17:01 Ex-students label attackers Crooks as miserable marksmen
The Trump assassination attempt suspect Thomas Matthew Crooks reportedly had difficulties handling firearms according to statements from former classmates at ABC News. Jameson Myers, who attended elementary and high school with Crooks, stated that the 20-year-old had attempted to join the Bethel Park High School rifle team in his first year but was rejected during tryouts. "He didn't even make it into the team," Myers said. "He was asked not to return because his shooting was so terrible, it was considered dangerous for him to participate." After that, Crooks no longer showed up for practice sessions. A member of the rifle team who wished to remain anonymous told ABC that Crooks "wasn't really suitable for the team." They added that "he also shot terribly."
16:41 Local sharpshooters should have reportedly secured the suspect's building
One of the two local anti-sniper teams was supposed to secure the building used by the shooter. CNN reported this based on an unnamed source familiar with the investigation. The Pennsylvania State Police denied the allegations and stated they were not involved. The Butler County Police have not commented yet.
16:18 Suspect bought 50 rounds of ammunition shortly before the attack
The Trump assassination attempt suspect Thomas Matthew Crooks bought ammunition shortly before the attack. CNN reported this based on sources in law enforcement. According to the report, Crooks purchased only a few hours before the incident 50 rounds of ammunition from a local gun shop.
15:53 Secret Service intensifies security measures for Republican Party convention
Following the assassination attempt on US Presidential candidate Donald Trump, security measures for the upcoming Republican Party convention have been intensified. Kimberly Cheatle, the director of the responsible Secret Service division, stated that her organization had revised and strengthened the plans for protecting the convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is now confident that they are well-prepared for all scenarios.
15:27 Ex-agent: Trump assassination attempt could potentially destroy Secret Service
The criticism of Donald Trump's personal security following the assassination attempt is growing. Former Secret Service agent Tim McCarthy also sees a failure on the part of the security forces. The incident is now being investigated - a potential disaster for the Secret Service, according to McCarthy.
15:04 Government spokesperson: Biden not to be written off in US election
The German government still sees a chance for Amtsinhaber Joe Biden to win the US presidential election despite the assassination attempt on Donald Trump. Government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit stated, "Joe Biden's campaign skills should not be underestimated." He added, "It's still too early to believe that the American presidential election has already been decided." Other politicians, such as Bavaria's Minister-President Markus Soeder, had called on Biden to withdraw from the race, as he was now considered to be chanceless against Trump. Hebestreit emphasized that it was natural in democracies for there to always be the possibility of a government change. "That's what makes them attractive to voters, to citizens," he said.
14:41 No direct contact between Scholz and Trump after the attack
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz has not sought direct contact with Republican US presidential candidate Donald Trump since the attack. However, there have been "dialogues" with both Democrats and Republicans, according to Government Spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit. Scholz met with representatives of both parties in the US during the past week. The German government clearly condemns the attack on Trump. "That was a despicable crime," says Hebestreit.
14:18 Expert accuses Secret Service of "monstrous failure"
Following the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, the Secret Service is under heavy criticism. "The protectee was outside the Secret-Service zone. What is that, 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 a "monstrous 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," Painter says. "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 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 in addition to the local police forces to secure the RNC, according to the local 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 personal protectors of the Secret Service are responsible, weapons are allowed to be carried during the convention in accordance with Wisconsin state laws. The Secret Service assures, "we are fully prepared." The person in charge of security for the convention, Secret-Service Coordinator Audrey Gibson-Cicchino, says she trusts that the event will be protected at "the highest level of security measures."
13:35 Trump Attack boosts Chinese firm's stock market value
Following the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, a Chinese technology company saw its stock market value soar - all because of its name. The shares of software provider Wisesoft surged by the maximum 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 connected to current events is common. This often leads to price fluctuations unrelated to the numbers and performance of the respective company.
