Former President Donald Trump Unharmed After Shooting Incident at Rally; Gunman and Audience Member Fatally Wounded
By Olivia Rinaldi, Scott MacFarlane, Jacob Rosen, Nicole Sganga, Cara Tabachnick
Updated on: July 14, 2024 / 7:38 PM EDT / BUZZ BEAT ONLINE | NEWS BREAK
Former President Donald Trump was quickly escorted offstage following shots fired at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday evening in what appeared to be an assassination attempt. Trump reported on social media that he sustained a minor injury when a bullet grazed the upper part of his right ear.
The Secret Service confirmed Trump’s safety, and he was briefly evaluated at a local hospital before being discharged a few hours later. Donald Trump Jr. informed CBS News’ Robert Costa that his father is in good condition.
Authorities have confirmed that two individuals have died as a result of the incident—the gunman and an audience member identified as Corey Comperatore. Comperatore was fatally shot while trying to shield his family from the gunfire, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro stated at a press briefing on Sunday. Two other spectators sustained critical injuries.
The gunman was fatally shot by a Secret Service sniper following the incident, according to authorities.
Reporters present heard multiple gunshots and witnessed Secret Service agents swiftly responding to secure the stage. Video footage captured by CBS News shows Trump touching his ear and subsequently crouching down. There was visible evidence of minor bleeding on his face.”
“Trump was transported away in a motorcade, gesturing with a raised fist as he entered an SUV.
The FBI, in an early Sunday statement, identified the shooter as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh.
Kevin Rojek, special agent in charge of the FBI Pittsburgh office, described the incident as an “attempted assassination” during a late Saturday news conference. He declined to speculate on motives but assured ongoing investigations.
Law enforcement sources revealed the gunman used a semiautomatic AR-style rifle to fire from a shed outside the Secret Service’s secure perimeter, approximately 400 feet away.
Authorities discovered suspicious devices in the shooter’s vehicle, prompting bomb technicians’ involvement. Rojek confirmed precautions were taken but did not specify the devices’ nature.
“We are actively pursuing leads and conducting interviews related to this event,” Rojek stated, declining further comment on ongoing aspects of the investigation.”
“The FBI is leading the investigation into the shooting incident, supported by the Secret Service and local law enforcement agencies.
Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens acknowledged the challenges of securing a public venue against determined threats, praising the Secret Service’s efforts despite their absence from Saturday night’s press conference.
Earlier, Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi assured in a statement that protective measures were in place and confirmed the former President’s safety. The agency later provided additional details:
“During Former President Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13th at approximately 6:15 p.m., shots were fired toward the stage from an elevated position outside the venue. Secret Service personnel neutralized the shooter, who was killed. Former President Trump was unharmed due to swift protective actions. One attendee died, and two others were critically injured. The incident is under investigation, and the Secret Service has informed the FBI.”
In response, the Trump campaign released a statement expressing gratitude to law enforcement and emergency responders for their rapid response during the incident. Trump, confirmed to be uninjured, underwent evaluation at a local medical facility before being discharged Saturday night.”
“In a post on Truth Social Saturday night, Trump provided further details about the incident in Butler, Pennsylvania, and described his injuries:
“I want to express my gratitude to the United States Secret Service and all law enforcement for their swift response to the shooting at the rally tonight in Butler, Pennsylvania. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family of the person who tragically lost their life, and to the family of another individual who was seriously injured. It’s unfathomable that such violence could occur in our country. At this time, little is known about the deceased shooter. I was struck by a bullet that grazed the upper part of my right ear. I immediately sensed something was wrong when I heard a whizzing sound and the shots, and then felt the bullet tearing through my skin. There was considerable bleeding, confirming my realization of what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”
A photograph captured by Doug Mills of The New York Times captured the moment a bullet passed near Trump’s head as he addressed the rally.”
Representative Mike Kelley of Pennsylvania, who was backstage watching Trump speak, informed CBS News, “I believe a woman next to me was hit, and others were also injured.”
Several witnesses informed CBS Pittsburgh reporters that they observed the gunman on the roof just before the shooting began and attempted to alert officers.
Madison Brooks, another witness, recounted to CBS News, “I was about five feet away from him, within clear sight, it was that close. Suddenly, I heard four shots and everyone started screaming ‘drop,’ and I saw blood splatter on his face. The Secret Service quickly secured the area. It was really frightening.”
A reporter interviewed an eyewitness with blood on his shirt who said he was an ER physician and had performed CPR on a victim with a head wound.
“I heard the shots. At first, I thought it was firecrackers,” he recalled. “Someone nearby started shouting, ‘He’s been shot! He’s been shot!’ So I went over. I identified myself as an emergency department physician and offered assistance. The individual had turned and was wedged between the benches. He had suffered a head wound with a lot of blood and visible brain matter.”
The man mentioned that a helicopter was dispatched for the victim.
CBS Pittsburgh reporter Ricky Sayer noted that a medical evacuation helicopter landed at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, where an individual was swiftly transported. The identity and condition of the person are currently unknown. A few police officers were observed outside the hospital, and shortly afterward, another helicopter landed for additional transport, accompanied by a black SUV with police lights arriving at the helipad.
The hospital later confirmed that it was providing treatment for two critically injured patients.
President Biden addressed the nation around 8:15 p.m. ET, condemning the violence and emphasizing national unity.
“There is no place for this kind of violence in America. It’s sick. It’s sick,” Mr. Biden said. “This underscores why we must come together as a country. We cannot tolerate this. We cannot allow this.”
When asked if he believed it was an assassination attempt, President Biden responded, “I don’t have enough information—I have an opinion, but I need to have all the facts before making further comments.”
Late Saturday night, the White House confirmed that President Biden and Mr. Trump had spoken by phone, but did not disclose details of their conversation. A Trump adviser also confirmed the call.
According to sources briefed by Buzz News, Trump’s motorcade left Butler Memorial Hospital shortly before 9:30 p.m. local time, under the protection of the Secret Service. Video posted by a Trump aide on social media early Sunday morning showed him disembarking after his plane landed at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. Earlier plans had him traveling to his estate in Bedminster, New Jersey, before heading to Milwaukee for the convention.
In an earlier statement, President Biden said, “I’m relieved to hear that he’s safe and doing well. Jill and I are praying for him, his family, and all those at the rally as we await more information. We appreciate the Secret Service for ensuring his safety. There’s no place for this violence in America. We must come together as one nation to condemn it.”
– A Biden campaign official announced the pause of all outbound communications and removal of television ads.
– House Speaker Mike Johnson pledged a full investigation into the shooting incident, scheduling hearings with Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle and other officials.
– House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer invited Cheatle to testify on Monday, July 22.
– Political leaders from both parties swiftly condemned the attack, including Vice President Kamala Harris, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.
– Donald Trump Jr. shared a post-incident photo of his father, expressing resilience.
– North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum and Senators Marco Rubio and J.D. Vance extended prayers for President Trump and rally attendees.
– Security measures were heightened at Trump Tower in Manhattan, as reported by Buzz Beat Online
– The Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department increased citywide police presence as a precaution, citing no specific threats.
This summary captures the key reactions and actions following the rally shooting incident involving President Trump.
