* One spectator dies and two others critically injured as multiple shots were fired by gunman
* Rooftop assassin confirmed shot dead by authorities
During a rally for former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, a shooter positioned on a rooftop outside the venue fired multiple shots, causing chaos. According to law enforcement sources and a police officer at the scene, the shooter targeted Trump from an elevated position just outside the rally, prompting the Secret Service to take swift action. The incident resulted in the death of one attendee, two critically injured, and the shooter being neutralized.
Trump’s resilience seen barely minutes after multiple shots were fired at him
President Joe Biden, closely monitoring the situation, expressed relief that Trump was safe despite a bullet grazing his ear and condemned the violence, emphasizing the need for national unity.
International leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, offered their support and prayers for Trump’s recovery and condemned the act of violence.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas stated that all measures are being taken to ensure the safety of both President Biden and former President Trump. Despite the incident, the Republican National Convention will proceed as planned, nominating Trump formally in Milwaukee.
House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer called for the Secret Service director to appear for a hearing, praising the agency’s rapid response and condemning political violence. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that such acts have no place in American democracy.
As investigations continue, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is working closely with the Secret Service to uncover more details about the incident. Trump’s spokesperson confirmed that the former president is safe and being evaluated at a medical facility. The rally was described by attendees as chaotic and frightening, with rapid responses from law enforcement and emergency services.
The rally speaker, Rico Elmore, who assisted an injured attendee, was visibly shaken but unhurt. Political leaders across the spectrum, including Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Barack Obama, and Senator Chuck Schumer, condemned the violence and expressed their relief that Trump was not seriously injured.
In his statement, Trump thanked the Secret Service and extended condolences to the family of the deceased attendee. The incident is being investigated as a potential assassination attempt, highlighting the heightened political tensions and the urgent need for civility in political discourse.
As investigations continue, the FBI and Secret Service are working together to uncover the details of the shooting. The incident has reignited discussions on political violence and the need for enhanced security measures for political figures in the United States.
International Support:
World leaders took to social media to express their support for Trump and condemn the violence. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, “Sara and I were shocked by the apparent attack on President Trump. We pray for his safety and speedy recovery.” Honduran President Xiomara Castro de Zelaya commented on the broader implications of the violence, saying, “Violence generates more violence. I am sorry for what is happening in the United States electoral process. My solidarity with @realDonaldTrump.”
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán added, “My thoughts and prayers are with President @realDonaldTrump in these dark hours.” The UK Prime Minister’s office issued a strong condemnation, “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.” Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasized the need to stand against violence, “We must stand firm against any form of violence that challenges democracy. I pray for former President Trump’s speedy recovery.” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell Fontelles also expressed his shock and condemnation, “Shocked by the news of the attack on President Trump, which I strongly condemn. Once again, we are witnessing unacceptable acts of violence against political representatives.”
Historical Context:
This incident adds to the long history of assassination attempts against U.S. presidents and candidates. According to CNN, former presidents who have survived assassination attempts include:
- Andrew Jackson: Attacked while attending a funeral, but the shooter’s gun failed.
- Theodore Roosevelt: Shot by a saloon keeper during the 1912 campaign.
- Franklin D. Roosevelt: Targeted in Miami in 1933, resulting in the death of Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak instead.
- Harry Truman: Shot at by Puerto Rican nationalists in 1950.
- George Wallace: Paralyzed after being shot during his 1972 presidential campaign.
- Gerald Ford: Survived two assassination attempts in 1975.
- Ronald Reagan: Shot in 1981, with his press secretary, James Brady, suffering more severe injuries.
- Barack Obama: Targeted in 2011 when shots were fired at the White House.
Four presidents namely Abraham Lincoln, James A. Garfield, William McKinley, and John F. Kennedy were assassinated while in office.
