11:55 Many years before Trump: The man, "who destroyed American politics"
The shootings at Donald Trump during a campaign event mark the lowest point of the polarizing fight between political factions in the USA, according to historian Annika Brockschmidt, who explains how political enemies became enemies:
11:19 "The examples that political leaders will give in the coming days are crucial"
Regarding the attempted assassination of Ex-President Donald Trump and the beginning of the Republican Party convention, where the 78-Year-Old is set to be officially declared the Presidential candidate, the "Los Angeles Times" writes: "The examples that political leaders will give in the coming days are crucial for how the rest of the campaign season will unfold. (...) Trump and the top Republicans gathering in Milwaukee this week carry a special responsibility to not use the attack as a means to incite their base. They must recognize that the USA is a powder keg right now, and the heated rhetoric should be toned down before sparks fly. For the moment, they must recognize that violence, once unleashed, is non-partisan." Previously, President Biden had already called on US citizens to renounce violence.
10:42 After Shootings on Trump: "The divide in the USA is getting deeper"
Could the attempted assassination on Donald Trump be a moment of inner-political reconciliation for the American society? Politologist Thomas Jaeger sees no signs for it. On the contrary, the split in the country may worsen.
10:13 Initial Analyses: Chances of a Victory at the Election for Trump increase
The attempted assassination on the former US President Donald Trump at a campaign event over the weekend has increased his chances of winning the November election, according to Ipek Ozkardeskaya, analyst at Swissquote Bank. The chances for a victory of Trump, who is positively evaluated by the market according to the analyst, rose to 67 percent, compared to 61 percent before the assassination attempt. "Although the assassination attempt fuels concerns about a deeply divided America where political violence is gaining the upper hand, it has increased the chances that Trump will win the Presidential elections in November," the analyst explains.
09:54 The Assassination Attempt as a Campaign Boost? Boese: Berlin is preparing for Trump 2.0
The German government has been planning for the possibility that Donald Trump could return to the White House for some time. Many in political Berlin recall the first term unfavorably, as ntv correspondent Heike Boese summarizes:
09:25 "Heated moments could now become very, very dangerous"
The Chairwoman of the SPD, Saskia Esken, says in the RTL/ntv Morning Show about the question of whether the assassination attempt will increase Trump's chances of winning: "That's to be expected, yes, that he and especially his supporters will use this incident to further heat up the situation. We have had similar situations in the past that ended up at the Capitol. Such heated moments could now become very, very dangerous, not only in terms of a victory in the election." On the question of how Germany and the Federal Government should react if Trump wins the Presidential elections, the SPD Chairwoman says: "That's a given that the Federal Government, that governments in Europe are aware that they need to draw closer together."
08:48 "Have we overlooked something?" - Secret Service under scrutiny after Trump shooting
Following the shooting of Donald Trump, the Secret Service is under scrutiny. The service failed to provide adequate protection for the ex-President. "The Congress will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the previous incident to determine where security lapses occurred and what else the American people need to know," says Mike Johnson, a Republican and Trump supporter, speaking to NBC. Robert E. McDonald, a professor at the University of New Haven who worked for the Secret Service for 20 years, also tells the "New York Times": "Have we overlooked something? And if we have overlooked something, we must stand up and take responsibility for it." McDonald wonders why the Secret Service did not secure the building with snipers.
08:05 Secret Service under fire: Shots at Trump: "Officer might have been the assassin's follower"
Following the planned shooting of Donald Trump, the Secret Service faces many questions. Trump himself has so far only commented on Truth Social regarding the incident, and the Republican convention is approaching. ntv-correspondent Christopher Wittich summarizes the latest developments.
07:34 After shooting: Biden doesn't want a "battlefield"
US President Biden speaks out again on the shooting of his political opponent Donald Trump, both in a speech and on social media. The 81-year-old writes on X: "Disagreements are inevitable in the American democracy. They are part of human nature. But politics should never be a literal battlefield, or - God forbid - a deadly battlefield."
