Multiple shots rang out at Donald Trump's rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday, with the Republican presidential candidate raising a fist as he was escorted to a vehicle by the US Secret Service, video footage from the event showed.
The shooter at the rally has been neutralized, the US Secret Service confirmed. The FBI later confirmed the identity of the attacker as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, and was a registered Republican, according to state voting records. One spectator at the rally was killed, and two other people are in critical condition.
The Secret Service has begun investigating the shooting as an assassination attempt, a source told Reuters.
The video appeared to show blood on his ear, and armed law enforcement officers were then seen on a roof near the stage where Trump was standing.
United States President Joe Biden wrote on X, formally Twitter, that he was briefed about the incident and is grateful Trump is doing well. Biden added that he "is praying for [Trump] 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," Biden concluded.
Trump got shot in the side of the head at his rally in Pennsylvania pic.twitter.com/5xtwgRscOr
— Hodgetwins (@hodgetwins) July 13, 2024
Loud bangs were heard before Trump fell. Agents then helped him stand, and he had blood on his face. He was yelling back to the crowd, raised his fist, and was then evacuated from the scene, according to CNN.
Trump's response following the shooting
After being evacuated by the Secret Service, Trump posted a statement thanking them, extending his condolences to the family of the person at the rally who was killed, and describing the events that occurred.
"I want to thank The United States Secret Service and all of Law Enforcement for their rapid response to 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," he wrote.
"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!," Trump concluded.
Trump safe after shooting incident, investigation underway
Following the shooting, Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung said that the former president was being assessed at a local medical facility.
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act. He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow, Cheung said.
Strong and resilient. He will never stop fighting for America. pic.twitter.com/B9yR3SLQJV
— Margo Martin (@margommartin) July 14, 2024
Donald Trump is safe, and protective measures have been implemented around him after an incident at a campaign rally for the former US president on Saturday in Pennsylvania, the US Secret Service said.
Trump was released from the hospital late on Saturday, Bloomberg reported.
"This is now an active Secret Service investigation, and further information will be released when available," the Secret Service said in a post on X.
An incident occurred the evening of July 13 at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania. 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.
— Anthony Guglielmi (@SecretSvcSpox) July 13, 2024
Response to the shooting
Following the shooting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded on X, writing, "Sara and I were shocked by the apparent attack on President Trump. We pray for his safety and speedy recovery."
Sara and I were shocked by the apparent attack on President Trump. We pray for his safety and speedy recovery.
— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) July 13, 2024
Furthermore, Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla, said in an X post, "I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery."
Many US officials have also sent messages of support and prayers, including former US vice president Mike Pence, Leader of the House Democratic Caucus Hakeem Jeffries, Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Governor of Pennsylvania Josh Shapiro.
Former US president Barak Obama reposted on X condemning the shooting, writing, "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. Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery."
Former US president George W. Bush wrote on X that he is “grateful” Trump is safe following a "cowardly attack on his life."
"Doug and I are relieved that [Donald Trump] is not seriously injured. We are praying for him, his family, and all those who have been injured and impacted by this senseless shooting. We are grateful to the United States Secret Service, first responders, and local authorities for their immediate action. Violence such as this has no place in our nation. We must all condemn this abhorrent act and do our part to ensure that it does not lead to more violence," US Vice President Kamala Harris said.
“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,” US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stated in response.
US Representative and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also responded to the shooting attack on the former president.
"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," she said.
Former US President Barack Obama commented, "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. Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery."
This is a developing story.
Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.