UPDATE ADDED 7/16/24; UPDATE ADDED 7/17/24; UPDATE 7/23/24
Ever since Obama made it on the political scene violence has become the course of action for the Democratic Party. They far left leaning liberals seem to be maniacal in their hatred for anyone who does not agree with them politically. Republicans deserve to die in their book. Bible believers deserve to die in their book. Constitutionalist deserve to die in their book. Pro-Lifers deserve to die in their book. Anti-Vaxers deserve to die in their book. Patriot deserve to die in their book. The Homeless deserve to die in their book. Old people deserve to die in their book. Whites deserve to die in their book. MEN deserve to die in their book. Meat eaters deserve to die in their book. The list grows every day.
You think that is crazy? You think I am making that up? I have heard all those things promoted. People who do not know GOD, love death. That is what the bible says. In their minds anyone who stands in their way, prevents them from doing exactly as they please, deserves to die.
All the political rhetoric and promotion of violence is breaking down our national morality. The left is pushing hard for hatred between the races and clamoring for civil war. They are tearing apart our nation.
If we don’t put an end to the madness, we will be non existent in no time at all.
Now, I am not a supporter of Donald Trump. I really don’t trust anyone who comes out of the elite families. However, I have seen him to a lot for our country. Everything he did while he was in the Whitehouse brought positive results for our nation. While Obama, who is really still the “SITTING” (as in running the show from his easy chair) President has only brought destruction.
Donald Trump is not the Devil that the Democrats paint him to be. Of all the current option we have seen, including as especially Michael Obama, President TRUMP is the best choice. I wish there was one better, but even if someone sudden was pulled from nowhere…that would be a scary proposition. That is how we ended up with Obuma. So, it looks like its TRUMP if you want to see the good ole USA survive.
That is why this Assassination Attempt occurred. (My opinion, to which I am entitled.)
I will say, that in my opinion, the strongest argument for voting for President Trump is how far the Left will go to keep him out of office! All the insanity they have put that man through, if they hate him as bad as they seem to, there must be a reason. Given what we know about the LEFT, their reasons cannot be good.
One more thing to keep in mind… when a Candidate’s entire campaign is focused on attacking, besmirching, and plotting against their opponent… that should tell you that they know they have nothing to offer and no chance in hell of winning on their own merit.
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UPDATE 7/23/24
BOHEMIAN GROVE 2024 CREMATION OF CARE CEREMONY OCCURS JULY 13TH! THE SAME DAY AS TRUMP’S SCRIPTED ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT! – A CALL FOR AN UPRISING | P.O. BOX 110 | Burlington, VT 05401 US
The 2024 Cremation of Care starts at 9 pm this Saturday…… Jul 13, 2024
Former President Donald Trump was the target of an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally on July 13.
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UPDATE ADDED 7/17/24
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✅Videos we recommend: 
• REDACTED RECOMMENDS Multiple eyewitnesses have come forward to say they saw shots fired from the water tower in Butler Pennsylvania during Trump’s speech. This information conflicts with the official narrative that Thomas Matthew crooks acted alone.
UPDATE ADDED 7/16/24
LINK: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/iaszyTLUVws
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Who Shot Donald Trump? Everything We Know About the Shooter. Was it Thomas Matthew Crooks or Maxwell Yearick? Is This Trump’s Shooter? Thomas Matthew Crooks? • Is This Trump’s Shooter? Thomas Matth… #trump #biden #thomasmatthewcrooks #maxwellyearick
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VIDEO ADDED 7/15/24
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Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker reads the latest message posted by former President Donald Trump on social media following his assassination attempt at a rally. “Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers yesterday. It was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening,” it reads.
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‘God Spared Donald Trump:’ Last-Second Head Tilt Saved His Life
It’s being called the head tilt that spared the life of former President Donald Trump. Others say it was divine intervention.
Trump was speaking at a rally Saturday in Butler, PA, when a gunman perched on a rooftop pointed a high-powered rifle at Trump, attempting to end the life of the presumptive Republican nominee. However, just before the bullet reached its mark, Trump tilted his head slightly to the right, causing the bullet to graze his right ear but causing no further damage, video of the incident shows. The bullet was less than an inch from landing in his brain.