06:57 The attack has turned everything upside down
The Australian newspaper "Sydney Morning Herald" writes about the shooting of Donald Trump: "US President Joe Biden faces a delicate balancing act as America continues to reel from the shooting of his biggest political rival. After weeks of discussions during the TV debate, Biden had planned to intensify his attacks on Donald Trump in the coming weeks to prove to the Democrats that he has the mental and physical strength to beat the disruptive Republicans in the November election. The strategy was simple: present the strengths of his accomplishments in his first term, present a bold vision for the future, and go on the offensive against Trump by portraying him as the greatest threat to democracy in the US. But the shooting of the former president on Saturday has turned everything upside down. Facing the fear of escalating violence, Biden knows he cannot afford to further stoke the tensions of a country teeming with hostility, anger, and fear."
06:38 A grand show is coming: Trump has arrived in Milwaukee
Following the party primaries in the individual states, both the Democrats and Republicans must officially confirm their overall results on a national level. This happens at the respective nomination conventions. The Democrats will gather for this purpose in the middle of August in Chicago, Illinois. The Republican nomination convention, on the other hand, takes place this time from July 15 to 18 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Trump has already arrived in the city. He can present himself for the first time as the clear leader of the Republicans at a nomination convention. In 2016, he entered as an outsider, and in 2020, the Republicans were prevented from holding a large, pompous event due to the pandemic.
06:14 The Trump assassination attempt affects the stock market
Asian stock markets react with uncertainty to the attempted assassination of US Presidential candidate Donald Trump. Investors are concerned about potential implications for future US economic policy. Bond yields for government bonds increased, which experts attribute to the expectation of a potentially inflationary and debt-intensive economic policy under a Trump presidency. In addition, stricter immigration laws could worsen the labor market and drive wages up. "The market reaction to a Trump presidency was previously characterized by a stronger dollar and a steeper curve of US government bonds," says Rong Ren Goh, Portfolio Manager at Eastspring Investments in Singapore. "We may observe some of these developments in the coming week if the election chances improve further following this incident."
05:56 Trump: I'm just realizing it now
In the aftermath of the assassination attempt at a campaign rally, Donald Trump calls for calm and unity. "This is an opportunity for the whole country, indeed the whole world, to come together," Trump told the "Washington Examiner." The incident deeply disturbed Trump. He now realizes the gravity of the situation ("Reality is just setting in"). Trump survived the attack because he turned away from the crowd at the crucial moment. "I rarely turn away from the crowd. If I hadn't done that in this moment, we wouldn't be having this conversation, or?"
05:22 NYT: Explosives found in Trump assassination suspect's house
More information is coming to light about the Trump assassination suspect. In addition to rudimentary explosives found in Thomas Matthew Crooks' car, the 20-year-old reportedly had potential explosives in his house. This was reported by the "New York Times" based on sources involved in the investigation.
04:46 Trump assassination suspect was a member of a shooting range
According to US media, the Trump assassination suspect was a member of a shooting range. "The Clairton Sportsmen's Club can confirm that Thomas Matthew Crooks was a member," the club's lawyer, Robert Bootay, stated in a declaration. "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 German government preparing for potential second presidency of Trump
The German government is preparing for a possible second presidency of Donald Trump, according to its Transatlantic Coordinator Michael Link. "Besides the intensive preparations of the German government, which are running very intensively and naturally confidential behind the scenes, we also need a consensus of the democratic parties, factions, and political foundations," Link told the Redaction Network Germany (RND). "I am regularly seeking this consensus and have been networking intensively with the competent colleagues in CDU and CSU on the topic of preparation for a possible scenario Trump 2.0," says the FDP politician. Previously, Jens Spahn, the deputy chairman of the CDU, and Anton Hofreiter, the green chairman of the Bundestag European Affairs Committee, had called on Germany to better prepare for a potential victory by Trump.
02:25 Biden calls for de-escalation in campaign
US President Joe Biden urged for de-escalation in the US campaign following the attack on his predecessor and political rival Donald Trump. "We settle our differences at the ballot box. That's how it works - 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 were "neighbors and friends, not enemies." Biden expressed relief that Trump was not seriously injured in the incident. He acknowledged that the campaign had been marked by highly heated political rhetoric but emphasized the high stakes of the upcoming presidential elections.
