Former President Donald Trump was wounded Saturday evening during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in what authorities are investigating as an assassination attempt. The shooter, positioned on a nearby rooftop, opened fire around 6:15 p.m. ET, leading to a chaotic and tragic scene.
Chaos Erupts at Rally
During the event, Trump was delivering his speech when multiple gunshots were heard. The former president, turned towards his right with his hands on the lectern, grabbed his ear and dropped to the ground as Secret Service agents rushed to his side. Despite the chaos, Trump later confirmed on social media that he was shot in the ear.
Witnesses described a scene of panic and confusion. Secret Service agents quickly surrounded Trump, and multiple gunshots continued to ring out. The crowd’s screams intensified, but about 45 seconds later, agents confirmed the shooter was down. Amidst the tension, Trump, bloodied but resolute, raised his fist to the crowd, which responded with chants of “USA!” before he was escorted to safety.
Fatalities and Injuries Reported
The shooting resulted in the death of one rally attendee and critically injured two others, according to the Secret Service. The FBI later confirmed that all victims were male. The incident has sparked a significant outcry regarding the security measures in place at the rally and has led to calls for a thorough investigation into the Secret Service’s protocols.
President Joe Biden condemned the attack, labeling it as “sick” during a statement from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. He later spoke with Trump by phone, expressing his concern and support.
Shooter Identified and Neutralized
Law enforcement sources revealed that the shooter was positioned on a rooftop near the rally venue. The Secret Service stated that the shooter fired multiple shots towards the stage from this elevated position before being neutralized by agents. Video footage posted on social media showed the shooter lying motionless on the rooftop.
The FBI is working closely with other law enforcement agencies to identify the shooter. FBI special agent Kevin Rojek, speaking at a press briefing, mentioned that they are close to confirming the identity but are not ready to release the name. Rojek also stated that there is no ongoing threat and that the motive for the shooting is still unknown.