A picture from New York Times photographer Doug Mills captured the bullet mid-flight, a split-second after it hit Trump. The former president immediately grabbed his ear, blood running down his face. He survived.
- “If you are a believer, you know that God spared Donald Trump for a reason,” New York Post journalist Miranda Devine wrote.
- “God protected President Trump,” U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) wrote.
- Trump “was half an inch away from losing his life,” former Secret Service agent Tim Miller told Fox News.
- “I thank God that former President @realDonaldTrump is alive,” evangelist Franklin Graham wrote.
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Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old shooter who tried to assassinate President Donald Trump, seen on a BlackRock ad in 2023. (Screenshot/X; used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law) SourceWhen Crooks was 17 he made a $15 donation to ActBlue, a political action committee that raises money for left-leaning and Democratic politicians, according to a 2021 Federal Election Commission filing. The donation was earmarked for the Progressive Turnout Project, a national group that rallies Democrats to vote. The groups did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Source
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Officers standing over the alleged gunman who shot former President Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally on July 13, 2024.Obtained by NY Post
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TRUMP SHOOTER SPEAKS FROM THE GRAVE
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Trump Shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks offers a warning from the grave that everyone should heed. #trump #donaldtrumpnews #usa
Thomas Matthew Crooks, created a video in which he declared his hatred of TRUMP. His message was very animated, he seemed very angry, agitated and hateful. It had a very threatening undertone.
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Republicans blame Biden for Trump assassination attempt
President’s ‘bullseye’ comments labelled dangerous and irresponsible following shooting at Pennsylvania rally
Well, Biden is certainly guilty at least to the extent that President Trump was guilty at the January 6 event. I think much more because he and Obama have been stirring up violence and hatred for years.
Trump’s allies accused Mr Biden of whipping up opposition to his rival in recent days, in comments they said had encouraged the shooter.
There is no doubt he did! And this kind of stuff has not just been “in recent days”. They have been doing everything possible to eliminate President TRUMP from the beginning of his first run for the Presidency.
Eight Republicans have blamed Mr Biden directly for the shooting, while a further 21 have blamed critics of Trump more generally.
I got news for them there are millions of Republicans who blame him directly!!!
Steve Scalise, a senior Republican in the House of Representative, said: “For weeks Democrat leaders have been fuelling ludicrous hysteria that Donald Trump winning re-election would be the end of democracy in America. Clearly we’ve seen far Left lunatics act on violent rhetoric in the past. This incendiary rhetoric must stop.”
“This is the rhetoric that leads to political violence,” Mr Hunt said.
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Keith Self, who represents the same state, said: “Every American should be outraged at Joe Biden for inciting violence against Donald J Trump.”
Rick Scott, a Florida senator, accused Mr Biden of saying he “wanted to put Trump in the crosshairs”.
That is not an accusation!! HE said EXACTLY THAT!
“This isn’t some unfortunate incident. This was an assassination attempt by a madman inspired by the rhetoric of the radical Left,” he said.
JD Vance, a senator who is on the shortlist to be Trump’s running mate in this year’s presidential election, said the events at his rally in Pennsylvania were “not just some isolated incident. The central premise of the Biden campaign is that president Donald Trump is an authoritarian fascist who must be stopped at all costs. That rhetoric led directly to president Trump’s attempted assassination”.
Tim Scott, a Republican senator from South Carolina who is one of Trump’s biggest cheerleaders, added: “Let’s be clear: This was an assassination attempt aided and abetted by the radical Left and corporate media incessantly calling Trump a threat to democracy, fascist, or worse.”
Several Republicans pointed to comments by Mr Biden on a call with donors earlier this week, in which he said Trump should be put in a “bullseye”.
“So, we’re done talking about the debate, it’s time to put Trump in a bullseye,” he reportedly said.
Chris LaCivita, the co-chairman of the Trump campaign, suggested the shooting had been carried out by the same people who prosecuted the former president in the hush money case earlier this year.
