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© Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.Trump rally shooting being investigated as an assassination attempt, officials say
By JILL COLVIN, COLLEEN LONG, JULIE CARR SMYTH, ERIC TUCKER and MICHELLE L. PRICE BUTLER, Pa©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.
138 Comments
zibala
He quickly ducked behind the riser as agents from his protective detail rushed the stage and screams were heard in the crowd of several thousand people. The bangs continued as agents tended to him on stage.
Trump said, "Let me get my shoes, before being escorted off stage."
wallace
The audience was engulfed in panic due to a heinous act.
zibala
someone is seen on a rooftop, not moving, presumably the shooter
wallace
The details of the shooter and why are not known.
zibala
We are all relieved Trump is ok.
What a fighter.
Haaa Nemui
Can’t stand Trump but all attacks like this on political leadership must be condemned.
TokyoLiving
This is the chaotic situation and social decomposition that the United States is suffering..
This event will most likely give him the presidency..
bass4funk
That will come out in due time. Sounded like a 22 caliber
zibala
Shooter was lying on a roof; might have had a rifle.
wallace
https://soyboy.com/
smithinjapan
Inspire violence and don’t be surprised when it comes to your door.
owzer
Shame on JT for not calling this what it is: attempted assassination
“Shooting at rally”
Democracy is under attack and you still keep the spin on. Well done. /s
zibala
In addition to Trump, two other rally attendees are injured.
Peter Neil
everyone attending rally's are screened like at airports, pockets empties, magnetometers, x-ray, etc. the tsa is actually part of it. that was a breakdown.
regardless of politics, violence should have no place in it. shootings or violence storming buildings.
if you're going to demonize and try to divide people, instead of unite them, it's probably more likely to lead to things like this.
zibala
Many memorable photos from Trump's bravery.
zibala
Fox News just said this was an assassination attempt on Trump.
Two attendees might be dead.
Sources say law enforcement is treating this as an assassination attempt on Trump until it is proven it wasn't.
David Brent
Glad he’s unhurt.
zibala
The shooter is dead, and it was an assassination attempt on Trump.
Bob Fosse
Nobody knows what happened or why yet. It would be wise to wait before making up conspiracies.
plasticmonkey
How so?
zibala
At least one shooter attempted to kill Trump by shooting at him.
Law enforcement successfully shot and killed the attempted assassin.
It is not a conspiracy to say the shooter is dead, and many attendees were injured, with two dead.
wallace
zibala
The details of the shooter and why are not known.
The details are not known. Who was the shooter? Political involvement. Lone-shooter.
plasticmonkey
“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. 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.”
--President Joe Biden
JJE
Shocking stuff.
This sort of act is to be denounced.
wallace
A pause in the political campaigns.
zibala
Before Trump was escorted off stage, surrounded by secret service, instead of ducking sown, he stood up straight, head fully exposed, and defiantly raised his hand in the air.
An American Hero.
dbsaiya
Thoughts 'n prayers. Isn't that what we're supposed to say when there's a shooting?
Chabbawanga
Its in the bag for Trump now
Chabbawanga
That image alone is enough to win the election.
kurisupisu
Instead of fearfully shuffling off the stage, a wounded Donald Trump raises his fist to his opponents in defiance -a true hero!
zibala
ER doctor on scene tried to resuscitate an attendee who was shot in the head, but was unsuccessful.
Bob Fosse
Security were told the shooter was down before he stood up. Then he said “let me get my shoes” 4 times.
bass4funk
The shock.
Corey
I just wanted to say that this is going to put Trump in the White House, and that it was thought to be sure victory anyway which is why they desperately shot him.
Jennie
What’s it with these comments calling him “brave,” “fighter?” I’ll accept survivor and that’s that.
stormcrow
As with the political violence committed against Nancy Pelosi’s husband, this must be condemned for what it is. Hopefully nobody will make jokes about this tragic event in the days, weeks and months ahead.
wallace
The moment Trump was injured - reportedly by a piece of flying teleprompter shattered by the gunshots.
owzer
I have to agree. “Badass response” would be more appropriate considering he stuck around to get his shoes and then pumped his fist in the air while leaving”
zibala
Shooter was a couple hundred yards away and used a rifle.
