Former President Donald Trump was shot in the ear on July 13 while speaking onstage at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in an incident being investigated as an assassination attempt. The shooter was positioned on a rooftop near the rally site.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:15 p.m. ET while Trump was delivering his speech. Multiple gunshots rang out, prompting Trump to grab his right ear and drop to the ground. Secret Service agents quickly surrounded the former president, protecting him as more gunshots were fired.
After about 45 seconds, agents confirmed the shooter was down. Trump, with a bloodied ear, was lifted to his feet and prepared to be escorted offstage. However, he signaled to the crowd by lifting his fist and mouthing the word "fight," which was met with loud cheers of "USA!" from the attendees. Trump was then taken to his vehicle by Secret Service agents.
The shooting resulted in one attendee's death and critically injured two others. All victims were male, according to the FBI. The incident has raised serious concerns about security at the rally, with lawmakers calling for an investigation into the Secret Service's handling of the event. The shooting comes just before Trump is set to accept the 2024 presidential nomination at the Republican National Convention.
President Joe Biden condemned the shooting, describing it as "sick" and emphasizing the need for unity in the country. The White House confirmed that Biden spoke to Trump by phone following the incident.
Law enforcement sources indicated the shooter fired multiple shots from an elevated position outside the rally venue. The Secret Service confirmed the shooter was killed by agents. The FBI is close to identifying the shooter, though the motive remains unknown.
Trump posted on Truth Social, describing the shooting and expressing gratitude to the Secret Service and law enforcement for their swift response.
"I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. Much bleeding took place. GOD BLESS AMERICA!" Trump wrote.
Rep. Dan Meuser, a Pennsylvania Republican, described the scene as bloody and chaotic. Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger confirmed the shooter used a rifle from a rooftop several hundred yards away. Rally speaker Rico Elmore recounted aiding an attendee who was shot and bleeding, highlighting the chaotic aftermath of the shooting.
Rep. Ronny Jackson, a Texas Republican, reported that his nephew was grazed in the neck by a bullet during the shooting. Jackson described the experience as horrific.
Biden was briefed on the shooting by top security officials and later spoke to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Butler Mayor Bob Dandoy. Biden emphasized the importance of condemning political violence and uniting the country.
Lawmakers across the political spectrum expressed their horror at the event, condemning the violence and sending well wishes to Trump and those injured. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer both called for a unanimous condemnation of the act.
Former Trump campaign adviser David Urban recounted speaking with GOP Senate candidate Dave McCormick, who was present at the rally. McCormick described hearing the shots and the ensuing chaos as Secret Service agents moved to protect those on stage.
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