14:18: An expert attests "unbelievable failure" to the Secret Service.
After the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, the Secret Service is facing heavy criticism. "The protector was outside the Secret-Service zone. But what is that zone, then?" asks Richard Painter, a White House employee under the former President George W. Bush and now a law professor at the University of Minnesota. He sees it as "an enormous security failure" and demands a detailed investigation. If a roof is within the range of a rifle to reach a President or presidential candidate, "then it should be the Secret Service on that roof," says Painter. "Have you heard of the Texas Book Depository?" That is the building in Dallas, Texas, from which Lee Harvey Oswald shot President John F. Kennedy in 1963 with a rifle.
1:58 p.m. Trump Appearance in Milwaukee: Thousands of Additional Police in Action
Security measures will be particularly strict at the Republican Party convention in Milwaukee. Up to 4500 additional police officers from the surrounding area will be deployed alongside the city's police forces to secure the RNC, according to the local newspaper "Milwaukee Journal Sentinel." The area around the Fiserv Forum is also declared a no-fly zone for drones during the duration of the convention. Outside the area, where the Secret Service is responsible for personal protection, weapons are allowed to be carried in the vicinity of the RNC during the convention - in accordance with the laws of the state of Wisconsin. The Secret Service confirms being "fully prepared." The coordinator for the convention's Secret Service, Audrey Gibson-Cicchino, states that she trusts that the event will be protected on "the highest security level."
1:35 p.m. Chinese Company's Stock Market Success after Trump Attack
The Chinese technology company Wisesoft shone at the stock exchange after the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump - and only because of its name. The shares of the software provider rose by ten percent at the Shenzhen Stock Exchange today, reaching their daily maximum. The company name in Mandarin is Chuan Da Zhi Sheng, which sounds similar to the Chinese translation of the sentence "Trump wins big." In China, stock market speculation connected to current events is widespread. This often leads to price jumps in all directions that have nothing to do with the numbers and performance of the respective company.
1:06 p.m. USA after the Attack: Time for Revenge for Trump and Republicans
The struggle for interpretation of the assassination attempt on Donald Trump is in full swing. Political scientist Andrew B. Denison expects that the former President and the Republicans will assume the role of martyrs and continue to fan the political hatred: [
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12:37 T-Shirts with Trump Photos are the new sales hit
After the attempted assassination on Donald Trump, sales of T-Shirts featuring images of the wounded former President skyrocketed online within a short period of time. On these T-Shirts, priced between nine and forty dollars, Trump is depicted with a bloody face, raising his fist defiantly. Slogans such as "Bulletproof", "Legends never die", and "Shooting makes me stronger" are printed on them. The 25-year-old Li Jinwei, who sells products on the Chinese platform Taobao from Alibaba, immediately had T-Shirts designed upon hearing the news. "We had over 2000 orders from China and the US within three hours," the businesswoman told media in Hong Kong.
11:55 Many years before Trump: The man who "destroyed American politics"
The shots fired at Donald Trump during a campaign rally mark a provisional low point in the polarizing battles between political factions in the US. The accusations by the Republicans against the Democrats were "holier than thou," according to historian Annika Brockschmidt, who explains how political adversaries became enemies:
11:19 The example set by political leaders in the coming days is crucial
Regarding the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump and the start of the Republican Party convention, where he is to be officially nominated as the presidential candidate, the "Los Angeles Times" writes: "The example set by political leaders in the coming days is crucial in determining 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 tool to inflame their base. They must recognize that the US is a powder keg right now, and 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 the Shooting: The divide in the US will deepen
Could the attempted assassination of Donald Trump be a moment of inner political reconciliation for US society? Political scientist Thomas Jaeger sees no signs of it. On the contrary, the split in the country could worsen.
10:13 Initial analyses: Chances of a victory in the election for Trump increase
The attempted assassination of the former US President Donald Trump at a campaign rally over the weekend has increased his chances of winning the November election, according to Ipek Ozkardeskaya, analyst at Swissquote Bank. The chances of a victory for Trump, who is positively evaluated by the market according to the analyst, rose to 67 percent after the attack, compared to 61 percent before the attack. "Although the attack fuels concerns about a deeply divided America where political violence is gaining ground, it has increased the chances that Trump will win the presidential elections in November," the analyst explains.
