17:49 Secret Service will support an independent investigation
The Director of the Secret Service, Kimberly Cheatle, stated that the agency will fully cooperate with an independent review of security measures regarding the attack on Donald Trump's campaign rally on Saturday. This was reported by the "Washington Post." "We are aware of the significance of President Biden's announcement of an independent review and we will participate fully. We will also work with the relevant Congressional committees on all regulatory measures," Cheatle said. US President Biden had announced on Sunday that the results would be made public.
17:23: King Charles sends personal message to Donald TrumpBritish King Charles III sent a personal message to former US President Donald Trump following the attack. The exact content of the message was not disclosed. It was in line with a conversation between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Trump, according to the British News Agency PA, citing palace sources.
17:01: Ex-classmates label Attacker Crooks as miserable marksmanThe Trump attacker Thomas Matthew Crooks was reportedly a poor marksman according to statements from former classmates. Speaking to ABC News, Jameson Myers, who attended school with Crooks from kindergarten to high school, said the 20-year-old had tried to join the marksmanship team in his first year at Bethel Park High School but was rejected during tryouts. "He didn't even make it into the team," Myers said. "He was asked not to return because he was such a terrible marksman. His participation was considered a danger." After that, Crooks did not show up for any further practice sessions. An anonymous member of the marksmanship team told the sender that the Trump attacker "wasn't really suited for the team." He added, "He also shot terribly."
16:41: Local sharpshooters should have secured attacker's building, allegedlyOne of the two local anti-sniper teams was supposed to secure the building used by the shooter, according to CNN, citing an unnamed source familiar with the investigation. The Pennsylvania State Police denied the allegations and stated they were not involved. The police in Butler County have not commented yet.
16:18: Shooter bought 50 rounds of ammunition shortly before attackThe Trump attacker Thomas Matthew Crooks bought ammunition shortly before the attack. CNN reported this based on sources in the security apparatus. According to the report, the shooter had purchased only a few hours before the attack 50 rounds of ammunition at a local gun shop.
15:53: Secret Service strengthens security measures for Republican Party conventionFollowing the attack on US Presidential candidate Donald Trump, security measures for the upcoming Republican Party convention have been strengthened by the authorities. Kimberly Cheatle, the Director of the responsible Secret Service, announced that her organization had revised and reinforced the plans for the protection of the convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is now confident that they are prepared for all contingencies.
15:27 Ex-Agent: Trump assassination attempt could devastate Secret Service
After the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, criticism of his personal protection 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 Spokesperson: Biden not to be written off in US presidential campaign
The German government also sees a chance that Joe Biden could win the US presidential election in November, despite the assassination attempt on the US presidential candidate Donald Trump. "We should not underestimate Biden's campaign skills," says Government Spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit. "Given that, it's too early to believe that the American presidential election has already been decided." Other politicians, such as Bavaria's Minister-President Markus Söder, had called on the Democrats to persuade Biden to withdraw, arguing that he was now hopelessly behind Trump. Hebestreit emphasizes that it is natural for democracies to have the possibility of a government change. "That's what makes them so attractive to voters, to citizens," he says.
14:41 No direct contact between Scholz and Trump after assassination
Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz has not sought direct contact with the Republican US presidential candidate Donald Trump since the assassination attempt. However, there are "contact channels" with both Democrats and Republicans, emphasizes Government Spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit. Scholz had met with 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 Expert: Secret Service "monumental failure"
After 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 zone, then?" asks Richard Painter, a White House employee under the former President George W. Bush and now a law professor at the University of Minnesota. He sees a "monumental security failure" and demands a detailed investigation. If a roof is within the range of a rifle aimed at a President or presidential candidate, "then it's the Secret Service's job to be on that roof," says Painter. "Have they ever 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 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 declared a no-fly zone for drones for the duration of the convention. Outside the area, where the Secret Service is responsible for security, weapons are allowed to be carried during the convention - in accordance with the laws of the state of Wisconsin. The Secret Service promises to be "fully prepared." The responsible Secret-Service coordinator for the convention, Audrey Gibson-Cicchino, says she trusts that the event will be protected at "the highest level of security measures."
13:35 Attempt on Trump brings boom for Chinese firm at stock exchange
Following the attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump, a Chinese technology company shone at the stock exchange - all because of its name. The shares of software maker Wisesoft surged today at the Shenzhen Stock Exchange by the daily maximum of ten percent. The company name in Mandarin is Chuan Da Zhi Sheng, which sounds remarkably similar to the Chinese translation of the sentence "Trump wins big". In China, stock market speculation connected to current events is widespread. This often leads to price spikes in all directions that have nothing to do with the numbers and performance of the respective company.
13:06 USA after the attack: "Time for revenge" for Trump and Republicans
The 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 martyr role and fan the political hatred further:
12:37 T-Shirts with Trump photos are new sales hit
Following the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, sales of T-shirts featuring images of the bloodied ex-president have skyrocketed within a short time. Trump is shown on the T-shirts, which cost between nine and forty dollars, with a bloody face as he raises his fist defiantly. Slogans like "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 designed T-shirts when she heard about the attack. "We had over 2000 orders from China and the US within three hours," the businesswoman told media in Hong Kong.
