump, aged 78, narrowly survived an apparent assassination attempt during an election rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The incident occurred on Saturday when Trump was struck by a bullet in the upper part of his right ear. The suspected shooter, who fired multiple shots from an elevated position outside the rally venue, was subsequently shot and killed by a Secret Service agent. The attack also claimed the life of one spectator and left two others critically injured. Amidst the chaos, Secret Service agents immediately surrounded Trump, shielding him as they led him off the stage to a waiting vehicle. Despite the injury, Trump was seen pumping his fist to his supporters and requesting, “Let me get my shoes,” as he was escorted to safety.

Law enforcement officials are treating the incident as an attempted assassination. Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesperson for the US Secret Service, confirmed the shooter was neutralized by Secret Service personnel. The suspect used an AR-style rifle and fired from a distance of 200 to 300 feet from an elevated shed, according to multiple law enforcement officers. Trump’s spokesperson assured the public that he was “fine” and expressed gratitude for the swift action of law enforcement and first responders. The shooting happened just two days before the start of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where Trump is set to be formally nominated as the party’s candidate for the November 5 presidential election.

In the aftermath, Trump stated, “I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear.” President Joe Biden, Trump’s opponent in the upcoming election, reached out to Trump, expressing concern. The rally, attended by thousands of Trump supporters, descended into chaos as attendees in the back rushed for the exits upon hearing the shots. Vice President Kamala Harris, and former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, condemned the attack. Trump’s daughter, Ivanka Trump, also issued a statement expressing gratitude for the support and prayers for her father and the other victims, and praised the quick actions of the Secret Service and law enforcement officers.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has taken the lead in the investigation, with special agents from the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office responding immediately. The FBI’s crisis response team and evidence response technicians are actively involved in the probe. The agency has urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward. In a statement shared on X, the FBI confirmed their role as the lead federal law enforcement agency in the investigation of the incident involving former President Trump.

International reactions included a statement from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who expressed deep concern over the attack on Trump. Modi emphasized that violence has no place in politics and democracies, and wished Trump a speedy recovery. Trump’s campaign reiterated that he was “doing well” and thanked law enforcement and first responders for their rapid response. The campaign confirmed that Trump looks forward to attending the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee to proceed with his nomination and continue sharing his vision to “Make America Great Again.”

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