09:54 The attempt as a campaign boost? Boese: Berlin prepares for Trump 2.0
The German government has been preparing for the possibility that Donald Trump could return to the White House for some time now. Many in political Berlin recall the first term unfavorably, as ntv correspondent Heike Boese summarizes:
09:25 Heated Moments Could Now Become Extremely Dangerous
The Federal Chairwoman of the SPD, Saskia Esken, says in the RTL/ntv Frühstart on the question of whether the attack on Trump could boost his chances of re-election: "It's to be expected, yes, that he and especially his supporters will use this incident to further heat up the situation. We have experienced similar situations in the past, which have ended up in storming the Capitol. Such heated moments, they could now become extremely dangerous, not only in terms of a victory in the election." In response to a question about how Germany and the Federal Government should react if Trump wins the presidency, the SPD Chairwoman says: "It's long been the case that the Federal Government, that governments in Europe are aware that we need to get closer together."
08:48 "Have We Overlooked Something?" - The Secret Service Faces Consequences
Following the attack on Donald Trump, the Secret Service is under scrutiny. The former president himself has so far only commented on the incident on Truth Social, and the Republican Party convention is approaching. ntv-correspondent Christopher Wittich summarizes the latest developments.
"Have We Overlooked Something?" - A Secret Service Agent May Have Followed the Assailant
After the planned attack on Donald Trump, the Secret Service has many questions to answer. Trump himself has so far only commented on the incident on Truth Social, and the Republican Party convention is approaching. ntv-correspondent Christopher Wittich summarizes the latest developments.
08:05 The Secret Service under Criticism: Shots Fired at Trump: "Was the Assailant Followed by a Police Officer?"
Following the attempted attack on Donald Trump, the Secret Service has much to account for. Trump himself has so far only commented on the incident on Truth Social, and the Republican Party convention is approaching. ntv-correspondent Christopher Wittich summarizes the latest developments.
"A Police Officer May Have Followed the Assailant" - Secret Service Investigates Shots Fired at Trump
Following the attempted attack on Donald Trump, the Secret Service is under investigation. Trump himself has so far only commented on the incident on Truth Social, and the Republican Party convention is approaching. ntv-correspondent Christopher Wittich summarizes the latest developments.
07:34 After the Attack: Biden Does Not Want a "Battlefield"
US President Biden speaks out again on the attack on 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 act has put everything upside down"
The Sydney Morning Herald writes about the attack on Donald Trump for the Australians: "US-President Joe Biden is facing a delicate balancing act, as America is still reeling from the attack on its biggest political rival. After weeks of discussions following 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 turbulent Republicans in the November election. The strategy was simple: showcase the strengths of his performance 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. However, the attack on the former president on Saturday has thrown everything into disarray. Facing the fear of escalating violence, Biden knows he cannot further fuel the tensions of a country teeming with hostility, anger, and fear.
06:38 A grand show is coming up: Trump has arrived in Milwaukee
After the party primaries in the individual states, both the Democrats and the Republicans must officially confirm their overall results on a national level. This is done at the respective nomination conventions. The Democrats will gather for this purpose in mid-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 grand, pompous event due to the pandemic.
06:14 The stock market reacts to the Trump assassination attempt
The Asian stock markets react with uncertainty to the attempted assassination of the US presidential candidate Donald Trump. Investors are concerned about potential implications for future US economic policy. At the bond markets, yields for government bonds rose, which experts attribute to the expectation of a potentially inflationary and debt-intensive economic policy under a Trump presidency. Additionally, stricter immigration laws could complicate 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 must constantly think about the small head movement that saved his life just before the attack
Donald Trump must constantly think back to the moment that likely saved his life: a small head movement that prevented a bullet from fatally hitting his head. Instead, it grazed his ear."The most incredible thing was that I not only turned, but exactly at the right time and to the right extent," Trump says in a speech aboard his 757 as he flies to Milwaukee for the Republican National Convention. "If I had only turned half, it would have hit the back of my head. The other way goes straight through the skull. The chance of getting a perfect turn is probably less than one in ten percent, so I shouldn't be here."
05:22 Trump: Reality is just setting in
After the attempted attack at a campaign rally, 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" newspaper. The incident deeply disturbed him. He now realizes what happened ("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 Trump-Assailant's house
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 as well. The "New York Times" reports this based on sources involved in the investigation.
04:15 Trump-Assailant was a member of a 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," the club's attorney, Robert Bootay, said in a statement. "Beyond that, the Club cannot comment on this matter as police investigations are ongoing." 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 a Trump re-election
The German government is preparing for a possible second US presidency for Donald Trump, according to the words of its Transatlantic Coordinator, Michael Link. "Besides the intense preparations of the German 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 networking intensively with the competent colleagues in CDU and CSU on the topic of preparing 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 called on Germany to better prepare for a possible Trump re-election.