01:46 Biden resumes campaign planning
Following a brief campaign pause due to the attack on his predecessor and political opponent Donald Trump, US President Joe Biden plans to resume public appearances in the coming days. According to the White House, Biden will visit the NAACP convention in Las Vegas on Tuesday. On Wednesday, he is scheduled to participate in a local campaign event in the desert metropolis in the US state of Nevada. Biden had canceled a trip to Texas scheduled for Monday and cut short a weekend stay in Delaware following the shooting.
01:04 Quiet and frequently bullied: What is known about the shooter Matthew Crooks
The FBI identified the Trump shooter as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. A driver's license photo of Crooks shows a young man with side-parted dark blond hair, glasses, and a few freckles on his face. Crooks' former classmates described him as a "quiet" student who often seemed "lonely," as reported by ABC News. One classmate said Crooks had been "socially withdrawn." He could not recall hearing Crooks discuss politics in general or Trump specifically. Jason Kohler, who attended the same high school as the alleged shooter, told reporters that Crooks had been "bullied a lot." "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 shoot in the wrong place": US Democrat fires employee for Facebook post
Democratic US Representative Bennie Thompson of Mississippi fired an employee who posted on social media that she wished the Trump assassin had aimed better. According to "New York Times," Jacqueline Marsaw wrote on Facebook: "I don't condone violence, but please take marksmanship lessons so that you don't miss next time. Oops, that wasn't me who spoke." Thompson, who represents Mississippi's second district in the US House of Representatives, 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 intensification of security measures at Republican Party convention
The Secret Service agent in charge of security for the Republican Party convention shares that the measures for the large event have not been intensified yet. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson does not see the possibility of banning weapons in the outdoor area of the convention site in Wisconsin as an additional precaution. Carrying weapons is protected by state laws, he says. At the Mega-Event, Trump is expected 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 in the US federal state on Sunday afternoon (local time) for the party convention.
23:21 Biden: Motive of the shooter still unclear
The motive of the shooter who attempted to assassinate US presidential candidate Donald Trump remains 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 work.
22:53 Financial markets expect "landslide victory for Trump"
After the attempted assassination of US presidential candidate Donald Trump, financial markets need to re-evaluate. The bullet that hit Trump at a campaign rally could increase his chances of winning - and therefore, investors expect the markets to focus on a steeper yield curve for US Treasury bonds. "The election is likely to be a landslide. This reduces uncertainty," 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 recovery and investors to focus on a higher return on US government bonds.
22:07 Injured victims in stable condition
The two people who were seriously injured in the attempted assassination of Donald Trump are in stable condition, according to the police in Pennsylvania. At the campaign rally, a man from the audience was killed. The alleged shooter was shot by security guards. Trump was lightly injured, and two visitors were seriously injured.
21:57 FBI: The suspect acted alone, no identifiable ideology or psychological issues detected
The FBI issues a warning: The alleged shooter acted alone, there are no further threats to security, an FBI representative states. The incident is being classified as a domestic terrorist 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 ideology or psychological issues of the alleged attacker so far. The weapon was legally purchased, presumably by the suspect's father. Bomb experts have secured a suspicious device in the suspect's car, which has been taken to the lab for further investigation.
21:42 Starmer phones Trump
Britain's new Prime Minister Keir Starmer has phoned Trump, according to government sources. He condemned the violence and expressed his condolences for the victims and their families, the British news agency PA reports. Starmer wished Trump and the other injured a quick recovery.
21:16 Soder gives Democrats an outside recommendation
"Violence is certainly not a means of dispute resolution," says CSU chief Markus Söder and wishes Trump a speedy recovery after the attack. He assesses the consequences for the presidential campaign and gives the Democrats a tip.
20:47 Trump to travel to Republican Party convention in Wisconsin soon
Just a day after the attack on him, former US President Donald Trump plans to travel to the Republican Party convention in the state of Wisconsin. Trump announced on the online platform Truth Social that he would leave for Milwaukee on Sunday afternoon local time and not change his schedule.
20:39 Biden cancels trip to Texas
US President Joe Biden cancels a planned trip to Texas. The White House announced this. Biden had originally planned to travel to the southern state on Monday. After the shootings at Trump on Saturday evening local time in the state of Pennsylvania, Biden had already cut short his weekend stay in Delaware and returned to the government headquarters in Washington.