“For weeks, Leftist activists, Democrat donors and now even the president of the United States have made disgusting remarks,” he told the Washington Post. “It’s high time they be held accountable for it.”
Mike Collins, a GOP congressman from Georgia, claimed that Mr Biden had “sent the orders” and called for him to be prosecuted. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a hard-Right representative for Georgia, said: “The Democrats and the media are to blame for every drop of blood spilled today. For years and years, they’ve demonised [Trump] and his supporters.”
Mr Biden has been battling to keep hold of the Democratic nomination for two weeks, after his disastrous televised debate performance against Trump led to fresh concerns about his age and health. His campaign has pushed the message that Trump would pursue a radical agenda if he won a second term, and framed the election as a choice between democracy and authoritarianism.
Speaking after the shooting, the US president called for unity and condemned it as “sick”. “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.
The shooting is expected to quell calls for Mr Biden to stand down before November’s election, after weeks of turmoil in the party over his candidacy. “If you’re an advocate for: ‘How do we tell the old man it’s time to go?’ – it’s really hard to have that conversation publicly,” one Democrat strategist told NBC News. “This event blocks out the sun right now.” What?? When the man can’t control himself, his memory, his mouth… it is time for him to be removed. He is a joke and a deficit to our Nation. Is that not what is most important?
The shooting may lead to a boost in public support for Trump, who is already leading Mr Biden in most swing states and by a small margin in national polls.
After Ronald Reagan was shot in March 1981, shortly after taking office, he saw an eight-point poll boost that lasted several months.
On Saturday night, the implied probability of a Trump victory on the US political betting markets jumped to 70 per cent.
Defiant Biden tells donors: ‘We’re done talking about the debate’
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Biden delivered a forceful message in a private call with his National Finance Committee, which includes hundreds of top Democratic donors and bundlers.
“We need to move forward. Look, we have roughly 40 days til the convention, 120 days til the election. We can’t waste any more time being distracted,” Biden said in a private call with donors Monday, according to a recording obtained by POLITICO.
“I have one job, and that’s to beat Donald Trump. I’m absolutely certain I’m the best person to be able to do that. So, we’re done talking about the debate, it’s time to put Trump in a bullseye,” Biden said.
The forceful message from Biden — which was delivered to hundreds of top Democratic donors and bundlers in the president’s National Finance Committee — is the latest evidence that the president and his allies are working furiously to stem defections in the party. Earlier in the day, Biden sent a fiery missive to congressional Democrats, declaring his intentions to remain in the race even as roughly a half-dozen members have publicly called for him to bow out.
Several donors who participated in the call described Biden as forceful and strong. He took four questions during the meeting, including one about Biden’s plans for the next debate. The president responded that his strategy was to “attack, attack, attack,” according to a person listening to the call.
Biden repeated multiple times that he would not be leaving the race: “I’m telling you, I’m not going anywhere folks. I’m in this to the end, and I’m going to beat Trump. I promise you.”
He touted the “grassroots support” he saw during his 10-day cross-country tour following the debate, from Georgia to Wisconsin to Pennsylvania, and thanked his donors for sticking by his side.
“I appreciate you hanging in there with me. I realize you’re getting a lot of heat,” he said.
Instead of airing public concerns about his campaign, Biden argued the party should be directing its ire at Trump, who he said has “gotten away with doing nothing for the last 10 days except driving around in his golf cart, bragging about scores he doesn’t score.”
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AI Overview / Learn more…Opens in new tab
The word “ire” comes from the Latin word ira, which also means anger. “Ire” is a noun that means anger or irritability, and is often used in literary contexts to describe intense anger that is visibly expressed. It usually stems from a specific grievance, rather than general irritation
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ire – WordReference.com Dictionary of English WordReference.com
https://www.wordreference.com › definition › ire
deep anger; rage; wrath:
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He said Democrats needed to focus on what Trump would do to abortion rights, Medicare, Social Security, and prescription drug prices.
