16:41 Local sharpshooters should allegedly secure buildings of the assassin
One of the two local Anti-Sniper Teams should have covered the building used by the shooter. This is reported by CNN, citing an unnamed source who is familiar with the investigation. The Pennsylvania State Police denied the corresponding allegations and stated that they were not involved. The police in Butler County have not commented yet.
16:18 Shooter bought 50 rounds of ammunition shortly before the attack
The Trump assassination suspect Thomas Matthew Crooks bought new ammunition shortly before the attack. This is reported by CNN, citing people from the security apparatus. The shooter allegedly bought only a few hours before the act 50 rounds of ammunition at a local gun shop.
15:53 Secret Service intensified security measures for the Republican Party convention
After the assassination attempt on US Presidential candidate Donald Trump, the security authorities have intensified their preparations for the upcoming Republican Party convention. The director of the responsible Secret Service, Kimberly Cheatle, stated that her organization has revised and strengthened the plans for the protection of the convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the United States. She is now confident that they are prepared for all cases.
15:27 Ex-agent: Trump assassination could destroy Secret Service
After the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, criticism of his security detail is growing louder. Former Secret Service agent Tim McCarthy also sees a failure of the security forces. The incident is now being investigated - for the Secret Service, this is an existential threat, according to McCarthy.
15:04 Government spokesman: Biden not to be written off in US election
The federal government still sees a chance that Amtsinhaber Joe Biden will win the US election in November, despite the assassination attempt on Donald Trump. "One should not underestimate the campaign skills of Joe Biden," says government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit. "Therefore, it is still too early to believe that the American presidential election has been decided." Other politicians, such as Bavaria's Minister-President Markus Söder, had called on Biden to withdraw, as he was now chanceless against Trump. Hebestreit emphasizes that it is natural in democracies that there is always the possibility of a government change. "That makes them so attractive for voters, for citizens," he says.
14:41 No direct contact between Scholz and Trump after assassination
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz has not sought direct contact with the Republican US Presidential candidate Donald Trump after the assassination attempt. However, there are "contact channels" both with the Democrats and with the Republicans, emphasizes government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit. Scholz had met representatives of both parties during his recent trip to the USA. The German government condemns the attack on Trump clearly. "That was a despicable crime," says Hebestreit.
14:18 Ex-President Trump's Security Mishap: "Unbelievable Failure" of the Secret Service
After the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, the Secret Service is under heavy criticism. "The protector was outside the Secret-Service zone. But what is that zone, anyway?" wonders 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 "an unbelievable 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's the Secret Service's job to be on that roof," Painter says. "Have you heard of the Texas Book Depository?" That's 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 on Duty
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, according to the local Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The area around the Fiserv Forum will also be 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 during the convention in the surrounding area of the RNC - in accordance with the laws of the state of Wisconsin. The Secret Service assures, "we are fully prepared." The Secret-Service coordinator for the event, Audrey Gibson-Cicchino, declares, "I trust that the event will be protected at the highest level of security measures."
13:35 Trump Assassination Attempt Boosts Chinese Firm's Stock Market Performance
Following the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, a Chinese technology firm shone on the stock exchange - all because of its name. The shares of software provider Wisesoft surged by the daily maximum of ten percent at the Shenzhen Stock Exchange today. The company name in Mandarin, Chuan Da Zhi Sheng, sounds remarkably similar to the Chinese translation of the phrase "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 Attempt: Time for Trump and Republicans "for Revenge"
The struggle for interpretation of the assassination attempt on Donald Trump is in full swing. Political scientist Andrew B. Denison believes that the former President and the Republicans will assume the role of martyrs and continue to fan the political hatred: [
(Note: The last sentence of the original text is missing in the provided English translation. It seems like the English translation did not include it.)
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. Images of Trump with blood on his face, raising his fist defiantly, are printed on these shirts, priced between nine and 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 as soon as she heard about the incident. "Within three hours, we had over 2000 orders from China and the USA," the businesswoman told media in Hong Kong.
11:55 Many Years Ago: 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 made by the Republicans against the Democrats are "hypocritical," according to historian Annika Brockschmidt, who explains how political enemies became enemies:
11:19 The Example Set by Political Leaders in the Next Few 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 next few days is 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 for not using the attack as a tool to incite their base. They must recognize that the U.S. is a powder keg right now, and heated rhetoric should be toned down before sparks fly. For now, they must recognize that violence, once unleashed, is non-partisan." Previously, President Biden had already called on American citizens to renounce violence.