20:11 Biden announces heightened security measures for Republican Party convention and calls for national unity
US President Joe Biden announces an address to the nation and calls for the country to come together. "We must stand as a nation," Biden says at the White House and announces that he will address the American people in an official statement from the Oval Office on Monday evening (in the German night to Tuesday). For the Republican Party convention, which begins on Monday, Biden also announces heightened security measures. He also announces that an independent investigation into the background of the attack will be conducted. In the morning, Biden and his deputy Kamala Harris were briefed by law enforcement and security agencies on the latest developments in the investigation.
20:07 Live on ntv: Biden speaks out on Trump assassination attempt
US-President Joe Biden speaks out at this hour on the attempted assassination of his rival Donald Trump. Biden had already expressed himself on Saturday just a few hours after the incident and declared, "there is no place for this kind of violence in America." He then called Trump. Biden was informed in the morning by the heads of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Secret Service, the security service for presidents and former presidents, about the status of the investigations.
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 the state of Pennsylvania was a firefighter and a family man. This was announced by the democratic governor of Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro, and he said he had spoken with his wife and daughters. The man died "as a hero" and threw himself over his family to protect them when the shots fell at the Trump rally. He was a "passionate supporter" of Trump. Besides the one man in the crowd who died, two other spectators were injured. Shapiro said their condition was still critical.
19:13 Many Republicans see blame with Biden and the Democrats
The majority of Republicans in Congress offer prayers and support for former President Donald Trump in the hours after the attack on a campaign event in Butler. According to the "Washington Post," approximately 30 of them directly accuse US President Joe Biden, the Democratic Party, or journalists of instigating the attack - despite Biden's clear condemnation of the violence and his statement that "everyone must condemn political violence."
18:44 Former German US ambassador: Copycats 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. "Copycats - against Trump - or avengers - against Joe Biden - are more likely," he tells the "Tagesspiegel." This is all the more true because "multiple conspiracy theories are confusing the already uncertain American electorate." Michael Link, the Transatlantic Coordinator of the German government, also fears further political polarization in the US. "This must not happen. It is now important to maintain calm and respect. That's what President Joe Biden did with his call to Trump," says the FDP politician.
18:06 Trump supporters see confirmation of conspiracy theories
The shots at Donald Trump could be decisive for the upcoming US presidential election, explains Frank Umbach. The security expert finds it "inexplicable" that hints about the shooter were not followed up 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
Donald Trump's children 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 raising his fist with a bloodied face. Eric Trump shares the same photo on Instagram with a similar message in capital letters. In an Instagram story, Tiffany Trump thanks God for her father's life. "Political violence is never the answer", she writes, thanks the law enforcement agencies and the Secret Service, and pays tribute to 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, thanks the bodyguards and writes: "I continue to pray for our country", and: "I love you, Dad, today and always."
17:15 The assassin also had explosives in his car
According to the "Wall Street Journal", the Trump assassin also had explosives in his car. The car near the crime scene was secured, reports the newspaper, citing unidentified sources. The weapon used in the attack was purchased 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 rifle is externally almost identical to the M16 rifle, which the Colt manufacturer sold to the military. The AR-15 is the civilian version. Technically speaking, it is not possible to fire continuously with this weapon. Skilled shooters can, however, fire many shots in very short time.
16:59 Now Melania Trump speaks out
After the attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump, Melania Trump also speaks out. The man who was killed in the attack was a "Monster", she writes on Twitter, who had tried to "extinguish Donald's passion, his laughter, his inventiveness, his love of music, and his enthusiasm". 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 Secret Service agents protecting her husband.
16:26 "You are not behind me, you are behind each other" - Trump campaign starts fundraising appeal
According to 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 assassination generates sympathy for Trump", Bannon says. "It also confirms the belief 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 attack, Trump's campaign launches a fundraising appeal via text message. "You are not behind me, you are behind each other", the message to voters reads.
16:08 Concern before the Party: Republicans working with 40 law enforcement agenciesRepublican Party chairman Michael Whatley assures that the agencies are working intensely to ensure security at the upcoming Republican Party convention in Milwaukee. They are working with 40 different law enforcement agencies, according to Whatley on Fox News, but he did not specify what precautions have been taken.
