I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania. Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured. It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA! ~ President Donald J Trump on Truth Social
Trump Injured in Apparent Assassination Attempt, Bystander and Suspect Killed
Trump said a bullet pierced his right ear; 1 attendee is dead, 2 in serious condition after an assailant fired shots at a rally. Follow for live updates.
Former President Donald Trump is injured but safe after he confirmed on social media that he had been “shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear” while speaking at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13.
What else we know so far:
- The Secret Service shot and killed the attacker, who fired from a rooftop outside the security perimeter.
- One rally attendee was killed and another two seriously injured during the shooting, according to the Secret Service.
- The president was airlifted from the rally venue and treated at a local hospital.
- Law enforcement officials are treating the attack as an assassination attempt, according to the Associated Press.
- President Joe Biden addressed the nation, offering prayers for former President Trump and condemning the shooting. Democrats and
- Republicans expressed shock and issued an outpouring of well wishes.
- The Trump campaign confirmed in a statement that the former president will appear as planned at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where he will be formally nominated to represent the GOP in the presidential election.
Trump to Attend the Republican National Convention
The Trump Campaign and the Republican National Convention confirmed in a statement that former President Donald Trump is “doing well” and will appear in person at the Republican National Convention, which kicks off in Milwaukee on Monday, July 15.
The former president is set to be nominated as the Republican presidential candidate at the convention.
“President Trump looks forward to joining you all in Milwaukee as we proceed with our convention to nominate him to serve as the 47th President of the United States,” the statement reads. “President Trump will continue to share his vision to Make America Great Again.”
Homeland Security Department May Face Scrutiny in Congress
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees the U.S. Secret Service, is poised to face oversight from members of Congress following the shooting on July 13.
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) called on the Senate Homeland Security Committee to “investigate this assassination attempt and attempted mass murder and get to the bottom of how it could have happened.”
His comments were made amid questions from top Trump campaign surrogates about the security provided by the U.S. Secret Service.
A spokesperson for Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), former chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, confirmed he was aware of reports that the DHS rejected the Trump campaign’s requests for increased security.
A senior congressional source, referring to the House Homeland Security Committee, told The Epoch Times: “The Committee has seen these reports, as well, and are going to be conducting thorough oversight into what happened both leading up to and in the immediate aftermath of the attempted assassination of President Trump. Obviously, such reports are deeply troubling and demand investigation.”
House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) also said that he is calling for Secret Service Director Kim Cheattle to appear at a hearing.
The DHS did not respond to The Epoch Times’ inquiry before publication time.
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas condemned the Saturday shooting in Pennsylvania “in the strongest possible terms” and praised the Secret Service’s “swift action.”
Mayorkas Says DHS ‘Taking Every Possible Measure’ to Ensure Trump and Biden’s Safety
“It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country,” he said.
“We are engaged with President Biden, former President Trump, and their campaigns, and are taking every possible measure to ensure their safety and security,” Mr. Mayorkas wrote on X.
Secretary of State Expresses Shock at the Shooting
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he is “shocked and saddened” by the shooting that injured former President Trump, and is “grateful that he is safe.”
Secret Service: One Spectator Killed and Two Critically Injured
Two spectators were critically injured and one killed during the attack on former President Donald Trump, the Secret Service confirmed in a statement.
The Secret Service also confirmed that it had killed the suspected assailant, who fired the shots “from an elevated position outside of the rally venue.”
House Oversight Chair Requests Secret Service Director’s Appearance
House Oversight Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) said on X that he’s calling on Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to appear at a hearing after the shooting that took place at former President Trump’s rally.
“I have already contacted the Secret Service for a briefing and am also calling on Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to appear for a hearing,” Mr. Comer said. “The Oversight Committee will send a formal invitation soon.”
World Leaders Respond to Shooting
The U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on X that he is “appalled by the shocking scenes at President Trump’s rally” and relayed his best wishes to the former president’s family.
“Political violence in any form has no place in our societies and my thoughts are with all the victims of this attack,” he said.
Anthony Albanese, Australia’s prime minister, described the incident as “concerning and confronting.”