02:25 Biden calls for de-escalation in the campaign
US President Joe Biden appeals for de-escalation in the US campaign after the attack on his predecessor and opponent 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 are "neighbors and friends, not enemies." Biden is relieved that Trump was not seriously injured in the attack. Biden acknowledges that the campaign is marked by highly heated political rhetoric, but emphasizes the high stakes in the upcoming presidential elections.
01:46 Biden resumes campaign planning
After a brief campaign pause due to the attack on his predecessor and political rival Donald Trump, US President Joe Biden is planning public appearances in the coming days. According to the White House, Biden will visit the NAACP's convention in Las Vegas on Tuesday. On Wednesday, he is expected to participate in a local campaign event in the desert metropolis of Nevada. Biden had canceled a trip to Texas on 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. A classmate claims 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, speaks to reporters, saying 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 marksmanship classes, so you don't miss next time. Ups, that wasn't me who spoke." Thompson, who represents Mississippi's second district, writes on X, is grateful that Trump is doing well. He adds, "There is no place for political violence in America's democracy."
23:50 No intensification of security measures at Republican convention
The Secret Service agent responsible for security at the Republican convention, Audrey Gibson-Cicchino, reports that security measures for the large event have not been intensified yet. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson does not see the possibility of banning weapons in the outer area of the event venue in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as an additional precaution. Carrying weapons is protected by state laws, he says. At the Mega-Event, Trump is scheduled to be officially nominated as the Republican Party's presidential candidate in the coming 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 gathering is taking 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, investors say. "The election is likely to be a landslide. That 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 uptrend 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 in the audience was killed. The alleged shooter was shot by security guards. Trump was lightly wounded, while two attendees were severely injured.
21:57 FBI: Shooter acted alone, no ideology or mental illness identified yet
The FBI has issued a warning: The alleged shooter acted alone, and there is no further danger to security, an FBI representative says. 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 indications of an ideology or mental illness on the part of the alleged shooter so far. The weapon was legally purchased, presumably 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 phones Trump
Britain's new Prime Minister Keir Starmer has phoned Donald Trump following reports of an attack, according to government sources. He condemned the violence and expressed his condolences to the victims and their families, it is reported. 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 leader 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 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 the state of Wisconsin. The Republican Presidential candidate writes on the online platform Truth Social that he will leave for Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 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 to the government headquarters in Washington.
20:11 Biden announces heightened security measures for the 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 the American people in the evening (in the US night on Monday) 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 attack
US-President Joe Biden speaks about the attempted assassination on his rival Donald Trump. Biden had already spoken out a few hours after the incident on Saturday and stated, "There is no place for this kind of violence in America." He then called 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 throws himself in front of family and dies "as a hero"
The man killed at a campaign rally of former US President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania was a firefighter and family man. This was announced by Pennsylvania Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro and he said he had spoken to the man's wife and daughters. The man died "as a hero" and threw himself over his family to protect them when the shots rang out 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 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 "political violence must be condemned by everyone."
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 only further confuse the already uncertain American electorate". The Transatlantic Coordinator of the German government, Michael Link also fears further political polarization in the US. "This must not happen. It is now important to maintain calm and respect. President Joe Biden did this with his call to Donald Trump", so the FDP politician.
18:06 Trump Supporters see conspiracy theories confirmed
The shots at Donald Trump could be decisive for the upcoming US presidential election, explains Frank Umbach. The security expert finds it "inexplicable" that there were no follow-up investigations into the shootings and praises the Democrats for "the right reaction".
17:37 "He will never stop fighting for the salvation of America" - Trump's children speak out
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, thanks the law enforcement agencies and the Secret Service, and pays tribute to the victims. "As you have seen 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 also 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. Technically speaking, it is not possible to fire continuously with this weapon. Skilled shooters can, however, fire many shots in a very short time.
16:59 Melania Trump also speaks out
Following the attempted assassination on ex-US President Donald Trump, Melania Trump 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
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 attack generates sympathy for Trump," says Bannon. "It also confirms 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 Advisors from Trump Team: "If something seems strange, please report it immediately"
Top advisors from Donald Trump's campaign team advise caution. "We intensify the 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" the 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 assassination attempt
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, the 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 Party nominating convention takes place from Monday to Thursday. Trump continues, expressing that he is praying for the wounded and keeping the memory of the slain citizen "in our hearts." Trump had already called for unity in his inauguration speech as US President in January 2017.
12:58 NATO Secretary-General Stoltenberg shocked by assassination attempt NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg expresses shock over the assassination attempt on Trump. "I am shocked by the attempted assassination of the 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 stand together to defend freedom and values.