13:06 USA after the Attack: "Time for revenge" for Trump and Republicans
The struggle for 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 fan the political hatred: [
(End of text)
12:37 T-Shirts with Trump Photos are the new sales hit
After the attempted assassination on Donald Trump, the online sale of T-Shirts with images of the wounded ex-President rapidly soared through the roof. On the T-Shirts, priced between nine and forty dollars, Trump is shown 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 when 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 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 clashes between political factions in the USA. The accusations of the Republicans towards the Democrats are "hollow," according to historian Annika Brockschmidt, and she explains how political enemies became adversaries:
11:19 The example the political leaders will set in the coming days is crucial
Regarding the attempted assassination on Ex-President Donald Trump and the start of the Republican Party convention, where he is to be officially named the presidential candidate, the "Los Angeles Times" writes: "The example the political leaders will set in the coming days is crucial for how the rest of the campaign season will unfold. (...) Trump and the top Republicans gathering in Milwaukee this week bear a special responsibility for not using 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 bipartisan." Previously, President Biden had already urged US citizens to renounce violence.
10:42 After the Shooting: The divide in the USA will deepen
Could the attempted assassination on 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 division in the country could worsen.
10:13 Initial analyses: Chances of a victory at the election for Trump increase
The attempted assassination on the former US President Donald Trump during a campaign rally 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 have less than pleasant 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 the RTL/ntv Frühstart on the question of whether the attack on Trump could enhance his chances of winning the election: "It's to be expected, yes, that he and especially his supporters will use this incident to further fan the flames. We have experienced similar situations in the past, which have ended up in riots at the Capitol. 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's long been the case that the Federal Government, that governments in Europe are aware that they need to get closer."
08:48 "Have We Overlooked Something?" - Consequences Threaten at the Secret Service
Following the attack on Donald Trump, the Secret Service is under scrutiny. They were unable to provide sufficient protection for the ex-President. Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican and Trump supporter, told 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 told 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 Criticism: Shots at Trump: "Perhaps the Police Officer Was the Assailant"
Following the planned attack on Donald Trump, the Secret Service must answer many 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: Joe 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. So, the 81-year-old writes on X: "Disagreements are unavoidable in 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"
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 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 beat the disruptive Republican at 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 a wrench in the works. Facing the prospect 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 primaries in individual states, both Democrats and Republicans must officially endorse their collective 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 year 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 hindered from holding a large, pompous event due to the pandemic.
06:14 The stock market reacts to the Trump assassination attempt
Asian stock markets react with unease to the attempted assassination of US presidential candidate Donald Trump. Investors are concerned about potential implications on 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, the bullet grazed his ear. "The most incredible part was that I not only turned, but I turned exactly the right amount," Trump told the "Washington Examiner" during 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 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 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 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 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", says a statement from the club's lawyer, Robert Bootay. "Beyond that, the Club cannot provide any further comment on this matter due to ongoing police investigations." The Clairton Sportsmen's Club operates a wooded area in the southern hills of Pittsburgh with a 200-yard shooting range.
03:31 Federal government preparing for Trump's re-election
The federal government is preparing for a possible second US presidency for Donald Trump, according to the words of its Transatlantic Coordinator, Michael Link. "Besides the intensive preparations of the federal government, which are running very intensively but also very discreetly behind the scenes, we also need a consensus of the democratic parties, factions, and political foundations", Link told the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). "I am seeking this consensus regularly and have been intensively networking with the competent colleagues in CDU and CSU on the topic of 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 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 a very 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 plans to make 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 cancelled a trip to Texas scheduled for 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 him as a young man with side-parted dark blonde 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 specifically. Jason Kohler, who claims to have attended the same high school as the alleged shooter, tells reporters that Crooks was frequently bullied. "He was quiet, but he was just bullied. He was bullied so much." Crooks, who occasionally wore hunter's clothing, was mocked for his clothing style.
