05:22 Trump: Realize it only now
After the attempted attack at a campaign event, Donald Trump calls for peace and unity. "This is a chance to bring the whole country, indeed the whole world, together," Trump told the Washington Examiner. The incident deeply troubled him. He now realizes "reality is just setting in." Trump survived the attack because he turned away from the crowd in the crucial moment. "I rarely turn away from the crowd. If I had done that in this moment, we wouldn't be having this conversation, or?"
04:46 "NYT": Explosives found in home of Trump Assailant
More information is coming to light about the Trump assailant. Besides the rudimentary explosives found in Thomas Matthew Crooks' car, the 20-year-old may have had explosives in his house. The New York Times reports this based on sources familiar with the investigation.
04:15 Trump Assailant was member of rifle club
According to US media, the Trump assailant was a member of a rifle club. "The Clairton Sportsmen's Club can confirm that Thomas Matthew Crooks was a member," reads a statement from the club's lawyer, Robert Bootay. "Beyond that, the Club cannot provide any further comment on this matter due to ongoing police investigations." The Clairton Sportsmen's Club operates a wooded facility in the southern hills of Pittsburgh with a 200-yard shooting range.
03:31 Federal government preparing for Trump re-election
The federal government is preparing for a possible second presidency for Donald Trump, according to the words of its Transatlantic Coordinator Michael Link. "Besides the intensive preparations of the federal government, which are running very intensively and self-evidently behind the scenes, we also need a consensus of the democratic parties, factions, and political foundations," Link told the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). "I am seeking this consensus regularly and have been intensively networking with the competent colleagues in CDU and CSU on the topic of preparation for a possible scenario Trump 2.0 for a long time." Previously, the deputy CDU faction leader Jens Spahn and the green chairman of the Bundestag European Affairs Committee, Anton Hofreiter, had warned that Germany should prepare better for a possible Trump re-election.
02:25 Biden calls for de-escalation in campaign
US President Joe Biden urged against violence in the US campaign after the attack on his predecessor and opponent Donald Trump. "We settle our disagreements at the ballot box. That's how we do it - at the ballot box, not with bullets," Biden said in a rare address to the nation from the Oval Office in the White House. "We need to lower the heated rhetoric in politics." He reminded Americans that they are "neighbors and friends, not enemies." Biden expressed relief that Trump was not seriously injured in the attack. Biden acknowledged that the campaign was marked by highly heated political rhetoric, but emphasized the high stakes of the upcoming presidential elections.
01:46 Biden resumes campaign planning
After a short campaign pause due to the attack on his predecessor and political rival Donald Trump, US President Joe Biden plans to make public appearances in the coming days. According to the White House, Biden will visit a NAACP conference in Las Vegas on Tuesday. On Wednesday, he is also scheduled to attend a local campaign event in the desert metropolis of Nevada. Biden had canceled a trip to Texas scheduled for Monday and cut short a weekend stay in Delaware to return to the White House.
01:04 Still and frequently bullied: What is known about the shooter Matthew Crooks
The FBI identified the Trump assassination suspect as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. A driver's license photo of Crooks shows him as a young man with side-parted dark blond hair, glasses, and a few freckles on his face. Crooks' former classmates describe him as a "quiet" student who often seemed "lonely," as reported by ABC News. One classmate says Crooks was "socially withdrawn." He cannot remember hearing Crooks talk about politics in general or Trump in particular. Jason Kohler, who claims to have attended the same high school as the alleged shooter, tells reporters that Crooks was often bullied. "He was quiet, but he was just bullied. He was bullied so much." Crooks, who occasionally wore hunter's clothing, was mocked for his clothing style.
00:35 "Next time not miss": Democratic congresswoman fires employee for Facebook post
Democratic Congressman Bennie Thompson of the US House of Representatives fired an employee who posted on social media that she wished the Trump assassination suspect had aimed better. According to the "New York Times," Jacqueline Marsaw wrote on Facebook: "I don't condone violence, but please take shooting lessons, so you don't miss next time. Oops, that wasn't me who spoke." Thompson, who represents Mississippi's second district, writes on X, expresses gratitude that Trump is doing well. He adds that there is no place for political violence in America's democracy.
