Former United States (US) President Donald Trump has survived an attempt to his life during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday evening (local time), when a shooter on a nearby roof opened fire with what appeared to be a rifle, in an attack that is being investigated as an attempted assassination amid claims of major security breach.
The attack that will likely reshape this year’s U.S. presidential race while raising sharp questions about security provided to the Republican candidate.
The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) have since identified the alleged shooter as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania.
The suspect was shot and killed by the Secret Service seconds after he allegedly fired shots toward a stage where Trump and was speaking in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The FBI said it was working to determine a motive for the attack. Trump was shot in the ear.
The shooting killed at least one spectator.
According to local media reports, investigators declined to discuss a motive for the shooting.
At least two other spectators were critically injured on Saturday in Butler.
The agency said the gunman was dead after officers responded.
In the moments after the shooting, Trump was swarmed and covered up by his security agents. He quickly emerged from the scrum, his face streaked with blood, and pumped his fist in the air, mouthing the words “Fight! Fight! Fight!”
In the middle of delivering his rally speech onstage, Trump was reportedly showing off a chart depicting border crossing numbers, when the shots, at least five, were fired at approximately 6:15 pm Eastern Time (ET).
Officials will conduct an investigation to determine how the shooter was able to fire several shots at former President Donald Trump at what should have been a highly secure rally.
“It is surprising, but all of the details of that will come out later in the investigation.” Kevin Rojek, special agent in charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Pittsburgh said.
“There’s going to be a long investigation into what took place. We’re not in a position to start second-guessing how or why or anything at this point. It is incredibly difficult to have a venue open to the public and secure against any possible threat, against a very determined attacker. The investigation will really give us an opportunity to take a look at where any failures occur and what can be done better in the future.” Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens said.
The attack is likely reshape this year’s U.S. presidential race while raising sharp questions about security provided to the Republican candidate.
In the moments after the shooting, Trump was swarmed and covered up by his security agents. He quickly emerged from the scrum, his face streaked with blood, and pumped his fist in the air, mouthing the words “Fight! Fight! Fight!”
Leaders worldwide have expressed their support for Trump and condemned political violence following an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
The shooting on Saturday injured Trump by piercing his right ear and resulted in the death of one bystander, with two other spectators critically wounded.
United Kingdom
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his dismay on Sunday, stating he was “appalled by the shocking scenes” and extended his “best wishes” to Trump. “Political violence in any form has no place in our societies, and my thoughts are with all the victims of this attack,” Starmer wrote.
Canada
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shared his shock, saying he was “sickened” by the shooting. “It cannot be overstated — political violence is never acceptable. My thoughts are with former President Trump, those at the event, and all Americans,” Trudeau wrote.
European Union
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell voiced his shock over the attack, stating, “Once again, we are witnessing unacceptable acts of violence against political representatives,” on social media.
India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep concern for his “friend,” condemning the incident and emphasizing, “Violence has no place in politics and democracies. Wish him a speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the deceased, those injured, and the American people.”
Japan
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida condemned political violence, saying, “We must stand firm against any form of violence that challenges democracy.” He added, “I pray for President Trump’s speedy recovery.”
Hungary
Prime Minister Viktor Orban offered his “thoughts and prayers” for Trump “in these dark hours.”
Italy
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her apprehension and wished Trump a swift recovery. She also hoped that “dialogue and responsibility can prevail over hate and violence” in the coming months of the electoral campaign.
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Australia
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the shooting as “concerning and confronting,” expressing relief that Trump was safe. “There is no place for violence in the democratic process,” he added.
Argentina
President Javier Milei blamed the “international left” for the “cowardly assassination attempt,” accusing them of resorting to terrorism to impose their agenda.
Brazil
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva strongly condemned the shooting, stating, “What we saw today is unacceptable.” He urged all defenders of democracy and political dialogue to denounce the violence.
Chile
President Gabriel Boric issued an “unqualified condemnation” of the attack, emphasizing that “violence is a threat to democracies and weakens our life together.”
Taiwan
President William Lai Ching-te sent his thoughts and prayers to Trump, condemning political violence and offering condolences to the victims affected by the attack.
New Zealand
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed his shock and stated, “No country should encounter such political violence.”
Philippines
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr expressed relief at Trump’s safety and condemned all forms of political violence, emphasizing that “the voice of the people must always remain supreme.”
Israel
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara were “shocked by the apparent attack on President Trump” and prayed for his safety and swift recovery.
The international community’s unified condemnation underscores the global rejection of political violence and the importance of maintaining democratic principles.
