Trump survives assassination attempt; FBI identifies shooter. This is what we know

Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt on Saturday night after a gunman opened fire at his campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania.

Trump was injured in the attack and quickly escorted off the stage, but issued a statement shortly afterward saying he was “fine.” The gunman was killed, as was one rally attendee. Two other attendees were seriously injured, according to the Secret Service.

Authorities identified the gunman as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, but have not yet determined a motive for the shooting. The FBI and Pennsylvania state law enforcement said they are working together on an active investigation.

Here’s what we know about the shooting:

Is Trump OK?

Trump was injured in the attack – a video showed blood pouring from his right ear immediately afterward – and was taken to a nearby hospital. His campaign released a statement shortly afterward saying he was “fine.”

On Truth Social, Trump’s social media platform, the former president later said he was “hit by a bullet that pierced the top of my right ear. I knew immediately something was wrong because I heard a whooshing sound, gunshots and immediately felt the bullet go through the skin. There was a lot of bleeding, so I realized what had happened.”

Trump left the Butler, Pennsylvania, area on Saturday evening, according to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. He still plans to attend the Republican National Convention, which begins Monday, according to a statement released after the shooting.

What happened?

A gunman opened fire during Trump’s rally near Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday night at around 6:15 p.m., shortly after the former president took the stage.

Video of the incident showed several pops before Trump grabbed his right ear. Secret Service agents quickly stormed the stage and threw themselves at Trump to protect him. After a few moments, someone was heard saying “shooter down” and the Secret Service let Trump stand up. The presumptive Republican presidential nominee was visibly bleeding from the area around his right ear and was heard asking Secret Service agents to get him his shoes as they began to escort him to his convoy. Trump also raised his fist defiantly toward the crowd.

In a press conference late Saturday night, Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek called the attack an “assassination.”

The Secret Service, which is responsible for protecting presidents, former presidents and candidates for office, described the incident as follows:

Was anyone else injured?

Yes, the shooter was killed by the Secret Service. A male bystander died in the attack, and two other male visitors suffered serious injuries, according to the Secret Service and Pennsylvania state authorities.

What do we know about the shooter?

The FBI released a statement early Sunday morning identifying the shooter:

“The FBI has identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the perpetrator involved in the July 13 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is asked to submit photos or videos online at FBI.gov/butler or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.”

Is there still a danger to the population?

While the investigation is ongoing, Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens said there is “no reason to believe there is another threat out there.” Investigators said late Saturday they were continuing to try to determine whether the suspect acted alone.

What happens next?

The FBI and Pennsylvania state authorities will continue their investigation together. The FBI will lead the investigation and local authorities will deal with the murder and injuries of the rally participants.

Rojek said they were continuing to search for a motive for the shooting. Officials called the location an “active crime scene.”

Law enforcement is also urging anyone who attended the rally or who may have information about the incident to come forward.

As for Trump, the Republican National Convention begins in Milwaukee on Monday, where he will seek his third nomination as the party’s presidential candidate. Trump said Saturday night that he would still attend the convention despite the shooting.

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• Heads of state and government around the world condemn the shooting at Trump’s rally and condemn political violence. “Heads of state and government of several countries expressed their dismay at the incident, condemned the political violence and wished Trump a speedy recovery.” (Reuters)

• According to officials, the shooting at Trump’s rally is being investigated as an attempted murder. “Law enforcement recovered an AR-style rifle at the scene, according to a third person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing investigation.” (Associated Press)

• Four US presidents have been assassinated, others have been victims of attacks, as have presidential candidates. “Before the apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump on Saturday, there were numerous cases of political violence against U.S. presidents, former presidents, and major party presidential candidates.” (Associated Press)

• A Trump rally attendee said he saw the suspected shooter “going from roof to roof.” “Macer said he could not clearly see the suspected shooter, but reiterated that he saw him walking from building to building.” (CBS News)

• Biden says he is grateful that Trump is safe after the shooting at the rally and condemns political violence. “‘It’s sick,’ the president added.” (CNN)

• Eyewitnesses describe the scene of the shooting at Trump rally: “It is pure madness” Eyewitnesses who spoke to CNN on Saturday described a horrific scene following a shooting at a rally hosted by former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. (CNN)