10:42 After the Shots on Trump: "The Divide in America Will Get Deeper"
Could the attempted assassination of Donald Trump be a moment of inner political reconciliation for American society? Political scientist Thomas Jäger sees no signs of it. On the contrary, the division 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, an 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 Attack as a Campaign Push? 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 pleasant memories of his first term, as ntv correspondent Heike Boese summarizes:
09:25 Heated Moments Could Now Be 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 also experienced such situations in the past, which ended up at the Capitol in chaos. Such heated moments, they could now be 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, as they failed to provide sufficient protection. Spokesperson Mike Johnson, a Republican and Trump supporter, tells 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 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 Scrutiny: Shots at Trump: "Was the Police Officer the Assassin?"
Following the planned attack on Donald Trump, the Secret Service faces numerous questions. 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 on the attack on his political opponent Donald Trump in a speech and on social media. So, 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"
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 Democrats that he has the mental and physical strength to defeat the disruptive Republicans in the November election. The strategy was simple: showcase 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. 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 primary elections in each state, both Democrats and Republicans must officially confirm their overall results on a national level. This takes place at their respective nomination conventions. The Democrats will gather for this purpose in mid-August in Chicago, Illinois. The Republican nomination convention, on the other hand, is taking 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, while 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
The 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 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 after 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, the bullet 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 said 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 getting a perfect turn is probably around one in ten thousand, 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 to bring the whole country, indeed the whole world together," Trump told the "Washington Examiner" newspaper. The incident deeply disturbed Trump. 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-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. The "New York Times" reports this based on trusted sources.
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 lawyer, Robert Bootay, said in a statement. "Beyond that, the Club cannot make any further comments regarding this matter as police investigations are ongoing." The Clairton Sportsmen's Club operates a wooded area 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 its Transatlantic Coordinator Michael Link. "Besides the intensive 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 actively seeking this consensus 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, 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 we do it - at the ballot box, not with bullets," Biden said in a rare address to the nation from the Oval Office in the White House. "We need to lower the heated rhetoric in politics." He reminded Americans that they are "neighbors and friends, not enemies." Biden expressed relief that Trump was not seriously injured in the attack. Biden acknowledged that the campaign 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 a NAACP conference in Las Vegas on Tuesday. On Wednesday, he is also scheduled to attend a local campaign event in the desert metropolis of Nevada. Biden had 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 light brown 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. A classmate said he had been socially distant towards him. He could not 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, told reporters that Crooks was often bullied. "He was quiet, but he was just bullied. He was bullied so much." Crooks, who occasionally wore hunter 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 shot more accurately. According to the "New York Times," Jacqueline Marsaw wrote on Facebook: "I don't condone violence, but please take shooting lessons, so you don't miss next time. Oops, that wasn't me who spoke." Thompson, who represents Mississippi's second district, writes on X, expressed gratitude that Trump was okay. He added 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 at the Republican convention, Audrey Gibson-Cicchino, announced that security measures for the large event would not be intensified at first. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson does not see the possibility of banning weapons in the outdoor area of the event 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 not to give the impression of weakness: He announced that he would travel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Sunday afternoon (local time) 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 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 job.
22:53 Financial markets expect "landslide victory for Trump"
Following the attempted attack on US Presidential candidate Donald Trump, financial markets need to reposition themselves. The bullet that wounded the Republican at a campaign rally could increase Trump's chances of winning - and thus, financial markets may be focusing on this, say investors. "The election will likely be a landslide. This reduces uncertainty," says Nick Ferres, Chief Investment Manager at Vantage Point Asset Management. Rong Ren Goh, Portfolio Manager at Eastspring Investments in Singapore, expects the dollar to continue its recovery 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 seriously injured in the attempted attack on 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 wounded, and two attendees were seriously injured.
21:57 FBI: Suspect acted alone, no ideology identified yet
The FBI issues a warning: The alleged shooter acted alone, and there is no further danger to security, says a representative of the US Federal Police. The incident is being classified as a domestic 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 clear indications of an ideology or a psychological condition of the alleged attacker yet. 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 Trump, according to government sources, following reports of an attack on him. He condemned the violence and expressed his condolences to 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 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 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 early to the White House.
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, 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 latest investigation status in the morning by law enforcement and security agencies.
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 said, "There is no place for this kind of violence in America." He then spoke on the phone with Trump. Biden was briefed on the status of the investigations in the morning by the heads of the FBI and the Secret Service, the security agency for presidents and former presidents.
