Former President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The incident occurred when a 20-year-old Pennsylvania resident, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, opened fire on the former president. The FBI has named Crooks as the shooter and is actively investigating the incident.
Crooks’ political leanings remain unclear, although records indicate that he was registered as a Republican voter in Pennsylvania. However, federal campaign finance reports reveal that he donated $15 to a progressive political action committee on the day President Joe Biden was inaugurated.
Trump, in a social media post, confirmed that he was shot in the upper part of his right ear. Secret Service agents swiftly removed him from the stage, with blood visible on his ear. Tragically, the suspected gunman and at least one attendee lost their lives, while two spectators sustained critical injuries, according to the Secret Service.
President Biden and leaders from across the political spectrum condemned the attack, with Biden stating, “There’s no place in America for this type of violence. It’s sick.”
Following the incident, Trump arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport aboard his private jet, accompanied by a visible show of force from Secret Service agents and the agency’s counter assault team. He is expected to spend the night at his private golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey.
Meanwhile, President Biden returned to the White House after cutting short his weekend trip to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. He is scheduled to receive a briefing from Homeland Security and law enforcement officials regarding the attempted assassination of Trump.