“There is no place for violence in the democratic process,” he wrote on X. “I am relieved to hear reports that former President Trump is now safe.”
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was “sickened” by the shooting.
“It cannot be overstated—political violence is never acceptable,” he wrote. My thoughts are with former President Trump, those at the event, and all Americans.
FBI On Scene
The FBI released a brief statement that it is on the scene in Butler, Pennsylvania.
“FBI personnel are on the scene in Butler, Pennsylvania, and the FBI will continue to work jointly with the U.S. Secret Service as the investigation moves forward,” the agency said in a statement posted to X at 8:45 p.m. ET.
Republicans and Democrats Condemn Shooting at Trump Rally
Leading politicians on both sides of the aisle have quickly responded to what law enforcement officials told The Associated Press was an apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at his July 13 rally in Pennsylvania. One attendee was killed and two seriously injured, according to county authorities.
“There’s no place in America for this kind of violence. It’s sick, it’s sick,” President Biden said at the emergency briefing room in Rehoboth, Delaware.
“It’s one of the reasons we have to unite this country,” he said. “We cannot allow for this to be happening. We cannot be like this. We cannot condone this.”
The office of Vice President Kamala Harris released a statement saying she had received “an initial briefing on the incident.”
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.), who was shot and critically injured at a congressional baseball game in 2017, posted on X that “there is never any place for political violence.”
Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) called on followers on X to pray for the former president. “Today is not just some isolated incident,” he said in a later post.
He blamed the “attempted assassination” to “campaign rhetoric.”
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.)—whose husband, Paul Pelosi, was the victim of a politically motivated attack last year—expressed gratitude for the former president’s safety.
“As one whose family has been the victim of political violence, I know firsthand that political violence of any kind has no place in our society. I thank God that former President Trump is safe,” Ms. Pelosi wrote on social media.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) reacted with shock and concern to the incident. “I am horrified by what happened at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania and relieved that former President Trump is safe. Political violence has no place in our country,” Mr. Schumer wrote on social media.
Trump: Bullet Pierced Right Ear
Former President Trump, on his platform Truth Social, confirmed that a bullet pierced his ear.“I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin,” he said. “Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!He thanked the Secret Service, and “all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response to the shooting” and expressed condolences to the family of the person who was fatally shot and another one who was seriously injured.“As @POTUS said, there is no place for political violence in America and we must all condemn it,” Mr. Blinken posted on X.
Biden Offers Prayers for Trump, Condemns Shooting at Pennsylvania Rally
President Joe Biden delivered remarks on Saturday evening after former President Donald Trump was shot and injured during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13.
“There’s no place in America for this kind of violence. It’s sick, it’s sick,” President Biden said at the emergency briefing room in Rehoboth, Delaware.
“It’s one of the reasons we have to unite this country,” President Biden said. “We cannot allow for this to be happening. We cannot be like this. We cannot condone this.”
President Biden was asked if it was an assassination attempt against the former president.
“I have an opinion but I don’t have any facts. So I want to make sure we have all the facts before I make some comments,” he said.
Before the speech, President Biden also released a statement, condemning the attack.
“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,” the president said in a statement nearly two hours after the incident.
“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 Service for getting him to safety. There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it,” he said.
According to the White House, people who briefed the president after the shooting included Kimberly Cheatle, director of the United States Secretary Service; Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas; and Liz Sherwood-Randall, assistant to the President and Homeland Security Advisor.
Former President Barack Obama also released a statement condemning political violence.
“There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy,” former President Obama said in a statement on X. “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.”
Here’s What We Know
Former President Donald Trump is injured but doing well after he said a bullet pierced his right ear while he spoke at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13.
The Secret Service shot and killed the attacker, who fired from a roof outside the security perimeter.
One rally attendee was killed and another two seriously injured during the shooting, according to the Secret Service.
Former President Donald Trump was minutes into his speech in front of a crowd of tens of thousands of people in Butler, Pennsylvania, when what sounded like several gunshots interrupted the event. The former president grabbed his right ear and dropped behind his podium before Secret Service agents quickly gathered around him.