He was wearing fatigues.
rcch
A sad day for America!
One of the most iconic images in American history! — Raising his fist to the crowd, showing all the resilience in the world, with blood on his head, surrounded by Secret Service.
wolfshine
There has never been a political figure with this much aura, save for maybe Julius Caesar or Genghis Khan.
Peter Neil
latest info is that shooter was on a roof outside of the venue.
his head was blown off by secret service.
itsonlyrocknroll
An attempted assassination, however little information on the alleged gunman/assailant or the motivation.
Or Donald Trumps injuries, other than what appears to be a wound to his right ear.
Gene Hennigh
I hate stupid stuff like this. What a moronic thing to do. Don't even get me wrong: I hate Trump and wouldn't vote for him for a million dollars, but he has the right to run. He has the right to be president if he's voted in. People speak with their votes, not with guns or violence. Now, of course, the idiot shooter has given Trump more spotlight. Vote you scathing moron. I hate ignorant violence.
owzer
That’s exactly right. You don’t hit an ear on purpose. Watch the video again. Trump turned his head just as the shots came. Had he not, he likely would have take the bullet directly against his skull and there would have been a completely different outcome.
Toblerone
Like him or hate him, Trump is no coward.
JJE
Correct. Shooter appeared to be on a rooftop wearing grey, apparently outside of the security perimeter. Images are circulating of a body with armed police next to it.
plasticmonkey
Yeah, how macho.
The coming narrative is that Trump "took a bullet for YOU".
Blacklabel
Trump 2024!
he is a badass as we knew
wallace
Open carry is legal in Pennsylvania without a permit.
DaDude
Can we please spare all of this hate for one day? The man was shot at and you are going to sit here and attack him and his supporters?
Corey
Some attendee died. ( I don’t mean the shooter ) I’m very sorry for that.
BurakuminDes
Fair enough.
But let's spare all the "Trump is a hero!" rubbish.
He's anything but.
Hervé L'Eisa
"Shocking stuff.
This sort of act is to be denounced."
Yet, how many downvotes on this comment? Very telling.
JJE
Reports indicate a bullet pierced the upper right ear.
Haaa Nemui
Yep. Instead of “the left!!!!” or “the right!!!!” It’d be nice if people could just offer some well wishes and condemn the violence. Especially at this stage for an event like this which we still have extremely vague information for.
Hiro
I gotta admit, at least the guy has nerves of steel.
2024 President Trump, here we come.
Alfie Noakes
Remarkable BBC interview with eye witness:
https://x.com/wideofthepost/status/1812269114255155638
dagon
And it is looking to be November 5th and after that as well is the greater issue.
itsonlyrocknroll
It is shocking how politics, inspires ignites the "hate", fear and loathing within us.
Donald Trump may be one of the most provocative, despised Presidential candidates in living memory but to wish him mortal harm, even celebrate an attempt on his life is despicable.
Maybe the ballot box to express a choice, to protest, to secure the will of the people, is simply not enough for the few that fall back on the use of a bullet.
.
wtfjapan
There has never been a political figure with this much aura
I think JFK would disagree, a president that actually united Americans
kurisupisu
Now Donald Trump has become a victim will see a shift to additional support for him.
He is certain to win the next election.
ulysses
Gun violence in America is out of control!
So is hate, as could be seen by the crowds at the rally!
JJE
Apart from the offender, one spectator killed, two critically injured according to USSS statement.
Randy Johnson
Bob FosseToday 09:05 am JST
Nobody knows what happened or why yet. It would be wise to wait before making up conspiracies
Per the comments from the secret service and fbi, this is being investigated as an assassination attempt.
No conspiracy.
Randy Johnson
ulyssesToday 10:06 am JST
Gun violence in America is out of control!
So is hate, as could be seen by the crowds at the rally!
Sad and yet typical political left spin.
dagon
I do not inevitability and it looks like choice is being taken away but some things are true.
