Former President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an apparent assassination attempt during a rally held at the fairgrounds in Butler, Pennsylvania. The incident occurred at approximately 6:02 pm on Saturday, as Trump addressed a cheering crowd under the scorching midsummer sun.
As Trump pointed to a projection of a chart illustrating a spike in illegal border crossings under President Joe Biden’s administration, shots rang out, causing chaos and panic among the attendees. Trump clutched his ear in pain as Secret Service agents swiftly moved towards him, urging him to take cover. The former president dropped to the ground while the crowd followed suit, creating an eerie silence broken only by occasional screams.
Trump eventually stood up, with Secret Service agents surrounding him for protection. Despite blood trickling from his ear, he defiantly pumped his fist, eliciting cheers from the crowd. Agents then guided him offstage to a waiting black SUV, with Trump pumping his fist one last time before entering the vehicle.
Tragically, the shooter and one rallygoer lost their lives in the attack, which authorities have deemed an assassination attempt. Trump’s campaign released a statement shortly after the incident, assuring the public that he was unharmed.
The rally, held in Butler, a city of 13,000 located 33 miles north of Pittsburgh, is situated in western Pennsylvania, a stronghold of Trump’s support. The area, known as Trump country, played a significant role in his 2016 victory and nearly secured his re-election in 2020, with Trump winning Butler County by a substantial margin.
Before the shooting, rallygoers gathered outside the secure Secret Service perimeter, patiently waiting for Trump’s appearance. The scorching temperatures reached 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but the crowd remained enthusiastic, donning red Make America Great Again hats and occasionally chanting “Trump! Trump! Trump!”
The rally proceeded as expected, with local politicians addressing the crowd and vendors selling food, beverages, and Trump-themed merchandise. Trump’s favorite playlist played in the background, creating an atmosphere of excitement. When Trump finally took the stage, he received a warm welcome, smiling and pointing at the cheering crowd.
During his speech, Trump highlighted the issue of illegal immigration, pointing to a projected chart displaying a surge in border crossings. It was at this moment that the shots were fired, abruptly interrupting the event and plunging the rally into chaos.
Following the incident, Secret Service agents in black uniforms, armed with rifles, flooded the stage to secure the area. The majority of the crowd remained on the ground, except for a small group near the perimeter who stood near the sounds of gunfire. Rallygoers anxiously sought information about Trump’s condition, with concerns and questions spreading throughout the crowd.
As the situation unfolded, people began to leave the area, and a small group directed their anger towards the media, blaming them for the incident. Police and Secret Service personnel swiftly evacuated everyone from the scene. An hour later, the vast field was declared a crime scene, scattered with discarded plastic water bottles and remnants of food containers.
The investigation into the assassination attempt is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the motive behind the attack. Despite the harrowing incident, Trump’s campaign assured the public that he was unharmed and in good condition.
1 Response
There is no credible evidence or reliable sources to support the claim that former President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. As of my knowledge, there have been no reported assassination attempts on Donald Trump during his presidency or after. It is important to rely on factual information and credible sources when making such claims.
Sources:
1. Snopes – “Did Donald Trump Survive an Assassination Attempt in 2017?”: https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/tr