Sniper Killed, Trump Injured After Deadly Shooting At Rally (Updated)

Former President Donald J. Trump survived an assassination attempt while on the podium at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

During his speech, Trump suddenly grabbed his ear and dropped to the ground. Seconds later the U.S. Secret Service swarmed the stage, with protection agents physically covering Trump while the Counter Assault Team took position on the stage rifles at the ready. Trump then rose while sandwiched in between a phalanx of agents, fist in the air, and was escorted off the stage into a waiting armored suburban and whisked off the hospital. Clearly, bystanders didn’t know what was going on and one of them was killed and two more were wounded in an attempt on Trump’s life.

What we know is limited at this time. The bullet may have grazed Trump’s cheek and ear, although there could be another explanation for the wound.

The gunman is dead. The attack came from outside the venue, which was under high security with people being searched prior to entry. Counter sniper teams were present on rooftops nearby. We do not know who the attacker was or anything about their motivations. Bystanders say they spotted the attacker on a nearby rooftop and shortly after shots rang out, a person in light-colored clothing was seen lying dead atop a building.

Trump is recuperating at a local hospital and released the following statement:

“I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania. 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. 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. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. 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 realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”

Statement from President Biden:

“I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania.

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.

Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it.”

The Secret Service has also now released a statement:

This is a rapidly developing story. We will update it as new information becomes available.

UPDATE: 10PM EDT—

FBI team enroute to conduct assassination investigation:

More eyewitness accounts:

Possible image of the bullet in flight:

Attorney General Merrick Garland’s statement:

Better view of the counter-snipers after supposedly taking down the shooter:

Unconfirmed image of shooter after law enforcement approached after being taken down:

UPDATE: 10:35PM EDT—

Joe Biden has spoke direct with Donald Trump.

The FBI is now in charge of the investigation.

Absolutely amazing example of brave career photogs doing what they have to in order to get the shot:

Another amazing image caught by a seasoned photographer today:

Biden is returning to the White House from his home in Delaware:

Statement from Blinken:

Biden spoke with reporters briefly while in Delaware:

“THE PRESIDENT: Thanks for coming, folks. I’ve been thoroughly briefed by all the agencies in the federal government as to the situation, based on what we know now.

I have tried to get a hold of Donald. He’s with his doctors. They — apparently, he’s doing well. I plan on talking to him shortly, I hope, when I get back to the telephone.

Look, there is no place in America for this kind of violence. It’s sick. It’s sick. It’s one of the reasons why we have to unite this country. We cannot allow for this to be happening. We cannot be like this. We cannot condone this.

And so — and I want to thank the Secret Service and all the agencies, including the state agencies, that have been engaged in making sure that the people who — and we have more detail to come relative to the other injured — other people who may be injured in the audience. I don’t have all that detail, but we’ll make that available to you.

I may be able to come back a little later tonight. But we’ll put out a statement if we don’t — if I am not able to give — if we — if it’s not convenient for you all.

But the bottom line is that the ra- — the Trump rally was a rally that he should have been able to con- — be conducted peacefully without any problem. But the idea — the idea that there’s political violence or violence in America like this is just unheard of. It was just not appropriate. And we — everybody — everybody must condemn it. Everybody.

I’ll keep you informed. And if I am able to speak to the — to Donald, I’ll — I’ll let you know that as well.

But so far, it appears he’s doing well. Number one.

Number two, that they’re as thoroughly investigating what happened to anyone else in the audience. I have s- — we have some reports, but not final reports.

And every agency in the federal government, and I’ll be — and I’m going back to — to my phone to speak with the federal agencies that are being put together again to give me an updated briefing — has anything happened, have they learned anymore in the last couple hours.

So, thank you very much. And I hope I get to speak to him tonight. And I’ll get to — back to you if I do. Okay?

Q Mr. President, do you think this was an assassination attempt?

THE PRESIDENT: I don’t know enough to — I — I have — I have a — I have an opinion, but I don’t have any facts. So, I want to make sure we have all the facts before I make some comment — any more comments.

Thank you.”

Representative Ronny Jackson says his nephew was shot:

At least two bystanders are in the hospital in critical condition:

Another witness account who reported the shooter on a roof to police:

This is still not confirmed but seems likely at this point as far as the dynamics and positioning of the shooter. It is unclear how this was able to occur and what blindspot and/or manpower issues were in play.

The House is going to execute a full investigation according to Speaker Johnson.

Another surreal photo:

You can get an idea of what it sounded like near the gunfire in this video:

CNN reporting that the suspect is 20 years old from Pennsylvania:

DOJ is going to open a separate national security investigation:

Good overhead view from earlier:

UPDATE: 12:00 PDT—

New video shows the gunman behind his rifle on the rooftop:

FBI is not officially declaring it an assassination attempt:

State police are taking the lead on the murders and attempted murders of others in the crowd:

Another gruesome account:

You can hear some detailed calls from US Secret Service agents in this video of the assassination attempt:

FBI is saying what most are thinking:

UPDATE: 3:00 AM EDT—

The gunmen has been identified by the FBI:

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

The gunmen’s motive remains unknown.

Law enforcement supposedly rushing the shooter’s body off the scene:

Another view of the shooting:

The venue seen after the shooting:

Trump getting off his 757 this evening. He was headed to his country club in Bedminster which has a TFR up overhead:

A updated diagram based on OSINT of the positioning of the shooter in relation to Trump and the counter-sniper team:

Major questions are being raised about the size of security perimeter and how structures so close by, including the one the shooter used, were not within it.

Author’s note: Changed to assassination attempt in the lede.

Contact the author: Tyler@twz.com