That photo is what will be remembered of the 2024 election.
bass4funk
Different time, different era, segregation, women stayed home, no social media, gas was a few cents, the media was more honest, the establishment wasn’t as corrupt as it is now, so yes, the country was more united back then.
dagon
I do not like inevitability and it looks like choice is being taken away but some things are true.
That photo is what will be remembered of the 2024 election..
Almost undoubtedly for worse.
リッチ
When you spread so much hate these things should be expected.
itsonlyrocknroll
Whether deemed cruel callous or spiteful, I would rather comments reflect, purge hate in words heartless as it may appear than resort to violent brutal actions acts.
Randy Johnson
The simple fact that the media refuse to call it as it is, an assassination attempt, is all you need to know.
owzer
Victim blaming now? Classy!
Randy Johnson
owzerToday 10:45 am JST
Victim blaming now? Classy
So typical of them.
Moderator
All readers, please control your emotions.
NOMINATION
How do you know? Did you watch the rally? NOPE
Garthgoyle
Bodyguards did ok job but not great.
Corey
All those people who hated “ Conspiracy Theorists”. Watch the conspiracy theories come rolling out from them in the days ahead. Just watch.
gaijintraveller
Is raising his head so soon after the incident more a sign of stupidity than bravery? Wouldn't the Secret Service be telling him to lie low? Raising his head puts the lives of others at risk as well as his own.
wtfjapan
In shocking news the one politician at the forefront of calling for political violence was the victim of political violence.
Jimizo
Oh wait! The media I’m reading is calling it an ‘apparent assassination attempt’ and it is being investigated as an assassination attempt. This seems sensible at this stage.
Anyway, this should be condemned by everyone.
And should be dismissed if they have no evidence or merit.
You can’t pick and choose your conspiracy theories based on partisanship.
Peter14
A sad reflection of the emotions generated in American politics.
Randy Johnson
JimizoToday 10:58 am JST
Oh wait! The media I’m reading is calling it an ‘apparent assassination attempt’ and it is being investigated as an assassination attempt. This seems sensible at this stage.
Anyway, this should be condemned by everyone.
And should be dismissed if they have no evidence or merit.
You can’t pick and choose your conspiracy theories based on partisanship.
All across the internet people on a certain political side are calling this fake and staged.
Talk about conspiracy theorists.
Randy Johnson
wtfjapanToday 10:57 am JST
In shocking news the one politician at the forefront of calling for political violence was the victim of political violence.
Politicians on the other political side consistently call for violence against the political opposition. But my fair comment earlier based on fact, got censored.
HonestDictator
Too bad the suspected shooter is dead. I'd love to know the who, why, and what is behind the motive... although I pretty much can tell why from Trumps own behavior. This is the 2nd known attempt on Trump's life, but the first one was well before he attempted to get into politics. Still not gonna vote for the tool. He is evil.
Antiquesaving
Go back, before Trump was elected, check my comments, I didn't like Trump then, didn't like his during his presidency and still don't like him!
I point this out because what I am going to say next is going to get me called MAGA or something similar.
The comments that Trump deserves or it is what you get for "promoting" violence and the attempts to downplay the situation are extremely hypocritical.
If this was Biden, it would read "attempted assassination" this we know!
As for violence by one side or the other, there have been far more violence from the left over the years than the right, BLM, Antifa, etc.. "protests" inevitably turn violent, neither side has clean hands, but it is interesting to see the MSM downplay when it is the left and make excuses for the violence, just like some here and in the media are already trying to make excuses for this attempted assassination!
Why does Trump get as much support as he does?
Because people see how the media does what I just pointed out and then believe his crazy conspiracy stuff!
If the MSM stopped their over compensating to not upset the minority groups and remained a neutral and honest oversight of what is being reported, this would have silences a lot of the junk and false claims Trump made/makes, but again after watching the 3 major USA networks and the cable news reporting on this, again all they did was downplay it or make excuses and this will give more fuel to Trump and his bass!
bass4funk
Just out! Statement by the former President!
