BUTLER, USA — Former President Donald Trump was wounded Saturday, July 13, 2024, evening while speaking onstage at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in what authorities are investigating as an assassination attempt.
The shooter, positioned on a nearby rooftop, fired multiple shots towards the stage at approximately 6:15 p.m. ET.
Trump was in the middle of his speech, turned towards the right with his hands on the lectern, when the gunfire erupted. He later confirmed on social media that he was shot in the ear.
The former president grabbed his right ear and dropped to the ground as Secret Service agents rushed to protect him.
Additional gunshots and screams from the crowd followed. About 45 seconds later, agents announced, “Shooter’s down,” over the rally microphone.
One agent asked, “Are we good to move?” and another confirmed, “We’re clear!” before lifting Trump to his feet, his face and ear bloodied. Despite his injuries, Trump raised his fist to the crowd, prompting loud cheers and chants of “USA!” before being escorted off the stage and into his vehicle.
One Dead, Two Critically Injured
The Secret Service reported that one rally attendee was killed and two others critically injured in the shooting. All victims were male, according to the FBI.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro identified the deceased as firefighter Corey Comperatore, who died while protecting his family.
“Corey was a girl dad. Corey was a firefighter. Corey went to church every Sunday. Corey loved his community. Most especially, Corey loved his family,” Shapiro said. “Corey died a hero.”
Shooter Identified
Authorities identified the shooter as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, who was killed by Secret Service agents.
The FBI is investigating the incident as an assassination attempt.
FBI special agent in charge Kevin Rojek stated that investigators are close to confirming Crooks’ identity but have not yet determined a motive.
Video footage on social media showed Crooks lying motionless on a rooftop near the rally venue.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that the shooter fired “multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside of the rally venue.”
Political Reactions
President Joe Biden condemned the violence in remarks from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
“There’s no place in America for this kind of violence – it’s sick, it’s sick,” he said. “We cannot allow for this to be happening. We cannot condone this.”
Biden spoke with Trump by phone following the incident. Lawmakers from both parties quickly condemned the attack.
House Speaker Mike Johnson called for a thorough investigation into the Secret Service’s handling of the event, while Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed relief that Trump was safe.
Rally Eyewitnesses
Rep. Dan Meuser, a Pennsylvania Republican, described the scene as “bloody” and chaotic. “Everybody started, certainly, screaming, asking for a medic,” he said.
Rico Elmore, a former Pennsylvania legislative candidate and speaker at the rally, recounted how he tried to assist a bleeding attendee.
Rep. Ronny Jackson, a Texas Republican, reported that his nephew was grazed in the neck by a bullet and was bleeding but is expected to recover.
Looking Ahead
The attack on Trump comes just before he is set to accept the 2024 presidential nomination at the Republican National Convention this week.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and security of political figures and public events.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