But there’s still lingering concern and frustration within the high-dollar donor community about Biden’s ability to beat Trump in November.
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Live updates: After apparent assassination attempt, Trump says he was shot in the ear but is fine
Donald Trump’s campaign says he is “fine” after what law enforcement officials are treating as an apparent assassination attempt during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
In a social media post, Trump said he was “shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear.” The former president was quickly whisked from the stage by Secret Service agents, his ear covered in blood.
A prosecutor said the suspected gunman and at least one attendee are dead, and the Secret Service said two spectators were critically injured.
President Joe Biden and political leaders of all stripes condemned the attack. “There’s no place in America for this type of violence,” Biden said. “It’s sick. It’s sick.”
WATCH: Trump rushed off stage by Secret Service after gunshots fired at Pennsylvania rally
The shooting is being investigated as an attempted assassination of the former president and presumptive Republican nominee, law enforcement officials say. Two officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing investigation.
Here are the latest updates.
Biden returning to Washington after suspected attempted assassination of Trump
The president said late Saturday that he would return to the White House, cutting short a weekend stay in Delaware to monitor the unfolding situation.
WATCH: Biden condemns shooting at Trump rally, ‘no place for this kind of violence’
A few short minutes after Trump took the stage, shots rang out
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is shown covered by U.S. Secret Service agents after an incident during a rally on July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania. Butler County district attorney Richard Goldinger said the shooter is dead after grazing former U.S. President Donald Trump with a bullet, killing one audience member and injuring another in the shooting. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
At 6:02 pm Saturday, to the strains of “God Bless the U.S.A.,” former President Donald Trump took the stage at fairgrounds in Butler, Pennsylvania, waving at the cheering crowd and settling into his regular rally speech under a scorching midsummer sun.
A few short minutes later, Trump pointed to a projection of a chart that showed a spike in illegal border crossings under the man he’s running against, President Joe Biden. “That chart’s a couple of months old,” Trump told the crowd. “And if you want to see something really sad —”
That’s when the shots rang out, at least five. Trump clutched his ear as dark-suited Secret Service agents dashed toward him. He dropped to the ground as the agents yelled, “Get down!” The thousands of rallygoers packed into the field in front of him moved as one, dropping down as silence spread across the grass, punctuated only by an occasional scream.
Read more about what happened when gunfire erupted at the rally.
GOP official describes the chaos at rally
Rico Elmore, vice chairman of the Beaver County Republican Party, was sitting in a section for special guests, facing President Trump, when he heard what sounded like firecrackers.
“So, everyone hesitated — and it was like, no, these are actual shots. So I yelled, ‘Get down!’”
Elmore saw Secret Service agents helping Trump off the stage and then heard someone from his left calling for a medic.
Elmore knows first aid and CPR from his time in the military, and he knew a medic wouldn’t be able to reach the cries for help fast enough.
He took off his tie and jumped a barricade, but when he reached the person, Elmore saw he had been shot in the head. Elmore said he held the victim’s head but it was too late. The man was unresponsive.
“I mean, it was a horror,” Elmore said. “I pray to the family that had to deal with this that is going through this now. Because it is hard. It is so hard.”
He said that the shots came from behind the bleachers but did not see the shooter.
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is rushed offstage during a rally on July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania. Butler County district attorney Richard Goldinger said the shooter is dead after grazing former U.S. President Donald Trump with a bullet, killing one audience member and injuring another in the shooting. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Trump campaign, RNC say convention in Milwaukee will ‘proceed’ after rally shooting, Trump looks forward to joining Trump’s campaign and the Republican National Committee say the party’s convention in Milwaukee this week will “proceed” after the rally shooting.
“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,” said Trump campaign advisers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita and Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley and co-chair Lara Trump in a statement.
The convention is set to open Monday.
Law enforcement recovered an AR-style rifle at the scene of the Trump rally shooting, AP source says
Law enforcement recovered an AR-style rifle at the scene, according to a person familiar with the matter. The person was not authorized to discuss details of the investigation.
