14:41 No direct exchange between Scholz and Trump after the attack
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz has not sought direct contact with republican US Presidential candidate Donald Trump following the attack. However, there have been "dialogues" with both Democrats and Republicans, according to Government Spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit. Scholz met with representatives from both parties in the US during the past week. The German government condemns the attack on Trump clearly. "That was a despicable crime," says Hebestreit.
14:18 Expert: Secret Service "monumental failure"
Following the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, the Secret Service is facing heavy criticism. "The protectee was outside the Secret-Service zone. What is that then?" asks Richard Painter, a White House employee under former President George W. Bush and now a law professor at the University of Minnesota. He sees this as "monumental security failure" and calls for a detailed investigation. If a roof is within the range of a rifle to reach a President or Presidential candidate, "then it is the Secret Service that should be on that roof," says Painter. "Have they ever 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.
13:58 Trump Rally in Milwaukee: Thousands of additional police in action
Security measures will be particularly strict at the Republican Party convention in Milwaukee. Up to 4,500 additional police officers from the surrounding area have been deployed according to the local Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The area around the Fiserv Forum is also declared a no-fly zone for drones for the duration of the convention. Outside the area, where the personal protectors of the Secret Service are responsible, weapons are allowed to be carried during the convention in the area around the RNC - in accordance with the laws of the state of Wisconsin. The Secret Service assures, "fully prepared." The coordinator for the convention's Secret Service, Audrey Gibson-Cicchino, states, "I trust that the event will be protected at the highest level of security measures."
13:35 Chinese company's stock market success after Trump attack due to name similarity
Following the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, a Chinese technology company shone at the stock exchange - and only because of its name. The shares of software provider Wisesoft rose today at the Shenzhen Stock Exchange by the maximum of ten percent. The company name in Mandarin sounds similar to the Chinese translation of the sentence "Trump wins big." In China, stock market speculation related 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.
13:06 USA after the attack: Now "time for revenge" for Trump and Republicans
The struggle for the interpretation of the attack 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 fuel political hatred: [
(Note: The text seems to be incomplete at the end, missing the closing bracket and the last sentence of the last point.)
12:37 T-Shirts with Trump Photos are the new sales hit
After the attempted assassination on Donald Trump, online sales of T-Shirts featuring images of the wounded former President have skyrocketed in a short period of time. Images of Trump with blood on his face, raising his fist defiantly, are printed on the T-Shirts for prices ranging from nine to forty dollars. Slogans such as "Bulletproof", "Legends never die", and "Shooting makes me stronger" are also printed on them. The 25-year-old Li Jinwei, who sells products on the Chinese platform Taobao from Alibaba, quickly designed T-Shirts upon hearing the news. "We had over 2000 orders from China and the USA 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 low point in the polarizing battles between political factions in the USA. The accusations by Republicans against Democrats are "hypocritical," says historian Annika Brockschmidt and explains how political opponents 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 declared the presidential candidate, the "Los Angeles Times" writes: "The example set by political leaders in the coming days is crucial for how the rest of the election campaign will unfold. (...) Trump and the top Republicans gathering in Milwaukee this week carry a special responsibility for not using the assassination attempt to stir up their base. They must recognize that the US is a powder keg right now, and that 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 USA will deepen
Could the attempted assassination of Donald Trump be a moment of inner political reconciliation for American 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, rose to 67 percent according to data from the online tool PredictIt after the assassination attempt, compared to 61 percent before. "Although the assassination attempt 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 assassination 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 have less than fond memories of his first term, as NTV correspondent Heike Boese summarizes:
09:25 Heated Moments Could Now Become Extremely Dangerous
The Federal Chairwoman of the SPD, Saskia Esken, states in RTL/ntv Frühstart regarding the question if the attack on Trump could enhance his chances of winning the elections: "It is 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 ended up at the Capitol in chaos. Such heated moments, they could now become extremely dangerous, not only in terms of a victory." Regarding how Germany and the Federal Government should react if Trump wins the presidency, the SPD Chairwoman states: "It is only natural that the Federal Government, that governments in Europe are aware that we need to get closer."
08:48 "Have We Overlooked Something?" - Consequences Threaten Secret Service
Following the attack on Donald Trump, the Secret Service is under scrutiny. They failed to provide adequate protection for the ex-president. Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican and Trump supporter, states to the broadcaster NBC: "There will be a comprehensive investigation into the tragic event of yesterday to determine where there were gaps in security and what else the American people need to know." Robert E. McDonald, a professor at the University of New Haven who worked for the Secret Service for 20 years, also states to 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 sharpshooters.