00:35 "Next time not miss": Democratic congresswoman fires employee for Facebook post
Democratic congressman Bennie Thompson of the US House of Representatives fired an employee who posted on social media that she wished the Trump assassination suspect had aimed better. According to "The New York Times," Jacqueline Marsaw wrote on Facebook: "I don't condone violence, but please take shooting lessons so you don't miss next time. Ups, that wasn't me who spoke." Thompson, who represents Mississippi's second district, writes on X, expresses gratitude that Trump is okay. 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 in charge of security at the Republican convention, Audrey Gibson-Cicchino, informs that the security measures for the large event will 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, 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 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 preparing for a significant shift, investors say. "The election is likely to be a landslide. That reduces uncertainty, most likely," says Nick Ferres, Chief Investment Manager at Vantage Point Asset Management. Rong Ren Goh, Portfolio Manager of Eastspring Investments in Singapore, expects the dollar to continue its 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 the Pennsylvania police. At a campaign rally, a man from 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: Suspect acted alone, no identifiable ideology or mental health issues yet
The FBI issues 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 terror attack and an attempted assassination. The FBI is investigating the social media accounts of the 20-year-old suspect who was killed. However, there are currently no indications of an ideology or mental health issues of the alleged attacker. The weapon was legally purchased, most likely by the suspect's father. Bomb experts have also secured a suspicious device in the suspect's car, which has been taken to the lab for further investigation.
21:42 British Prime Minister Starmer phones Trump
According to government sources, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has phoned former US President Donald Trump after the attack. He condemned the violence and expressed his condolences to the victims and their families, the British news agency PA reports. Trump and the other injured were wished a quick recovery.
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, according to his post on the online platform Truth Social. He will leave for Milwaukee on Sunday afternoon local time and will not change his schedule.
20:39 Biden announces plans
US-President Joe Biden cancels a planned trip to Texas at short notice. The White House announces this. Biden had originally planned to travel to the southern state on Monday. After the shootings at Trump's rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday evening local time, Biden had already cut short a weekend stay in Delaware and returned early to the government headquarters in Washington.
20:11 Biden announces heightened security measures for 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 American citizens in the evening (Monday in US time) from the Oval Office. For the Republican convention, which begins on Monday, security measures will be increased, Biden also announces. An independent investigation into the background of the attack is also to be carried out. Biden and his deputy Kamala Harris were 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 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 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 man who died, two other spectators were injured. Shapiro said their condition was still critical.
19:13 Many Republicans blame Biden and the Democrats
The overwhelming 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, warns of the danger of a spiral of violence in the US election campaign. "Imitators - against Trump - or Avengers - against Joe Biden - are more likely," he tells the "Tagesspiegel." This is all the more true because "multiple conspiracy theories will further confuse the already uncertain American electorate." The Transatlantic Coordinator of the German government, Michael Link, also fears further political polarization in the US. "This must not happen. It is now important 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 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 express themselves
The children of former President Donald Trump pay tribute to their father and thank the agents who protected him. "He will never stop fighting for the salvation of America," writes Donald Trump Jr. on Twitter along with a photo of his father with a bloodied face raising his fist. Eric Trump shares the same photo on Instagram with a similar message in capital letters. In an Instagram story, Tiffany Trump thanks God that her father is still alive. "Political violence is never the answer," she writes, thanking the law enforcement agencies and the Secret Service, and honoring the victims. "As you 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 reportedly 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 rifle was developed in the 1950s, initially for the military. The AR-15 is the civilian version of this weapon. 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 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 personnel of her husband.
16:26 "They are not behind me, they are behind you" - 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. "They are not behind me, they are behind you," reads the message to voters.
16:08 Concerns before the convention: Republicans working with 40 security agencies
Republican Party chairman Michael Whatley assures that preparations for security at the upcoming convention in Milwaukee are being made intensively. 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 to Donald Trump's campaign team advise caution. "We are increasing 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," the "Washington Post" quotes Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles, Trump campaign advisors, 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 shooting
During Trump's campaign speech in Pennsylvania, shots rang out, 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 shooting an opportunity for Biden
An expert says the Trump shooting 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, 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 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 onlookers. The recording was made from outside the area where the rally was taking place, as TMZ reports.
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 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 incitement from election campaigns and debates! Democracy tolerates sharp controversies - but violence destroys democracy. Donald J. Trump and the injured I wish a speedy recovery. My deepest condolences go to the family of the victim of the attack."