12:13 Video shows seconds between the shooter's shots and the Secret Service's 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 took place, according to TMZ.
11:40 Secret Service denies Republican accusation The Secret Service has denied the accusation that they had refused additional security resources for Trump in the past few 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 Congressman Michael Waltz said he had "reliable sources" who said 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 with us. We can all contribute: Let us reject violence in political disputes! Let us push back hatred and hate speech from election campaigns and debates! Democracy tolerates sharp controversies - but violence destroys democracy. Donald J. Trump and the injured wish a speedy recovery. My deepest condolences go to the family of the victim of the attack."
10:32 Expert: "Trump produced the image directly, instinctively" Seconds after the shots were fired, Trump rises 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's crucial now is whether Trump can continue to spin his "witch hunt" narrative.
10:10 Sharpshooter seemed to have noticed the assassin just before the first shotsA video posted on X shows a sharpshooter at the Trump rally, in the exact moment when the shots were fired. Sharpshooters are used at such events by the Secret Service to secure the area - which in this case apparently failed. The sharpshooter seems to be observing something or someone through his scope. He recoils, just before the shots can be heard, suggesting that he became aware of the shooter as a threat in that moment. Shortly afterwards, the assassin was shot.
09:23 Participant warned of the assassin before the attackBefore the shots were fired at Trump's rally in Butler, participants had noticed a man with a rifle on a roof nearby. One of them, Greg Smith, alerted on-site security personnel: "Hey man, there's a guy with a rifle on the roof", he later told the BBC. Their response was: "Ha ha, what?", implying that they didn't know what was going on. "I thought: Why is Trump still speaking, why didn't they get him off the stage? ... Next, five shots were fired."
09:15 Scholz condemns the attackFederal Chancellor Olaf Scholz commented on the attempted attack on Trump on X: "The attack on US presidential candidate Donald Trump is abhorrent. I wish him a quick recovery. My thoughts are also with those 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 whizzed past Donald Trump. Michael Harrigan, a retired FBI agent, told the newspaper that "the photo could very well show the air displacement caused by a projectile". 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 second.
08:00 Alleged shooter registered as a RepublicanThe FBI has identified the alleged shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks. He is a 20-year-old man 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 was only 17 years old at the time of the donation. He registered as a member of the Republican Party 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 the highest security measures, as Obama's former campaign adviser Julius van de Laar reports. It remains to be clarified how it was possible that a shooter was able to attack, despite these precautions.
07:38 World leaders shocked by Trump attackState 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 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 event attendees, and all Americans."
The United Nations condemns the attack on Trump. "The Secretary-General strongly condemns this act of political violence," explains the UN Secretary-General's spokesperson, António Guterres. "He wishes President 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 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 detail could return fire. 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 says.
07:04 Trump in New Jersey, apparently unharmedA Trump spokesperson posts a video showing 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 proceed 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 Secret Service spokesperson, says 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 and are "very close" to doing so. The shooter is deceased. According to Pennsylvania police, it is too early to determine if 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 the 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 on our former president Donald Trump," FBI agent Kevin Rojek in Butler, the location of the rally, said. Trump was injured at the ear, according to official reports, and besides the alleged shooter, a bystander was killed and two others were seriously injured.
04:41 Biden phones Trump after attackUS President Joe Biden personally phoned the Republican. The White House confirmed this without disclosing the contents of the conversation. On Sunday, Biden will be briefed by law enforcement agencies about the status of the investigations, it was further stated.
03:58 Republicans to hold convention despite Trump attackThe US Republicans plan to hold their nominating convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as scheduled this week, 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 expected to gather in Milwaukee from Monday to officially nominate the 78-year-old as their presidential candidate.
03:54 Shooter fired from elevated positionThe shooter opened fire on Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump 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 had been seriously injured.
02:55 Trump: I was hit by a bullet in the earFormer US President Donald Trump, according to his own account, was injured in the ear during the attack at a campaign event in Pennsylvania. "I was hit by a bullet in the ear, which pierced the upper part of my right ear," Trump wrote on his self-founded platform Truth Social.
00:33 Shots fired at Trump: Secret Service escorts ex-President from stageFormer US President Donald Trump was escorted off 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.
1: In light of the upcoming U.S. Presidential Election 2024, former President Donald Trump's security detail, the Secret Service, is under scrutiny following the attempted assassination.
2: With Trump being officially nominated as the Republican Party's presidential candidate and the heightened security at the RNC, the Secret Service's response to the incident will be closely watched by both the public and politicians, including President Joe Biden.