23:50 No escalation of security measures at Republican convention
The Secret Service agent in charge of security for the Republican convention, Audrey Gibson-Cicchino, reports that security measures for the large event have not been escalated yet. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson does not see the possibility of banning weapons in the outdoor area of the convention site in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as an additional precaution. Carrying weapons is protected by state law, he says. At the Mega-Event, Trump is scheduled to be officially nominated as the Republican Party's presidential candidate this week. Trump is trying to avoid giving the impression of weakness: He announced that he would travel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Sunday afternoon (local time) to attend the party convention. The event takes place there.
23:21 Biden: Motive of Attacker still unclear
After the attempted attack on US Presidential candidate Donald Trump, the motive of the shooter is still unclear. "We have no information on the motive of the shooter," says US President Joe Biden at the White House to journalists. Biden urges the public not to make assumptions and to let the law enforcement agencies do their job.
22:53 Financial markets expect "landslide victory for Trump"
Following the attempted attack on US Presidential candidate Donald Trump, financial markets need to recalibrate. The bullet that hit the Republican at an election rally could increase Trump's chances of winning - and thus, financial markets may be focusing on this, say investors. "The election is likely to be a landslide. This reduces uncertainty, most likely," says Nick Ferres, Chief Investment Manager at Vantage Point Asset Management. Rong Ren Goh, Portfolio Manager of Eastspring Investments in Singapore, expects the Dollar to continue its upward trend and investors to focus on a steeper yield curve for US Treasury bonds.
22:07 Injured victims in stable condition
The two people who were severely injured in the attempted attack on Donald Trump are in stable condition, according to Pennsylvania police. At a campaign rally, a man from the audience was killed. The alleged shooter was shot by security guards. Trump was only slightly injured, while two attendees were severely injured.
21:57 FBI: Shooter acted alone, no ideology identified yet
The FBI issues a warning: The alleged shooter acted alone, and there is no further danger to security, says a representative of the US Federal Police. The incident is being classified as a domestic terror attack and an attempted assassination. The FBI is investigating the social media accounts of the 20-year-old, who was killed. However, there have been no identifiable signs of an ideology or a psychological condition of the alleged shooter so far. The weapon was legally purchased, most likely by the suspect's father. Bomb experts have also secured a suspicious device in the suspect's car, which has been taken to the lab for further investigation.
21:42 British Prime Minister Starmer calls Trump
Britain's new Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reportedly called Donald Trump after the attack, according to government sources. He condemned the violence and expressed his condolences for the victims and their families. Trump and the other injured were wished a quick recovery by the British news agency PA.
21:16 They will wait for this: Söder gives Democrats an "external recommendation"
"Violence is certainly not a means of dispute resolution," says CSU chairman Markus Söder and wishes Donald Trump a speedy recovery after the attack. He assesses the consequences for the Presidential campaign and gives the Democrats a tip.
20:47 Trump plans to travel to Wisconsin Republican Party convention soon
Just one day after the attack on him, former US President Donald Trump plans to travel to the Republican Party convention in Wisconsin, according to a post on the online platform Truth Social. He writes that he will leave for Milwaukee on Sunday afternoon local time and will not change his schedule.
20:39 Biden announces plans
US-President Joe Biden cancels a planned trip to Texas at short notice. The White House announces this. Biden had originally intended to travel to the southern state on Monday. After the shootings at Trump's rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday evening local time, Biden had already cut short a weekend stay in Delaware and returned early to the government headquarters in Washington.
20:11 Biden announces heightened security measures for Republican convention
US-President Joe Biden announces an address to the nation and calls for unity. "We must stand together as a nation," Biden says at the White House and announces that he will make an official statement to American citizens in the evening (Monday in US time) from the Oval Office. For the Republican convention, which begins on Monday, security measures will be increased, Biden also announces. An independent investigation into the background of the attack is also to be carried out. Biden and his deputy Kamala Harris were informed of the latest investigation status by law enforcement and security agencies in the morning.