08:05 Secret Service under Criticism: Shots at Trump: "Was the Officer the Assassin?"
Following the planned attack on Donald Trump, the Secret Service has many questions to answer. Trump himself has 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 attack threw everything into disarray"
Regarding the attack on Donald Trump, the Australian newspaper "Sydney Morning Herald" writes: "US-President Joe Biden is facing a delicate balancing act, as America continues to reel 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 Democrats that he has the mental and physical strength to beat the disruptive Republicans in the November election. The strategy was simple: showcase the strengths of 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 specter of escalating violence, Biden knows he cannot further inflame the tensions of a country teeming with hostility, anger, and fear."
06:38 A grand show is coming up: Trump has arrived in Milwaukee
Following the party primaries in individual states, both Democrats and Republicans must officially confirm their national results. This is done at the respective nomination conventions. The Democrats will gather for theirs 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 large, pompous event due to the pandemic.
06:14 The Trump attack affects the stock exchange as well
Asian stock markets react with unease to the attempted attack on US Presidential candidate Donald Trump. Investors are concerned about potential implications for future US economic policy. At the bond markets, interest rates 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 yield curve for 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 Trump's 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 reflect on the moment that may have saved his life: a small head movement that likely prevented a bullet from fatally hitting his head. Instead, the bullet grazed his ear."The most incredible thing was that I not only turned but did so at just the right time and to just the right extent," Trump told the "Washington Examiner" in a speech aboard his 757 as he flew 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 would have gone straight through my skull. The chance of me making a perfect turn was likely 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 event, Donald Trump calls for calm and unity. "This is a chance for the whole country, indeed the whole world, to come together," Trump told the "Washington Examiner." 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 hadn't done that in this moment, we wouldn't be talking about this today, or?"
04:46 NYT: Explosives found in Trump-Attacker's house
More information is coming to light about the Trump attacker. 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-Attacker was a member of a shooting range
According to US media, the Trump attacker 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, said in a statement. "Beyond that, the Club, in light of ongoing police investigations, cannot provide any further comment on this matter." 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 planning for Trump's 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 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 the 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 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 were "Neighbors and friends, not enemies." Biden expressed relief that Trump was not seriously injured in the attack. Biden acknowledged that the campaign had been marked by highly charged political rhetoric but emphasized the high stakes of 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 plans 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 of Nevada. Biden had cancelled a trip to Texas on Monday and cut short a weekend stay in Delaware to return to the White House.
01:04 Quiet 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 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 couldn't remember hearing Crooks talk about politics in general or Trump specifically. 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 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 in the US House of Representatives, writes on X, he is grateful that Trump is okay. He adds that 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 in charge of security for 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 outdoor area of the convention venue in Milwaukee as an additional precaution. Carrying weapons is protected by Wisconsin state law, 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 making efforts to avoid giving the impression of weakness: He announced that he would travel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Sunday afternoon (local time) to break ground for the party convention. The convention is taking place there.
23:21 Biden: Motive of Attackers 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 speculate 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 a campaign rally could increase Trump's chances of winning - and thus, financial markets may be focusing on this, investors say. "The election will likely 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 from the audience was killed. The alleged shooter was shot by security guards. Trump was also lightly injured, and two attendees were severely injured.
21:57 FBI: Suspect acted alone, no ideology identified yet
The FBI has issued a warning: The alleged shooter acted alone, and there are no further safety concerns, 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 identifiable signs of an ideology or mental health issues with the alleged attacker. 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 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 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 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. 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 been scheduled 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 prematurely to the White House in Washington.
20:11 Biden announces heightened security measures for the Republican convention
US-President Joe Biden announces a speech 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 address the American people in an official statement from the Oval Office on Monday evening (in the US night). For the Republican convention, which begins on Monday, security measures will be increased, he also announces. An independent investigation into the background of the attack is also to be carried out. Biden and his deputy Kamala Harris were briefed on the investigation status by law enforcement and security agencies in the morning.