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!
Randy Johnson
HonestDictatorToday 11:08 am JST
Too bad the suspected shooter is dead. I'd love to know the who, why, and what is behind the motive... although I pretty much can tell why from Trumps own behavior. This is the 2nd known attempt on Trump's life, but the first one was well before he attempted to get into politics. Still not gonna vote for the tool. He is evil.
This is offensive/vulgar.
Jimizo
Conspiracy theories generally appeal to a certain type.
I find the number of these ‘people’ on social media are fewer than it looks. Conspiracy theorists are often transparent spammers, trolls and sock puppets.
Usually completely useless people.
Everyone knows.
rcch
Former President Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform on Saturday that he was “shot with a bullet,” which “pierced” his right ear, and recounted a “whizzing sound” and “shots” at his Pennsylvania rally.
“I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear,” Trump wrote.
“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.”
“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.”
—
US Secret Service personnel neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased.
US Secret Service quickly responded with protective measures and the former president is safe and being evaluated.
gaijintraveller
Will Trump still support gun rights? It is not surprising this happened when there are so many guns and they are so easy to obtain.
Corey
Honest Dictator
Still not going to vote for him?
Oh, that’s too bad. But it doesn’t really matter because for every one like you, a thousand people will now.
NOMINATION
Both sides obviously support gun rights if neither has done anything to change them.
MontiePieThong
Oh well, hopefully better news soon.
Jimizo
Lol. Getting a bit overexcited again there.
The polls will be incredible!
asdfgtr
@JJE,
Your "reports" are incorrect.
The Secret Service confirmed Trump was NOT hit by a bullet. He was was injured by glass from his
shattered teleprompter.
dagon
I for one know enough about Trump that I would never vote for him.
But it is clear that barring another major unforeseen event Trump is 47.
The election is theater if it wasn't so before, more so after the debate.
Antiquesaving
Does it really matter, if it was glass or the bullet?
The facts are someone tried killing him, but so many here are trying to downplay that fact.
You would be going crazy about "right violence" " it is Trump's fault" etc... had it been Biden being shot at and not Trump!
The attempt to over compensate, to deflect, to even justify by some here is sad!
I don't like the guy but the election is what it supposed to be used even if he tried once to block it, trying to downplay and justify this is just sad and shows that some have little confidence in Biden or the Dems to field a candidate that can beat him
wtfjapan
I don't like the guy but the election is what it supposed to be used even if he tried once to block it, trying to downplay and justify this is just sad and shows that some have little confidence in Biden or the Dems to field a candidate that can beat him
well I remember and political hitjob, in Pelsoi husband, Nancy wasnt home at the time. I cant name 1 republican that condemned it
owzer
Shooter identified. (photo only)
https://comment-cdn.9gag.com/image?ref=9gag.com#https://img-comment-fun.9cache.com/media/aPRzD1g/a5xqDqk1_700w_0.jpg
bass4funk
I would 10 times over.
The Dems had a chance, but instead of focusing only on the policies and what the American people want, they decided to go after Trump 24/7
Well, the Dems shouldn’t make Trump and obsessive political bloodsport and that won’t happen.
bass4funk
Not true.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/congressional-lawmakers-aghast-after-pelosis-husband-attacked-during-break-in
Jimizo
I remember the conspiracy theories from the right on that one.
Antiquesaving
Could you supply that secret service statement?
As far as all the news networks are concerned only a single statement was released by the secret service and it says nothing about it, no mention of glass, teleprompter, or bullet.
So please point out where you got this statement.
zibala
Greatest American hero of our time!
Trump shows the strength that kept China and Russia at bay during his administration.
The world is watching. and the world saw a great leader today.
Antiquesaving
I noticed all those claiming the secret service said Trump was hit by glass not a bullet, can down vote but not produce the supposed statement they claim said this.
I am not saying it was glass or was a bullet, all I am asking is to back up your claims, seeing as far as I could find is a single statement by the secret service and no mention of either!