20:07 Live on ntv: Biden speaks on Trump assassination attempt
US-President Joe Biden speaks on the attempted assassination of his rival Donald Trump. Biden had already spoken out on Saturday a few hours after the incident and said, "There is no place for this kind of violence in America." He then spoke on the phone with Trump. Biden was briefed on the status of the investigations by the heads of the FBI and the Secret Service, the security agency for presidents and former presidents, in the morning.
19:43 Firefighter threw himself in front of family and died "as a hero"
The man killed at a campaign rally of former US President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania was a firefighter and family man. Democratic Governor of Pennsylvania Josh Shapiro announced this and said he had spoken to his wife and daughters. The man died "as a hero" and threw himself in front of his family to protect them when the shootings occurred at the Trump rally. He was a "passionate supporter" of Trump. In addition to the man who died, two other spectators were injured. Shapiro said their condition was critical.
19:13 Many Republicans blame Biden and the Democrats
The majority of Republicans in Congress offer prayers and support for former President Donald Trump in the hours after the shooting at a campaign event in Butler. According to the "Washington Post," about 30 of them directly blame US President Joe Biden, the Democratic Party, or journalists for the alleged instigation of the attack - despite Biden's clear condemnation of the violence and his statement that "every form of political violence must be denounced."
18:44 Former German US Ambassador: Imitators or Avengers more likely
The former German ambassador to the US, Wolfgang Ischinger, warns of the danger of a spiral of violence in the US election campaign. "Imitators - against Trump -, or Avengers - against Joe Biden - are more likely," he tells the "Tagesspiegel." This is all the more true because "multiple conspiracy theories will further confuse the already uncertain American electorate." The Transatlantic Coordinator of the German government, Michael Link, also fears further political polarization in the US. "That must not happen. It's important now to maintain calm and respect. President Joe Biden did that with his call to Donald Trump," says the FDP politician.
18:06 Trump Supporters see conspiracy theories confirmed
The shots at Donald Trump could be decisive for the upcoming US presidency election, explains Frank Umbach. The security expert finds it "incomprehensible" that there was no follow-up on the hints about the shooter and praises the Democrats for "the right reaction."
17:37 "He will never stop fighting for the salvation of America" - Trump's children express themselves
The children of former President Donald Trump pay tribute to their father and thank the agents who protected him. "He will never stop fighting for the salvation of America," writes Donald Trump Jr. on Twitter along with a photo of his father with a bloodied face raising his fist. Eric Trump shares the same photo on Instagram with a similar message in capital letters. In an Instagram story, Tiffany Trump thanks God that her father is still alive. "Political violence is never the answer," she writes, thanking the law enforcement agencies and the Secret Service, and honoring the victims. "As you saw today, my father is a fighter, and he will continue to fight for you and the USA." Ivanka Trump, who previously announced that she would not participate in her father's presidential campaign this year, also thanks the bodyguards and writes: "I continue to pray for our country," and: "I love you, Dad, today and always."
17:15 Shooter had explosives in his car
The Trump assassin had explosives in his car, according to information from the "Wall Street Journal." The car was secured near the crime scene, reports the newspaper, citing unidentified sources. The weapon used for the assassination was bought by the father of the alleged assassin, reports the newspaper and ABC News further. It is said to be an AR-15 rifle. The rifle was developed in the 1950s, initially for the military. The AR-15 is the civilian version of this rifle. Technically speaking, continuous fire is not possible with this weapon. Skilled shooters can, however, fire many shots in a very short time.
16:59 Melania Trump speaks out
After the attempted assassination on ex-US President Donald Trump, Melania also speaks out. The guard who was killed in the attack was a "Monster" who tried to extinguish "Donald's passion, his laughter, his inventiveness, his love for music and his enthusiasm," explains the former First Lady of the USA at X. When she saw that a bullet had grazed her husband, she realized that her life and that of her son Barron were "on the brink of a devastating change." Melania Trump thanks the security guards of her husband.
