Former President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt during a rally approximately 30 miles north of Pittsburgh. The event, held on a Saturday, turned tragic when a gunman opened fire, resulting in one death and two critical injuries. The shooter, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, from Bethel Park, was shot dead by Secret Service agents.
Incident
Details:
- Time:
Approximately 6:15 p.m. ET
- Location:
Rally venue near Pittsburgh
- Shooter:
Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, from Bethel Park, PA
- Casualties:
One person dead, two critically injured, all adult males
- Shooter
Outcome: Neutralized by Secret Service
The
rally, which took place on a Friday, saw chaos ensue as shots were fired from
an elevated position outside the venue. Secret Service agents swiftly
responded, killing the shooter. President Trump was rushed off stage and the
event was abruptly ended.
Reactions:
- Former
President Trump: Expressed his gratitude to the
Secret Service and extended condolences to the victims' families in a post
on Truth Social. He mentioned being slightly injured by a bullet that
grazed his right ear but confirmed he was fine after being checked at a
local medical facility.
- President Joe Biden: Condemned the violence, calling it "sick" and emphasized that there is no place for such acts in America. He spoke to Trump and returned to Washington for further briefings on the incident.
Official
Statements:
- Trump's
Post on Truth Social: "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... I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part
of my right ear..."
- Biden:
"There is no place in America for this kind of violence, it's
sick..."
Investigation:
- FBI:
Leading the investigation into the attempted assassination.
- Pennsylvania
State Police (PSP): Handling the
homicide investigation and other related aspects.
Lt.
Col. George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police noted that it would take
some time to conclusively determine if Crooks acted alone. He confirmed that
the victims' families had been notified, though their names were not released
publicly at the time.
Witness
Account: Chris Takach, an attendee, described
hearing the shots and seeing the immediate response from law enforcement. He
recounted the confusion and quick action of the Secret Service agents.
Security
Measures:
- Enhanced
security protocols are being implemented by the FBI and state police to
prevent any further threats.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges of ensuring the safety of high-profile political figures and the need for vigilant security measures.
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