Why is asking so bad?
zibala
Great heroism by Trump, pumping his fist triumphantly, saying Fight!
Many iconic photos from today's display of bravery by Trump.
bass4funk
Conspiracy theories, the vast majority of GOP lawmakers condemned it as well as Conservative media
owzer
But secret service did not secure the area. Witnesses watched the shooter crawl into position and alerted the police, but nothing was done.
https://9gag.com/gag/aLn257z
ClippetyClop
Of course he will. He has to. He will want more guns for certain people.
Reuters reporting that Biden spoke with Trump.
Texas A&M Aggie
Mr. Trump was correct (again) when he said, They’re after you. I’m just in the way.”
bass4funk
Today that came to actual fruition.
ClippetyClop
Clearly incorrect as the shooter was clearly after Trump.
America is a very dangerous place.
wallace
Donald Trump, speaking on Truth Social, recounted his account of surviving what he described as an assassination attempt, where he claimed a bullet had pierced his ear and caused bleeding. However, according to RawStory, law enforcement officials have reportedly informed two sources that Trump was not hit by a bullet but by glass shards instead.
https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/trump-reportedly-hit-by-glass-fragments-not-bullet-haters-claim-shooting-a-hoax-101720923839860.html
Trump was hit by glass fragments — not a bullet: report
https://www.rawstory.com/trump-was-hit-by-glass-fragments-not-a-bullet-report/
TMZ
https://www.tmz.com/2024/07/13/donald-trump-appear-shot-pennsylvania-rally-president-election/
zibala
Trump forced secret service to let him stand up even though at that time it was not known how many shooters there were and if there still was an active shooter. And Trump pumping his fist at the crowd even though he had just been shot!
True display of American heroism and bravery.
wtfjapan
Conspiracy theories, the vast majority of GOP lawmakers condemned it as well as Conservative media
ok show us all these republicans, Trump as joking about it at speeches
https://youtu.be/Poy9EWSmEfQ?t=221
bass4funk
Not the country, just individuals that think they can do anything they want without repercussions, you know the old saying* “*** around and find out,” well, the shooter did do that, and he found out today. 20 years old and wasted his life for what?
Antiquesaving
Still waiting for that Secret service statement you both claim said he was hit by glass!
Can anyone find it?
bass4funk
I said, the GOP, so that means the entire party.
What on earth are you talking about??
Corey
Attacks on Trump have always been encouraged even if assassination attempts were not.
I have old headlines from CNN. From the day of his 2016 election right through for 4 years, they never stopped their attacks. They never accepted him as president. Years of encouraging such hate lead to events like what happened today.
Hairyfurburger
stay clam until all the real facts are available.
JJE
Certain sources have identified the offender. There are photos of him and they look a match to photos of the corpse circulating online.
JJE
Authorities have just named the offender officially as Thomas Matthew Crooks from Pennsylvania, Age 20.
Zaphod
Talk about stating the obvious. What they should investigate is why there was not secret service on the surrounding rooftops. Do they not usually secure these places?
elephant200
It is certainly that Donald Trump will be back to power later this year. It is a bad news for the world and America her own !
bass4funk
The Feds are digging into his background as we speak. Also, it seems that Secret Service Dir. Kimberly A. Cheatle will probably have to go in front of Congress and be drilled and questioned as to why this individual was able to get that close and be in the position he was.
JJE
There has been no official confirmation of the shooter's motive or political leanings.
awomde
Doesn't mean much in the USA. Lots of people registered as Republicans just to vote against Trump in the Primaries
Most telling factor is that in 2021 the alleged shooter donated $$$$ to a hard-left PAC
bass4funk
We will probably know by the end of this week, that they will go through his phone computers and social media footprint.
dagon
Evem if he was an NRA member there will be the rightist disinfo agents saying he was an 17 year old in 2021 donating 'big money' to hard left PACs .
You don't even need to fact check to see it's a ridiculous claim.
bass4funk
We don't know anything yet, no need tp speculate, all shall be revealed in due time.
ulysses
MAGA hate and an unfettered access to guns has made America a dangerous place!