16:26 "You are not behind me, you are behind each other" - Trump campaign launches fundraising appeal
In the opinion of Brad Bannon, a democratic strategist, the incident could be used by Trump. It fits the narrative of the former US President that the country is on the wrong track. "The attempted attack generates sympathy for Trump," says Bannon. "It confirms also the perception of his voters that something fundamental is wrong in this country." Trump's appearances at the four-day Republican nomination convention in Milwaukee, which begins on Monday, could be fueled by the attack. "If the country wasn't a powder keg before, it is now," says Chip Felkel, a republican political analyst who is not a Trump supporter. Hours after the incident, Trump's campaign launched a fundraising appeal via text message. "You are not behind me, you are behind each other," reads the message to voters.
16:08 Concerns before the convention: Republicans working with 40 security agencies
The chairman of the Republicans, Michael Whatley, assures that the agencies are working intensively to ensure security at the upcoming convention in Milwaukee. They are working with 40 different security agencies, as Whatley tells Fox News.
15:44 Top Trump advisors: "If something seems strange, please report it immediately"
Top advisors of Donald Trump's campaign team advise caution. "We are increasing armed security presence 24/7 with officers on site. Additional security checks are being conducted. Our top priority is to ensure the safety of all staff," quotes the "Washington Post" Trump campaign advisors Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles from a joint memo. "We urge you to recognize the political polarization in this heated election. If something seems strange, please report it immediately to the leadership or a security team on site," it continues.
15:24 Witnesses describe chaotic scenes at Trump shooting
During Trump's campaign speech in Pennsylvania, shots were fired, causing chaos and panic. Witnesses speak of speculation about fireworks, the sound of gunshots, guards on the roof, and the moment Trump fell to the ground.
14:58 Leading Republican: "We need to lower the rhetoric"The President of the US House of Representatives, Republican Mike Johnson, is working to calm things down. "We need to lower the rhetoric," he says on MSNBC. "We need to lower the temperature in this country."
14:30 Expert: "Trump assassination attempt is an opportunity for Biden"
14:03 Trump calls for reconciliation "It is more important than ever that we come together," writes Donald Trump on his platform "Truth Social." He is looking forward to speaking in Wisconsin "to our great country" this week. In Milwaukee in the US state of Wisconsin, the Republican nominating convention takes place from Monday to Thursday. Trump writes further, he is praying for the wounded and keeping the memory of the slain civilian "in our hearts." Trump had already called for unity in his inaugural speech as US President in January 2017.
12:58 NATO Secretary-General Stoltenberg shocked by assassination attempt NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is shocked over the assassination attempt on Trump. "I am appalled by the attempted assassination of former President Trump," Stoltenberg writes on X. He wishes him a speedy recovery and is thinking of the victims. Political violence has no place in democracies. The NATO allies are standing together to defend freedom and values.
12:13 Video shows seconds between shooter's shots and Secret Service shots The American gossip news site TMZ shows a video in which it appears that both the shooter's shots and the shots that likely saved Trump's life can be heard. The attack caused panic among the onlookers. The recording was made from outside the area where the rally was taking place, as TMZ reports.
11:40 Secret Service denies Republican claim The Secret Service has denied the Republican claim that they had refused additional security resources for Trump in the last months. "The claim that a member of the former President's security team requested additional security resources that were denied by the Secret Service or the Home Security Department is absolutely false," said Secret-Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi. In fact, the Secret Service had recently increased security measures.
Few hours after the attack on Trump, Republican representative Michael Waltz said he had "reliable sources" who told him that there had been repeated requests for stronger intelligence service protection for President Trump. Waltz did not provide any evidence.