Mayorkas: Homeland Security ‘taking every possible measure’ to ensure security for campaign after Trump rally shooting
“DHS and the Secret Service are working with law enforcement partners to respond to and investigate the shooting,” Alejandro Mayorkas said in a statement.”
“We are engaged with President Biden, former President Trump, and their campaigns, and are taking every possible measure to ensure their safety and security. Maintaining the security of the Presidential candidates and their campaign events is one of our Department’s most vital priorities.”
More reactions
Ivanka Trump, his eldest daughter: “Thank you for your love and prayers for my father and for the other victims of today’s senseless violence in Butler, Pennsylvania. I am grateful to the Secret Service and all the other law enforcement officers for their quick and decisive actions today. I continue to pray for our country. I love you Dad, today and always.”
Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer and a key witness against him at his criminal trial: “Whether you agree or disagree with someone’s political position, THIS IS NOT THE SOLUTION!”
James Comer, a Kentucky Republican who chairs the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability: “Political violence in all forms is unamerican and unacceptable. There are many questions and Americans demand answers. 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.”
Billionaire Elon Musk: “I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery.”
The National Rifle Association: “We pray for the safety and well-being of President Trump and the brave men and women protecting him and all in attendance in PA.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: “I’m sickened by the shooting at former President Trump. It cannot be overstated — political violence is never acceptable. My thoughts are with former President Trump, those at the event, and all Americans.”
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat: “I’m glad to hear President Trump is doing well following this terrible act of violence. Violence is never acceptable. My thoughts are with President Trump and everyone impacted by this inexcusable act that I strongly condemn.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese: “There is no place for violence in the democratic process. I am relieved to hear reports that former President Trump is now safe.”
Secret Service says 1 spectator killed, 2 critically injured after attacker fired ‘multiple shots’ at Trump rally
Multiple shots were fired toward the stage by a shooter at Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania, the Secret Service said, leaving one spectator dead and two critically injured.
The agency said the shooter fired from “an elevated position outside the rally venue.” Agents “neutralized” the shooter, who is now dead. The agency repeated that Trump is “safe” and is being evaluated.
Trump says his ear was hit by a bullet, nothing yet known about shooter
In a social media post, Trump said he was “shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear.”
He wrote on his Truth Social platform that he “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 also thanked the Secret Service and other law endorsement for their “rapid response.” And he extended 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,” he said.
Another rally attendee was taken to the hospital, prosecutor tells CNN
Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger told CNN that in addition to the spectator who was killed, another attendee was taken to a local hospital and in serious condition.
“The shooter is dead,” Goldinger said.
He said the shooter was outside the rally grounds, but he didn’t give additional information about where.
“Quite frankly I don’t know how he would have gotten to the location where he was, but he was outside the grounds, and I think that’s something that we’re going to have to figure out — how he got there,” Goldinger told CNN.
Politicians react to shooting at Trump rally
Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump is assisted by U.S. Secret Service personnel after gunfire rang out during a campaign rally July 13 at the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pennsylvania. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid
Vice President Kamala Harris: “Doug and I are relieved that he 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 must all condemn this abhorrent act and do our part to ensure that it does not lead to more violence.”
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell: “Tonight, all Americans are grateful that President Trump appears to be fine after a despicable attack on a peaceful rally. Violence has no place in our politics.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office: “We are shocked by the scenes at President Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania. We condemn all forms of political violence in the strongest terms and we send our best wishes to President Trump and his family at this time.”
Nikki Haley, Republican former South Carolina governor and United Nations ambassador: “This should horrify every freedom loving American,” and “Violence against presidential candidates must never be normalized.”
Democratic Massachusetts U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren: “Political violence is wrong and I condemn it. I hope everyone who attended the rally is ok and I am glad the former president is safe.”
Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican: “Thank God President Trump seems to be okay. Just another reminder of the times in which we live. We need to pray fervently for anyone who may have been injured at the rally.”
Former President Bill Clinton: “Violence has no place in America, especially in our political process. Hillary and I are thankful that President Trump is safe, heartbroken for all those affected by the attack at today’s rally in Pennsylvania, and grateful for the swift action of the U.S. Secret Service.”