19:43 Firefighter threw himself in front of family and died "as a hero"
The man killed at a campaign event for former US President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania was a firefighter and family man. This was announced by the democratic governor of Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro, and he said he had spoken to 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. In addition to the one man in the audience who died, two other spectators were injured. Shapiro said their condition was critical.
19:13 Many Republicans blame Biden and the Democrats
The majority of Republicans in Congress offer prayers and support for former President Donald Trump in the hours after the shooting at a campaign event in Butler. According to the "Washington Post," about 30 of them directly blame US President Joe Biden, the Democratic Party, or journalists for the alleged instigation of the attack - despite Biden's clear condemnation of the violence and his statement that "every form of political violence must be denounced."
18:44 Former German US Ambassador: Imitators or Avengers more likely
The former German ambassador to the US, Wolfgang Ischinger, warns of the danger of a spiral of violence in the US election campaign. "Imitators - against Trump -, or Avengers - against Joe Biden - are more likely", he tells the "Tagesspiegel". This is all the more true because "multiple conspiracy theories are confusing the already uncertain American electorate" even further. Michael Link, the Transatlantic Coordinator of the German government, also fears further political polarization in the US. "This must not happen. It's important now to maintain calm and respect. President Joe Biden did this with his call to Donald Trump", says the FDP politician.
18:06 Trump Supporters see conspiracy theories confirmed
The shots at Donald Trump could be decisive for the upcoming US presidential election, explains Frank Umbach. The security expert finds it "inexplicable" that there was no follow-up on the hints about the shooter and praises the Democrats for "the right reaction".
17:37 "He will never stop fighting for the salvation of America" - Trump's children express themselves
The children of former President Donald Trump pay tribute to their father and thank the agents who protected him. "He will never stop fighting for the salvation of America", writes Donald Trump Jr. on Twitter along with a photo of his father with a bloodied face raising his fist. Eric Trump shares the same photo on Instagram with a similar message in capital letters. In an Instagram story, Tiffany Trump thanks God that her father is still alive. "Political violence is never the answer", she writes, thanks the law enforcement agencies and the Secret Service, and honors 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 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 perpetrator, 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, continuous fire is not possible with this weapon. Skilled shooters can, however, fire many shots in very short order.
16:59 Melania Trump speaks out following attempted Trump assassination
After the attempted assassination on former 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 brushed past her husband, she realized that her life and that of her son Barron were "on the verge of a devastating change." Melania Trump thanks the security guards of her husband.
16:26 "They're not behind me, they're behind you" - Trump campaign launches fundraising appeal
According to Brad Bannon, a democratic strategist, the incident could be exploited by Trump. It fits the narrative of the former US President that the country is on the wrong track. "The attempted attack generates sympathy for Trump," says Bannon. "It confirms also the perception of his voters that something fundamental is wrong in this country." Trump's appearances at the four-day Republican nomination convention in Milwaukee, which begins on Monday, could be fueled by the attack. "If the country wasn't a powder keg before, it is now," says Chip Felkel, a republican political analyst who is not a Trump supporter. Hours after the incident, Trump's campaign launches a fundraising appeal via text message. "They're not behind me, they're behind you," reads the message to voters.
16:08 Concerns before the convention: Republicans work with 40 security agencies
The chairman of the Republicans, Michael Whatley, assures that the agencies are working intensively to ensure security at the upcoming convention in Milwaukee. They are working with 40 different security agencies, as Whatley tells Fox News.
15:44 Top Trump advisors: "If something seems strange, please report it immediately"
Top advisors of Donald Trump's campaign team advise caution. "We intensify the armed security presence 24/7 with officers on site. Additional security checks will be conducted. Our top priority is to ensure the safety of all staff," quotes the "Washington Post" Trump campaign advisors Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles from a joint memo. "We urge you to recognize the political polarization in this heated election. If something seems strange, please report it immediately to the leadership or the security team on site," it continues.
15:24 Witnesses describe chaotic scenes at Trump assassination attempt
During Trump's campaign speech in Pennsylvania, shots are 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 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 BidenAn expert says the 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 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 over 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 shooter's shots and Secret Service shots 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 allegation 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 rejected 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'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 condemn 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 Jäger sees the "master of political marketing" at work here. What matters now is whether Trump can continue to spin his "witch hunt" narrative.
10:10 Sharpshooter seemed to have noticed the assassin just before the first shots were fired A post 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 assassinator was shot.