10:32 Expert: "Trump produced the image directly, instinctively" Within seconds of the shots being fired, Donald Trump stands 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's crucial now is whether Trump can continue to spin his "witch hunt" narrative.
10:10 Sharpshooter appeared to have noticed the assassin just before the first shots were firedA 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 did not go as planned. The sharpshooter seems to be observing something or someone through his sniper 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 thereafter, the assassinator was shot.
09:23 Participant warned others about the assassinator 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, told on-site security personnel: "Hey man, there's a guy with a rifle on the roof", he later told the BBC. The response was: "Ha ha, what?", implying that the security forces did not 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 attackGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz commented on the attempted attack against Trump 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 who were 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 by chance in the moment when a bullet came close to Donald Trump. Michael Harrigan, a retired FBI agent, told the newspaper that "the photo could very well show the air displacement caused by a bullet". Generally, it is possible to photograph a flying bullet, Harrigan said. 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 a man named Thomas Matthew Crooks. The 20-year-old, who was killed during the shooting attempt, 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 dollars to a Democratic donation organization on the day of Biden's inauguration in January 2021.
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 advisor Julius van de Laar reports. It now needs to be clarified how it could happen that a shooter was able to attack, despite these precautions.
07:38 World leaders shocked by attack on TrumpState and government heads worldwide 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 swift recovery, and expressing her condolences to the innocent victim's family. "Political violence has no place in a democracy," she writes. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also expresses similar sentiments. "My thoughts are with former President Trump, the attendees, and all Americans."
The United Nations condemns the attack on Trump. "The Secretary-General strongly condemns this act of political violence 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."
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 an intelligence agency 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 officially be selected as the Republican presidential candidate. US President Biden shares that the Democrats will stop all campaign ads as soon as possible.
06:50 Shooter fired from a roof near the rallyAnthony Guglielmi, a Secret Service spokesperson, states that the suspect fired "multiple shots towards the stage" and was located "on an elevated position outside the event perimeter." This suggests that a roof near the rally could be meant.
06:39 Shooter is reportedly a 20-year-old from PennsylvaniaThe person who shot Trump is a 20-year-old man from Pennsylvania, according to a source familiar with the investigation of the "Washington Post." Officially, the FBI states that they have not yet identified the shooter, but are "close" to doing so. The shooter is deceased. According to Pennsylvania police, it is too early to 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 Bloomberg News, former President Trump was discharged from the hospital late on a Saturday evening (local time).
06:01 FBI confirms attempted murder against Ex-President Trump at rallyFollowing shootings at a campaign event in the US state of Pennsylvania, the FBI has classified the incident as an "attempted murder" against former President Donald Trump. "This is an attempted murder against our former president Donald Trump," FBI agent Kevin Rojek said in Butler, the location of the rally. Trump was injured in the ear by the gunfire, according to law enforcement, and a bystander was killed, while two others were severely wounded.
04:41 Biden phones Trump personallyU.S. President Joe Biden phoned Trump personally following the attack, the White House confirmed, without disclosing the contents of the conversation. Biden was to be briefed on the status of the investigation on Sunday at the White House, according to further information.
03:58 Republicans to hold convention despite Trump attackThe U.S. 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 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 position"In 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 severely wounded, according to the Secret Service. Initially, there had been reports of a seriously injured person.
02:55 Trump: I was hit by a bullet in my earFormer U.S. 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 went into the upper part of my right ear," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
00:33 Shots fired at Trump: Secret Service escorts Ex-President from stageFormer U.S. President Donald Trump was escorted from the stage by security personnel following shootings at a campaign event in Pennsylvania. Prior to this, gunshots were heard. Images show Trump with a bloody ear and raised fist.
1. During the upcoming United States Presidency Election 2024, former President Donald Trump could potentially leverage the attempted assassination incident to regain support.2. Regarding the potential impact of the Joe Biden and Donald Trump 2024 Presidential race, German Government Spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit emphasized, "It's still too early to believe that the American presidential election has already been decided."
