On July 13, 2024, during a campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was shot and slightly injured in the ear before being escorted out by the Secret Service. The district attorney of Butler County informed the Associated Press that the shooter had been killed. One bystander at the event also died, with two others sustaining injuries.
Trump is currently undergoing evaluation in a medical facility, described to be in “good condition” according to sources.
Witnesses reported that the first shot appeared to graze Trump before law enforcement shots were heard. The atmosphere at the event quickly turned chaotic with screams and sounds of explosions filling the air.
A bloodstain seen on the right side of Trump’s face indicated the close call. Attendees observed armed soldiers rushing into the event venue.
Video footage of the incident captured nine gunshots, including the initial three shots near Trump.
The shooting took place around 6:15 pm local time while Trump was delivering his speech. Video evidence showed the former president touching his ear after hearing the gunshots, then crouching on the ground as his security detail rushed to the stage. Upon standing up and raising a fist to the crowd, blood was visible on his face. He was promptly rushed to his motorcade and later confirmed safe by the Secret Service.
Thousands had gathered at the Butler campaign rally, fueling speculations that Trump would announce his vice-presidential pick before the upcoming Republican National Convention next week.
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for swiftly responding to this appalling act. He is in good condition and undergoing examination at a local medical facility. Further details will be disclosed in due course,” said Trump’s spokesman Steven Cheung.
According to two law enforcement sources speaking to Columbia Broadcasting System News, the suspect was shot dead by a member of the Secret Service counter-assault team. The sources revealed that the shooter was positioned approximately 200 to 300 feet outside the cordoned rally area and was standing on the roof of a structure believed to be a shed, armed with an AR-style rifle.