09:23 Participant warned about the assassinator before the attack Participants at Trump's rally in Butler had noticed a man with a rifle on a roof nearby. One of them, Greg Smith, alerted on-site security: "Hey man, there's a guy with a rifle on the roof", he later told the BBC. The response was: "Ha ha, what?", as if the security forces did not know what was going on. "I thought: Why is Trump still speaking, why didn't they bring him off the stage? ... Next, five shots were fired."
09:15 Scholz condemns the attack Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz comments on the Trump assassination attempt on X: "The attack on US presidential candidate Donald Trump is despicable. I wish him a quick recovery. My thoughts are also with the people affected by the attack. Such acts of violence threaten democracy."
08:28 Photographer took picture of possible projectile Doug Mills, a photographer for the "New York Times", apparently took a picture by chance in the exact moment when a bullet whizzed past Donald Trump. The picture "could very well show the air displacement caused by a projectile", says Michael Harrigan, a retired FBI agent, who spoke to the newspaper. In principle, 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 picture was taken with a shutter speed of 1/8000 seconds.
08:00 Alleged shooter registered as a Republican The FBI has identified the alleged shooter as a man named Thomas Matthew Crooks. The 20-year-old, who was killed during the shooting, 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" 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. At all campaign events, there are the highest security precautions, as Obama's former campaign advisor Julius van de Laar reports. It now needs to be clarified how it was possible that a shooter could attack, despite these measures.
07:38 World leaders shocked by attack on TrumpState and government heads worldwide reacted in shock to the attack on former President Trump. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen writes on X, expressing deep shock and wishing Trump a quick recovery. "Political violence has no place in a democracy", she writes. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also expressed 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 in the strongest terms," 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 swift recovery.
Biden had already stated on Saturday evening (local time) that he was grateful that Trump was safe and doing well. In the US, "there is no place for this kind of violence," he added.
07:21 Open questions to the Secret ServiceFBI Agent Kevin Rojek spoke at a press conference, finding it "surprising" that the protective detail could return fire. In response to questions about security measures, he stated 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 locations should be," Rojek said. "And they are the ones responsible for securing the crime scene." A representative of the Secret Service was not present at the press conference. "Nobody was available," Rojek said.
07:04 Trump in New Jersey, apparently unharmedA Trump spokesperson posted a video showing Trump leaving an airport in New Jersey without assistance. His injured ear was 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 spokesperson for the Secret Service, stated that the suspect fired "multiple shots towards the stage" and was located "on an elevated position outside the event perimeter." This suggests that a roof near the rally could be meant.
06:39 Shooter is reportedly a 20-year-old from PennsylvaniaThe person who shot Trump is a 20-year-old man from Pennsylvania, according to a source familiar with the investigation of the "Washington Post." Officially, the FBI stated that they had not yet identified the shooter and were "close" to doing so. The shooter is dead. 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," they added.
06:25 Media: Trump discharged from hospital againAccording to a report by the news agency Bloomberg, Trump was discharged from the hospital late on Saturday evening (local time) again.
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 attempted murder against our former president Donald Trump," FBI agent Kevin Rojek in Butler, the location of the rally, said. Trump was injured in the ear by the gunshots, according to law enforcement reports. A bystander was killed and two others were seriously injured.
04:41 Biden calls Trump personally after attackUS President Joe Biden called Trump personally after the attack on his predecessor, the White House confirmed without disclosing any details about the conversation. Biden will be briefed on the status of the investigations on Sunday at the White House, 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 the 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 in the attack on Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump fired from an "elevated position" outside the event venue, the Secret Service reported. One bystander was killed and two others were seriously injured. Initially, there was talk of a seriously injured person.
02:55 Trump: I was hit by a bullet in the earFormer US President Donald Trump, according to his own statements, was injured in the ear by a bullet during the attack at a campaign event in Pennsylvania. "I was hit by a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear," Trump wrote on his self-founded platform Truth Social.
00:33 Shots fired at Trump: Secret Service leads ex-President off stageFormer US President Donald Trump was led 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.
14:45 Biden's Chances in the US Presidential Election 2024In light of the recent events, the federal government in Germany still sees a chance that Vice President Joe Biden may win the US Presidential Election in 2024, despite the assassination attempt on Donald Trump. The government spokesman, Steffen Hebestreit, emphasizes that it's too early to write off Joe Biden's campaign skills.
14:46 Biden-Trump Rivalry in the US Presidential Election 2024Disregarding the potential consequences of the recent attack, the question of who will run in the US Presidential Election 2024 remains a hot topic. With renewed vigor, Vice President Joe Biden may challenge former President Donald Trump once again, illustrating the enduring political rivalry between the two leaders.