BUTLER, Pa.—Former President Trump is safe with a minor injury after an attack during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. The person who allegedly shot him is dead, according to the Butler County district attorney.
Law enforcement officials said that Trump appeared to be the target of an assassination, the Associated Press reported.
A rallygoer was also killed in the attack, according to the district attorney’s office.
Former President Trump was minutes into his speech in front of a crowd of tens of thousands of people when what sounded like several gunshots interrupted the event. The former president grabbed his right ear before Secret Service agents quickly brought him down to the floor near the podium.
Several more shots rang out while the president was down. Moments later, back on his feet and surrounded by Secret Service agents, blood running down his face, the president said, “Wait, wait, wait,” and pumped his fist three times to the crowd.
Former President Trump then walked down from the stage surrounded by agents.
“The Secret Service has implemented protective measures and the former President is safe. This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available,” the Secret Service said in a statement.
“The entire crowd just went down. Everybody was covering themselves, just trying to stay safe,” one observer told NTD immediately after the incident.
Shortly after 6:30 p.m. ET, a medical helicopter landed near the site of the rally. The Trump campaign said the former president “is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility.”
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act,” said Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung.
The White House said that President Joe Biden “has received an initial briefing on the incident,” including with Homeland Security officials.
“I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania,” President Biden said in a statement about two hours after the incident.
“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,” he said.
President Biden also expressed his gratitude to the Secret Service.
“There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it,” he added.
The Butler County district attorney told Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 that one person is believed to be dead. The Epoch Times has contacted the district attorney’s office for more information.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro condemned the violence and said he has been briefed on the situation. He said state police “are on the scene in Butler County and working with our federal and local partners.”
Mike Boatman, a part of the group known as the Front Row Joes, has attended 94 rallies for the former president. He said he was in the center of the front row and to his left heard the pop-pop-pop of shots.
He was stunned to see former President Trump clutch his right ear and disappear behind the lectern where he’d been speaking.
He heard another volley of shots.
“I would have rather they shot me than him,” Mr. Boatman, of Evansville, Indiana, told The Epoch Times. “He’s the only guy who can save this country.”
“Unbelievable. They’ve tried everything to keep him from being the president again. They tried everything. … Now they’re trying to assassinate him.
Reactions Pour In
Robert F. Kennedy, who is mounting an independent bid for the White House, wrote on X, “Now is the time for every American who loves our country to step back from the division, renounce all violence, and unite in prayer for President Trump and his family.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom was one of the first Democrats to react to the incident.
“Violence has NO place in our democracy. My thoughts are with President Trump and everyone impacted at the rally today,” he wrote in a post on X.
Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), a possible vice presidential pick, wrote on X, “God protected President Trump”
Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of X, wrote, “I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery.”
I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery pic.twitter.com/ZdxkF63EqF
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 13, 2024
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) wrote on X: “I am horrified by what happened at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania and relieved that former President Trump is safe. Political violence has no place in our country.”
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) also responded with a post on X: “Political violence is absolutely unacceptable.I wish Donald Trump, and anyone else who may have been hurt, a speedy recovery.”
“My thoughts and prayers are with former President Trump. I am thankful for the decisive law enforcement response. America is a democracy. Political violence of any kind is never acceptable,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wrote a message on X, “As one whose family has been the victim of political violence, I know firsthand that political violence of any kind has no place in our society. I thank God that former President Trump is safe.”
“As we learn more details about this horrifying incident, let us pray that all those in attendance at the former President’s rally today are unharmed.”
“As we learn more details about this horrifying incident, let us pray that all those in attendance at the former President’s rally today are unharmed.”
Former President Barack Obama also weighed in and wished former President Trump “a quick recovery.”
“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,” the former president wrote on X.
Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) said he is “horrified by this apparent assassination attempt,” in a post on X.
“Grateful for the swift response by law enforcement and Secret Service. Wishing President Trump a swift recovery.”
Former Vice President Mike Pence shared his reaction on X: “Karen and I are praying for President Trump and urge every American to join us.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Mark Tapscott, Iris Tao, Emel Akan, and Samantha Flom contributed to this report.
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