11:16 Steinmeier wishes Trump a speedy recovery Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier condemns the assassination attempt and expresses his condolences to the family of the victim: "I condemn the assassination attempt on the 45th US President, Donald J. Trump," Steinmeier writes in a statement. "Violence has no place in our democracy - not in America, not here. We can all contribute: Let us reject violence in political disputes! Let us push back hatred and incitement from election campaigns and debates! Democracy tolerates sharp controversies - but violence destroys democracy. Donald J. Trump and the injured I wish a speedy recovery. My deep condolences go to the family of the victim of the attack."
10:32 Expert: "Trump produced that image directly, instinctively" Seconds after the shots were fired, Donald Trump stands up, covered in blood, and raises his fist at Secret Service agents. Political scientist Thomas Jaeger sees the "master of political marketing" at work here. What matters now is whether Trump can continue to spin his "witch hunt" narrative.
10:10 Sharpshooter appeared to have noticed the assassin just before the first shotsA video posted on X shows a sharpshooter at the Trump rally precisely when the shots were fired. Sharpshooters are deployed at such events by the Secret Service to secure the area - which apparently did not go as planned in this case. The sharpshooter seems to have been observing something or someone through his telescopic sight. He recoils, just before the shots can be heard, suggesting that he became aware of the shooter as a threat in that moment. Shortly thereafter, the assassiner was shot.
09:23 Participant warned of the assassin before the attackBefore the shooting at Trump's rally in Butler, participants had noticed a man with a rifle on a roof nearby. One of them, Greg Smith, informed on-site security personnel: "Hey man, there's a guy with a rifle on the roof", he later told the BBC. Their response was: "Huh?", implying they had not known what was going on. "I thought: Why is Trump still speaking? Why didn't they take him off the stage? ... The next thing I heard were five gunshots."
09:15 Scholz condemns the attack on TrumpGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz issued a statement on X regarding the attempted assassination of Trump: "The attack on US Presidential candidate Donald Trump is despicable. I wish him a quick recovery. My thoughts are also with the people affected by the attack. Such acts of violence threaten democracy."
08:28 Photographer took picture of possible projectileDoug Mills, a photographer for the "New York Times", apparently took a picture at the exact moment a bullet narrowly missed Trump. Michael Harrigan, a retired FBI agent, told the newspaper that the photo "could very well show the air displacement from a bullet". Generally, it is possible to photograph a flying bullet, Harrigan added. Mills used a Sony digital camera at the Trump rally, which can take up to 30 pictures per second. The photo was taken with a shutter speed of 1/8000 seconds.
08:00 Alleged shooter registered as a RepublicanThe FBI has identified the alleged shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks. He is from the small town of Bethel Park in the US state of Pennsylvania, about an hour south of Butler, where the Trump rally took place. Crooks is a registered Republican. According to reports, he donated $15 to a Democratic donation organization on the day Biden was inaugurated in January 2021.
The "New York Post" notes that Crooks was 17 years old at the time of the donation. He registered as a Republican member in September 2021, when he turned 18.
07:46 Expert: "Secret Service must answer some questions"Donald Trump, as a former President and candidate, is under the protection of the Secret Service. At all campaign events, there are highest security measures, as Obama's former campaign advisor Julius van de Laar reports. It remains to be determined how it was possible for a shooter to approach, given these security arrangements.
07:38 World leaders shocked by attack on TrumpState and government heads worldwide react with shock to the attack on former President Trump. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen writes on X, expressing deep shock, wishing Trump a quick recovery, and expressing her condolences to the innocent victim's family. "Political violence has no place in a democracy", she writes. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also expresses similar sentiments. "My thoughts are with former President Trump, the attendees, and all Americans."
The United Nations condemns the attack on Trump. "The Secretary-General strongly condemns this act of political violence," the UN spokesperson announces, adding that he wishes Trump a swift recovery. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shares that he is "appalled" by the news of the attack. "Such violence has no justification and no place in the world. Never should violence prevail." Zelenskyy also wishes Trump a quick recovery.
Biden had already stated on Saturday evening (local time) that he was grateful that Trump was safe and doing well. In the US, "there is no place for this kind of violence."