Former Democratic Vice President Al Gore: The country “must join together to wholeheartedly and unequivocally condemn political violence,” and “the former president and those affected today are in my prayers.”
Democratic Mayor Cavalier Johnson of Milwaukee, which is hosting the upcoming Republican National Convention: .“No one should be shot — not like this. Not kids, not churchgoers, and not a candidate for President of the United States,” Johnson, a Democrat, said. “We must demand peace, whether it is in the political sphere or in homes and neighborhoods everywhere.”
Biden says ‘everybody must condemn’ attack at Trump rally
“There’s no place in America for this type of violence,” Biden said. “It’s sick. It’s sick.”
The president said “everybody must condemn” the attack, he is relieved that Trump is reportedly “doing well” and he hopes to speak with his 2024 presidential rival soon.
Biden said he was waiting for additional information before formally calling the attack an attempted assassination. “I have an opinion, but i don’t have any facts,” he told reporters, pledging to provide updates as he learns more.
The president also pledged to update the public later on whether they speak as well as additional details about the investigation.
Son says Trump “in great spirits”
Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., said he just spoke to his father on the phone and “he is in great spirits.”
“He will never stop fighting to save America, no matter what the radical left throws at him,” Trump Jr. said in a statement.
Shooter was outside Trump rally, and was killed by Secret Service, law enforcement officials say
Two officials spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing investigation. They said the shooter was not an attendee at the rally and was killed by U.S. Secret Service agents.
More condemnations of political violence
Former President Barack Obama said in a statement that “There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy.” He added that while details were still scarce, “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.”
“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,” former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said. “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.”
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said on the social platform X that his thoughts and prayers are with former President Trump. “I am thankful for the decisive law enforcement response,” he said. “America is a democracy. Political violence of any kind is never acceptable.”
Shooting at Trump rally is being investigated as attempted assassination of ex-president, officials say
The shooting at former President Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania is being investigated as an attempted assassination of the former president and presumptive Republican nominee, law enforcement officials say.
Two officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing investigation.
Condemnations of political violence
Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who was shot in the head in 2011 while at a meeting with her constituents, released a statement saying “Political violence is terrifying. I know.”
“I’m holding former president Trump, and all those affected by today’s indefensible act of violence in my heart,” the Democrat said. “Political violence is un-American and is never acceptable — never.”
Similar statements are coming from other officials, including President George W. Bush, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and House Speaker Mike Johnson.
In New York, a spokesperson for New York Mayor Eric Adams said that out of “an abundance of caution,” police increased their presence across the city including at Trump Tower and 40 Wall Street.
“While we are surging these resources, we want to be very clear that we see no nexus to NYC at this time,” Fabien Levy said on the social platform X.
How it happened
Supporters of Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump react after multiple gunshots rang out July 13 at Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump’s campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pennsylvania. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid
As Trump was talking, a popping sound was heard, and the former president put his right hand up to his right ear. People in the stands behind him appeared shocked.
Trump appeared to lower himself behind the lectern and the sounds — apparent gunshots — continued as Secret Service agents rushed the stage.
Trump’s microphone picked up the sound of people yelling “Get down, get down, get down” while at least three agents piled on top of him.
The apparent gunshot sound was heard again several times while agents were on him. People in the crowd screamed.
Someone’s voice was heard through the microphone asking “Are we good?” Secret Service agents in tactical gear stood on the stage, some looking out to the crowd.
A voice was heard saying, “Shooter’s down.” Then a voice said, “We’re clear” and “Let’s move.”
Agents stood up, surrounding Trump. As they moved with him off the stage, Trump lifted his right arm and fist into the air. Blood was seen on the right side of his face.
Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump is assisted by the Secret Service after gunfire rang out during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pennsylvania, U.S., July 13, 2024. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid
Pennsylvania GOP candidate describes sudden shots, blood
Pennsylvania Republican Senate candidate Dave McCormick, who was sitting in the front row, told Politico that it appeared someone behind him was shot.