20:07 Live on ntv: Biden speaks about Trump attack
US-President Joe Biden speaks about the attempted assassination on his rival Donald Trump. Biden had already spoken out on Saturday a few hours after the incident and said, "There's no place for this kind of violence in America." He then spoke on the phone with Trump. Biden was briefed on the investigation status 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 made this known and said he had spoken to his wife and daughters. The man died "as a hero" and threw himself over his family to shield 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 "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, warned of the danger of a violence spiral in the US election campaign. "Imitators - against Trump -, or Avengers - against Joe Biden - are more likely", he told the "Tagesspiegel". This is all the more true since "multiple conspiracy theories would only further confuse 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. 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 was no follow-up on the indications of the shooting 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, thanking the law enforcement agencies and the Secret Service, and honoring 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, 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 suspected assassin, reports the newspaper and ABC News further. It is said to be an AR-15 rifle. The AR-15 was developed in the 1950s, initially for the military. The AR-15 is the civilian version. 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
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 personnel 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 confirms also the perception of his voters that something fundamental is wrong in this country." Trump's appearances at the four-day Republican National 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 campaign: "If something seems strange, please report it immediately"
Top advisors from Donald Trump's campaign team advise caution. "We are reinforcing 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 speculations 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 nominating convention takes place from Monday to Thursday. Trump writes further, 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 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 by the assassination attempt on Trump. "I am shocked 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 shots of the assassin and shots of the Secret Service The American gossip news site TMZ shows a video in which it appears that both the shots of the assassin 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 denies Republican allegations The Secret Service has denied the allegation 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 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 provided no 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's death: "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 respect 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 I wish a speedy recovery. My deepest 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, Trump gets 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 is 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 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 assassiner was shot.
09:23 Participant warned of the assassin before the attackParticipants at the Trump rally in Butler had noticed a man with a rifle on a roof nearby before the shootings. 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 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 attempt on TrumpGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz issued a statement on X regarding the attempt on Trump's life: "The attempt on US Presidential candidate Donald Trump's life 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 photo by chance in the moment a bullet came close to Trump. Michael Harrigan, a retired FBI agent, told the paper that the photo "could very well show the air displacement caused by a projectile". Generally, it's 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 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" points out 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 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 precautions in place at all campaign events, as Obama's former campaign advisor Julius van de Laar reports. It now needs to be clarified how it was possible for a shooter to approach, despite these measures.
07:38 World leaders shocked by attack on TrumpState and government heads around the world have expressed shock over 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," writes von der Leyen. 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," explains the UN Secretary-General's spokesperson, António Guterres. "He wishes President Trump a swift recovery." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also shares, 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 swift recovery.
Already on Saturday evening (local time), Biden stated that he was grateful 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 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 (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 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 explains.
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 already announced that the nominating convention will proceed 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 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 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 determine if it was a lone gunman. There is also no indication of "any further threat."
06:25 Media: Trump discharged from hospital againAccording to a report by Bloomberg News, former President Trump was discharged from the hospital late on 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 in Butler, the location of the rally, said. Trump was injured in the ear from the gunshots, according to law enforcement, and a bystander was killed and two others were seriously injured.
04:41 Biden phones Trump after attackU.S. President Joe Biden personally phoned former President Trump after the attack, the White House announced 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 U.S. Republicans plan to hold their nominating convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, this week as planned, despite the attack on their presidential candidate Donald Trump. The party and Trump's campaign team made this announcement in a joint statement. The Republicans will gather in Milwaukee starting on Monday to officially nominate the 78-year-old as their presidential candidate.
03:54 Shooter fired from elevated positionIn the attack on Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, the alleged shooter opened fire from an "elevated position" outside the event venue. One bystander was killed and two others were seriously injured, the Secret Service reported. Initially, it was reported that one person was seriously injured.
02:55 Trump: I was hit by a bullet in the earFormer U.S. President Donald Trump, in his own words, was injured in the ear from 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 on his self-founded platform Truth Social.
00:33 Shots fired at Trump: Secret Service escorts ex-President from stageFormer U.S. President Donald Trump was escorted from the stage by security personnel during a campaign event in Pennsylvania after gunshots were fired. In the images, Trump is seen with a bloody ear and raised fist.
- Despite the condemnation of the attack on Donald Trump, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz has reportedly maintained contact with both Democratic and Republican US Presidential candidates, including Joe Biden and potentially Donald Trump, for future dialogues.
- Following the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, some political analysts believe that he and the Republicans may further fuel political divisions in the United States before the 2024 elections, potentially using it as a rallying cry for their supporters.