15:44 Top Trump Campaign Advisors: "Please report anything suspicious immediately"Top advisors for Donald Trump's campaign team advise caution. "We have 24/7 armed security presence 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. Please report anything suspicious immediately to the leadership or on-site security team," it continues.
15:24 Witnesses describe chaotic scenes at Trump assassination attemptDuring Trump's campaign speech in Pennsylvania, shots were fired, causing chaos and panic. Witnesses speak of speculations about fireworks, the sound of gunshots, gunshots on the roof, and the moment Trump fell to the ground.
14:58 Leading Republican: "We need to tone down the rhetoric"The President of the US House of Representatives, Republican Mike Johnson, is working to calm things down. "We need to tone down 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 unity"It's more important than ever that we come together," writes Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform. He is already looking forward to speaking in Wisconsin "to our great country" this week. The Republican National Convention takes place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from Monday to Thursday. Trump writes further, "I pray for the wounded, and we hold the memory of the fallen civilian in our hearts." Trump had already called for unity in his inaugural address as US President in January 2017.
12:58 NATO Secretary-General Stoltenberg shocked by assassination attemptNATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is shocked by the attack on Trump. "I am shocked by the attempted assassination on the former President Trump," Stoltenberg writes on X. He wishes Trump 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 the shooter's shots and the Secret Service's shotsThe 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, according to TMZ.
11:40 Secret Service refutes Republican claim The Secret Service has refuted the claim that they had denied additional security resources to Trump in the last few months. "The allegation that a member of the former President's security team requested additional security resources that were rejected by the Secret Service or the Home Security Ministry is absolutely false," said Secret-Service-Spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi. In fact, the Secret Service had recently increased security measures.
Few hours after the attack, Republican Representative Michael Waltz stated that he had "reliable sources" who said that there had been repeated requests for stronger secret service protection for President Trump. Waltz did not provide any evidence.
11:16 Steinmeier wishes Trump swift recovery Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier condemned the attack and expressed his condolences to the family of the victim's family: "I condemn the attack on the 45th US President, Donald J. Trump," Steinmeier wrote in a statement. "Violence has no place in our democracy - not in America, not with us. We can all contribute: Let us respect violence in political disputes! Let us push back hatred and incitement from campaigning and debates! Democracy tolerates sharp controversies - but violence destroys democracy. Donald J. Trump and the injured person wish a swift 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 was seen raising his fist at Secret Service agents, covered in blood. Political scientist Thomas Jäger sees the "master of political marketing" at work here. It remains to be seen if Trump will be able to continue spinning his "witch hunt" narrative.
10:10 Sharpshooter seemed to have noticed the assassin just before the first shots A video posted on X shows a sharpshooter at the Trump rally in the exact moment the shots were fired. Sharpshooters are deployed at such events by the Secret Service to secure the area - which apparently did not go well in this case. The sharpshooter seems to be 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 shooter was shot.
09:23 Participant warned security before the attack Before the shots were fired at Trump's campaign rally in Butler, participants had noticed a man with a rifle on a roof near the venue. One of them, Greg Smith, alerted the security personnel: "Hey man, there's a guy with a rifle on the roof," he said later to the BBC. The response was "Ha, what?" as if the security personnel didn't know what was going on. "I thought: Why is Trump still speaking, why didn't they bring him off the stage? ... The next thing I heard were five shots."
09:15 Scholz condemns attempted attack on Trump as despicableGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz comments on the attack against former US Presidential candidate Donald Trump: "The attack on US Presidential candidate Donald Trump is despicable. I wish him a quick recovery. My thoughts are also with the people who were affected by the attack. Such acts threaten democracy."
08:28 Photographer captures image of possible projectileNew York Times photographer Doug Mills apparently took a photo 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." In general, 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 images per second. The photo was taken with a shutter speed of 1/8000 second.
08:00 Alleged shooter registered as a RepublicanThe FBI has identified the suspect. He is a man named Thomas Matthew Crooks. The 20-year-old, who was killed in the shooting incident, is from the small town of Bethel Park in the US state of Pennsylvania, an hour south of Butler, where the Trump rally took place. Crooks is registered as a Republican. According to reports he donated $15 to a Democratic donation organization on the day of Biden's inauguration in January 2021.