“All the sudden shots started to crack, someone behind me appears to have been shot,” McCormick said. “There’s lots of blood, and then the Secret Service were all over President Trump.”
Trump, as a former president, retains Secret Service protection for life under federal law. As the presumptive Republican nominee who is frequently in the public eye, he received added protective assets.
Biden gets updated briefing. ATF says rally incident is “a top priority”
President Joe Biden received an updated briefing on the incident at the Trump rally from Kimberly Cheatle, the director of the United States Secretary Service, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and White House homeland security adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall.
The Bureau of Alcoholo, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives issued a statement: “ATF is responding to assist the U.S. Secret Service and other law enforcement partners. This is a top priority. We have no further comment at this time.”
Prayers and concerns from allies and rivals alike
North Dakota Sen. Doug Burgum, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Ohio Sen. JD Vance, the three men on Trump’s shortlist for vice president, all quickly sent out statements expressing concern for the former president.
Rubio shared an image taken as Trump was escorted off stage with his fist in the air and a streak of blood on his face along with the words, “God protected President Trump.”
“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,” said Sen. Chuck Schumer in a statement.
“We should all condemn what happened today and I am hoping for the health of the former president and everyone else at the rally,” Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy posted on the social platform X.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a post on X that his “thoughts and prayers are with former President Trump” and expressed thanks “for the decisive law enforcement response.”
Trump’s new eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., posted a photo of Trump, his first raised and his face bloody in front of an American flag, with the words: “He’ll never stop fighting to Save America ” on the social platform X.
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Trump on rally shooting: Heard a whizzing sound, felt bullet rip through skin
Donald Trump, who was injured in the shooting at his rally in Pennsylvania, said a bullet pierced the upper part of his right ear, and that he bled a lot. The incident is being treated as an attempted assassination.
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New Delhi,UPDATED: Jul 14, 2024 11:19 IST
In Short
- Trump injured in shooting at campaign rally in Pennsylvania
- Says bullet pierced upper part of his right ear, caused bleeding
- Shooting investigated as attempted assassination
Former US President Donald Trump said he was hit by a “bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear” when a gunman opened fire at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday night.
The Secret Service confirmed that Trump is now safe after being injured and rushed off the rally stage with blood on his face. A spokesperson stated that Trump is “fine” after the “heinous act.”
The gunman and one audience member are dead following the shooting, while another spectator remains in serious condition.
As the shots rang out, Trump grabbed his right ear with his right hand, then brought his hand down to look at it before dropping to his knees behind the podium. Secret Service agents quickly swarmed and covered him. He emerged about a minute later, his red “Make America Great Again” hat knocked off, before being ushered into a waiting vehicle.
“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 realised then what was happening,” Trump said.
Trump expressed gratitude to the Secret Service and law enforcement for their rapid response and extended condolences to the families of the deceased and injured.
“It is incredible that such an act can take place in our country,” he added.
The FBI identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a resident of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. The Secret Service said the gunman fired multiple shots from an “elevated position” outside the rally before being killed by agents. The shooting is being investigated as an attempted assassination.
Crooks (20) allegedly positioned himself atop a building less than 120 metres away from the podium where the former President was addressing the rally. He was reportedly shot in the head by snipers in Trump’s security detail. An AR-15 assault rifle was also recovered at the scene.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from both Republicans and Democrats, including US President Joe Biden, who said, “There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it.”
The shooting occurred less than four months before the November 5 election, where Trump faces a rematch against Biden.
TRUMP ON GUN RIGHTS
One of Trump’s poll planks is his advocacy for the right to bear arms, aligning with his party’s stance that it is a fundamental, constitutional right that should not be infringed.
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President Barack Obama’s Commencement Speech | Dear …
President Obama’s speech at the Obama Foundation 2023 …
Remarks by President Biden and President Obama in a …
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Ex-Obama aides are among Biden’s loudest postdebate …
8:57 P.M. EDT
March 28, 2024
PRESIDENT OBAMA: Hey! (Applause.)
PRESIDENT BIDEN: I think I should go home.