07:21 Open questions to the Secret ServiceFBI agent Kevin Rojek speaks at a press conference, finding it "surprising" that the protective agent was able to fire several shots. In response to a question about security measures, he states that such questions should be answered by the Secret Service. Although the name suggests otherwise, the Secret Service is not a secret service but is, among other things, responsible for the security of US presidents and former US presidents.
"They conduct the initial security assessments and determine where the various security sites should be located," Rojek explains. "And they are the ones responsible for securing the crime scene." A representative of the Secret Service is not present at the press conference. "Nobody was available," Rojek explains.
07:04 Trump in New Jersey, apparently unharmedA Trump spokesperson posts a video on social media that shows Trump leaving an airport in New Jersey without assistance. His injured ear is not visible in the video. The Republicans have already announced that the nominating convention will take place as planned; the convention takes place from Monday to Thursday in Milwaukee. There, Trump will officially be nominated as the Republican presidential candidate. US President Biden stated that the Democrats would stop all campaign ads as soon as possible.
06:50 Shooter fired from a roof near the rallyAnthony Guglielmi, a spokesperson for the Secret Service, states that the suspect fired "multiple shots towards the stage" and was located "on an elevated position outside the event perimeter." This suggests that a roof near the rally could be meant.
06:39 Shooter is reportedly a 20-year-old from PennsylvaniaThe person who shot Trump is a 20-year-old man from Pennsylvania, according to a source familiar with the investigation of the "Washington Post." Officially, the FBI states that they have not yet identified the shooter but are "close" to doing so. The shooter is deceased. According to Pennsylvania police, it is too early to say whether it was a lone gunman. There is also no indication of "any further threat."
06:25 Media: Trump discharged from hospital late SaturdayAccording to a report by the news agency Bloomberg, Trump was discharged from the hospital late on a Saturday evening (local time).
06:01 FBI confirms attempted murder against ex-President Trump at rallyFollowing shootings at a campaign event in the US state of Pennsylvania, the FBI has classified the incident as an "attempted murder" against former President Donald Trump. "This is an attempt against our former president Donald Trump," FBI agent Kevin Rojek said in Butler, the location of the rally. Trump was injured at the ear, according to official reports, and a bystander was killed, and two others were seriously injured.
04:41 Biden calls Trump personally after attackUS President Joe Biden called Trump personally after the attack on his predecessor, according to the White House, without disclosing the contents of the conversation. On Sunday, Biden will be briefed by law enforcement agencies on the status of the investigation, it was further stated.
03:58 Republicans to hold convention despite Trump attackThe US Republicans plan to hold their nominating convention in Milwaukee this week as planned, despite the attack on their presidential candidate Donald Trump. The party and Trump's campaign team made this known in a joint statement. The Republicans are due to gather in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from Monday for their nominating convention to officially nominate the 78-year-old as their presidential candidate.
03:54 Shooter fired from elevated positionThe shooter in the attack on Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump fired from an elevated position outside the event venue, according to the Secret Service. One person was killed and two others were seriously injured. Initially, there was talk of a seriously injured person.
02:55 Trump: I was hit by a bullet in the earFormer US President Donald Trump, according to his own statements, was injured in the ear during the attack at a campaign event in Pennsylvania. "I was hit by a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
00:33 Shots fired at Trump: Secret Service escorts ex-President from stageFormer US President Donald Trump was escorted from the stage by security personnel during a campaign event in Pennsylvania after shots were fired. In the images, Trump is seen with a bloody ear and raised fist.
In light of the new developments, Joe Biden emphasizes the importance of de-escalating political rhetoric during the US campaign, stating, "We settle our disagreements at the ballot box, not with bullets." As the investigation into the Trump assailant continues, it's revealed that he was a member of the Clairton Sportsmen's Club, a facility known for its 200-yard shooting range. This information adds layers of complexity to the ongoing discussions surrounding the United States Presidency Election 2024.