The New York Post notes that Crooks donated at the age of 17. He registered as a Republican member in September 2021, when he turned 18.
07:46 Expert: "Secret Service needs to answer some questions"Donald Trump, as a former President and candidate, is under the protection of the Secret Service. There are highest security measures in place at all campaign events, as Obama's former campaign advisor Julius van de Laar reports. It needs to be worked out how it was possible that a shooter could approach, despite these precautions.
07:38 World leaders express shockWorld leaders reacted in shock to the attack on former President Trump. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen writes on X, she is deeply shocked, wishes Trump a quick recovery, and expresses her condolences to the family of the innocent victim. "Political violence has no place in a democracy," writes von der Leyen. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expresses similar sentiments. "My thoughts are with former President Trump, the participants of the event, and all Americans."
The United Nations also condemns the attack on Trump. "The Secretary-General strongly condemns this act of political violence," the spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres states. "He wishes President Trump a quick recovery." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky 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." Zelensky also wishes Trump a quick recovery.
Already on Saturday evening (local time), Biden stated that he was grateful that Trump was safe and in good health. In the US, "there is no place for this kind of violence."
07:21 Open Questions to the Secret ServiceFBI Agent Kevin Rojek states at a press conference that it was "surprising" that the protector was able to fire several shots. In response to questions about security measures, he states that such questions should be answered by the Secret Service. Despite the name, the Secret Service is not a secret service, but rather (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 locations should be," Rojek says. "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 says.
07:04 Trump in New Jersey, apparently unharmedA Trump spokesperson posts a video that shows Trump leaving an airport in New Jersey without assistance. His injured ear is not visible in the video. The Republicans have announced that the nomination convention will take place as planned; the convention takes place from Monday to Thursday in Milwaukee. There, Trump will be officially nominated as the Republican presidential candidate. US President Biden shared that the Democrats will 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 of the event perimeter." This suggests that a roof near the gathering 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." The FBI officially states that they have not yet identified the shooter, but are "close" to doing so. The shooter is dead. According to the Pennsylvania police, it is too early to say whether it was a lone gunman. However, there is also no indication of "any further threat."
06:25 Media: Trump discharged from hospitalTrump was discharged from the hospital late Saturday night (local time), according to a report by the news agency Bloomberg.
06:01 FBI confirms attempted assassination of Ex-President Trump at rallyThe US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has classified the incident at a campaign rally in the US state of Pennsylvania as an "attempted assassination" against former President Donald Trump. "This is an attempted assassination against our former President Donald Trump," FBI Agent Kevin Rojek says in Butler, the location of the rally. According to official reports, Trump was injured in the ear by the gunfire, and in addition to the alleged shooter, a spectator was killed and two others were seriously injured.
03:58 Republicans plan to hold party convention despite Trump attackThe US Republicans plan to hold their nomination party in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as scheduled this week, according to a joint statement from the party and Trump's campaign team. The Republicans will gather in Milwaukee starting on Monday to officially nominate the 78-year-old Trump as their presidential candidate.
03:54 Shooter fired from "elevated position"During the attack on Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, the alleged shooter opened fire from an "elevated position" outside the event venue. One person was killed and two others were seriously injured, according to the Secret Service. Initially, it was reported that one person was severely injured.
02:55 Trump: I was hit by a bullet in my earFormer US President Donald Trump claimed in a post on his Truth Social platform that he was hit by a bullet during the attack at a campaign event in Pennsylvania. "I was hit by a bullet that went through the upper part of my right ear," Trump wrote.
00:33 Shots fired at Trump: Secret Service agents escort ex-president off stageFormer US President Donald Trump was escorted off the stage by security personnel during a campaign event in Pennsylvania after shots were fired. In images, Trump is seen with a bloody ear and raised fist.
- Following the attempt on former President Donald Trump's life, President Joe Biden continues to stress the importance of unity in politics, urging Americans to settle their differences peacefully at the ballot box in the upcoming US Presidential Election 2024.
- As the US Presidential Election 2024 approaches, both Joe Biden and Donald Trump are set to face intense scrutiny and pressure, with each candidate seeking to sway the political landscape in their favor.