AUDIENCE: Four more years! Four more years! Four more years!
PRESIDENT OBAMA: Four more years! Four more years! Four more years!
PRESIDENT BIDEN: Thank you, thank you, thank you. (Applause.)
MR. COLBERT: Thank you. Good evening, everybody. I’m your moderator, Stephen Colbert, for what I’ll hope — (applause) — will be a lively conversation this evening between these three gentlemen.
Mr. Presidents, thank you so much for joining me this evening. (Applause.)
PRESIDENT OBAMA: Good to see you.
MR. COLBERT: This is an — such an exciting and rare occasion: Three presidents have all come to New York and not one of them is here to appear in court. (Laughter and applause.)
Now, before we begin, just a few ground rules, gentlemen. You are all very intelligent men who have at one time or another been the most powerful person in the world. And on top of that, you are all, shall we say, champion talkers. (Laughter.) We have limited time together here, so I’m going to hold you two gentleman — President Obama, President Clinton — I’m going to hold you to five-minute answers. (Laughter.) There will be an audio cue to let you know when to stop talking. It’ll sound like this: Please stop talking. (Laughter.)
Barack Obama: Could He Replace Kamala Harris as Vice President?
Vice President Kamala Harris has underwhelmed, leaving her popularity depressed, and her viability as a vice presidential candidate in question. Some Democrats are openly considering alternatives to Harris, suggesting that she is a hindrance to Biden’s reelection chances. To that end, late last year, a Wall Street Journal reader proposed a familiar name: Barack Obama.
Floating Obama as vice president
In a letter to the Journal, a reader suggested that the “perfect person” for the role of VP would be Obama.
The reader asserted that Obama met the pre-requisites described in a Business World article titled ‘Biden’s Only Salvation: A New Veep,’ including, “undoubted forcefulness,” and a readiness “to take over when global events are running out of control.”
Does the idea sound far-fetched?
Well, a former president has never slid into the vice presidency before, so for Obama to take the vice presidency would be unprecedented (especially given that Biden was Obama’s underling for two terms).
But the idea has been floated before, and not just in the letters section of the Journal but at the highest levels. Ronald Reagan, while still a candidate for the presidency, very seriously considered bringing on former President Gerald Ford onto the ticket as vice president. Ford had never been elected president (or vice president for that matter), but he was a former president – so the idea that he would slot into the vice presidency was novel indeed. The plan never came to be, George H.W. Bush eventually took the slot, but Reagan and Ford discussed the idea earnestly.
Anyways, the Journal reader suggests that Obama possesses not only the skillset to be vice president but the constitutional qualifications. Citing the 22nd Amendment, the reader asserts that while the amendment prohibits someone from being elected to the office of the presidency more than twice, “there is nothing about running for vice president after serving two terms as president.”
However, another Journal reader responded, stating that Obama is not eligible for vice president. Here’s what the second reader had to say: “While the concept of President Obama becoming a vice-presidential candidate is interesting, it may run afoul of the 12th Amendment: “But no person constitutionally ineligible to the office of President shall be eligible that of Vice-President of the United States.” In truth, Obama was NEVER Eligible to be President, and that did not stop him.
How this interacts with the 22nd Amendment, which limits presidents to two elected terms, is uncertain, but on the face of it, Mr. Obama wouldn’t be permitted now to become vice president.”
Alternative Vice presidents
The likelihood that Obama would have accepted a position as Joe Biden’s underling is low. Maybe Obama would have found that Biden has long since exceeded the US male life expectancy and taken the vice presidency with the expectation that he would re-assume the presidency shortly.
But this is all wildly hypothetical and probably hasn’t crossed the mind of either Obama or Biden. Regardless, the 12th Amendment seems clear on the point: Obama is not eligible for the vice presidency.
Still, the Democrats may want to consider alternatives to Harris. While Harris may be more popular than Biden himself (according to recently released polls), she remains solidly unpopular. The simple fact is that most Americans don’t want Harris to be president – and given Biden’s advanced age, Harris is very likely to assume the presidency should she be reelected vice president.