11:55 Many years before Trump: The man who "destroyed American politics"
The shots at Donald Trump during a campaign rally mark the lowest point of the polarizing struggle between political factions in the USA so far. The Republican Party's accusations against the Democrats are "hypocritical," says historian Annika Brockschmidt, and explains how political opponents became enemies:
11:19 "The example the political leaders will give in the coming days is crucial"
Regarding the assassination attempt on 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 the political leaders will give in the coming days is crucial for how the rest of the campaign season will unfold. (...) Trump and the leading Republicans, who are gathering in Milwaukee this week, bear a special responsibility for not using the assassination attempt to inflame their base. They must recognize that the US is a powder keg right now, and that the heated rhetoric should be toned down before sparks fly. For the time being, 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 shots on Trump: "The divide in the US will deepen"
Could the failed assassination attempt on Donald Trump be a moment of inner political reconciliation for US society? Political scientist Thomas Jäger sees no signs of it. On the contrary, the split in the country could worsen.
10:13 Initial Analysis: Chances of a Victory in the Election for Trump Increase
First Analysis: Chances of a Victory in the November Election for Trump Are Rising, According to Ipek Ozkardeskaya, Analyst at Swissquote Bank. The chances for a victory by 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 the upper hand, it has increased the chances that Trump will win the Presidential elections in November," explains the analyst.
09:54 The Attack as a Campaign Boost? Boese: Germany is Preparing 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. As ntv-correspondent Heike Boese summarizes in the RTL/ntv Morning Show:
09:25 "Heated Moments Could Now Become Very, Very Dangerous"
The Federal Chairwoman of the SPD, Saskia Esken, answers the question on RTL/ntv Morning Show about whether the attack will increase Trump's chances of winning: "It's 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 have ended up in storming the Capitol. Such heated moments could now become very, very dangerous, not only in terms of a victory in the election." When asked how Germany and the German government should react if Trump wins the Presidential elections, the SPD Chairwoman says: "It's only natural that the German government, along with other European governments, is aware that we need to draw closer together."
08:48 "Have We Overlooked Something?" - Consequences Threaten the Secret Service
After the attack on Donald Trump, the Secret Service is under scrutiny for not providing sufficient protection. "The Congress will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the tragic incident to determine where there were gaps in security and what the American people still need to know," says Spokesperson Mike Johnson, a Republican and Trump supporter, to the broadcaster NBC. Robert E. McDonald, a professor at the University of New Haven who worked for the Secret Service for 20 years, also tells the "New York Times": "Have we overlooked something? And if we have overlooked something, we must stand up and take responsibility for it." McDonald wonders why the intelligence service did not secure the building with snipers.
08:05 Secret Service under Criticism: Shots at Trump: "Was the Assailant Following the Police Officer?"
After 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 coming up. ntv-correspondent Christopher Wittich summarizes the latest developments.
07:34 After the Attack: Joe Biden will not make "Battlefield"
US-President Biden expresses himself in a speech and on social media again about the attack on his political rival Donald Trump. The 81-year-old writes on X: "Political differences are unavoidable in the American democracy. They are part of human nature. But politics should never be a literal battlefield or - God forbid - a lethal battlefield."
06:57 The Attack Has Turned 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 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 performance in his first term, present a bold vision for the future, and go on the offensive against Trump by portraying him as the greatest threat to democracy in the US. But the attack on the former president on Saturday has thrown everything into disarray. Facing the fear 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 is in Milwaukee
After the primary elections in the individual states, both Democrats and Republicans must officially confirm their overall results on a national level. This happens at the respective nomination conventions. The Democrats will gather for this purpose in mid-August in Chicago in the state of Illinois. The Republican nomination convention, on the other hand, takes place this time from July 15 to 18 in Milwaukee in the state of 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
Asian stock markets react with uncertainty to the attempted attack on US presidential candidate Donald Trump. Investors are concerned about potential consequences for future US economic policy. At the bond markets, yields for government bonds rose, which experts attribute to the expectation of a potentially inflationary and debt-intensive economic policy under a Trump presidency. Additionally, stricter immigration laws could complicate the labor market and drive wages up. "The market reaction to a Trump presidency was previously characterized by a stronger dollar and a steeper curve of US government bonds," says Rong Ren Goh, Portfolio Manager at Eastspring Investments in Singapore. "We may observe some of these developments in the coming week if the election chances improve further following this incident."
05:56 Trump: He thinks about it again and again
Donald Trump thinks about the moment before the attempted attack that may have saved his life: a small head movement to better see the screen. This likely prevented a bullet from fatally hitting his head and instead grazed his ear. "Not only did I turn around, but I turned exactly at the right time and to the right extent," Trump told the "Washington Examiner" during a speech on board his 757 as he flew to Milwaukee for the Republican National Convention. "If I had only turned half around, it would have hit the back of my head. The other way goes straight through the skull. The chance that I would make a perfect turn is probably less than one in ten percent, so I shouldn't be here."
05:22 Trump: I'm realizing it now
After the attempted attack at a campaign event, Donald Trump calls for calm and unity. "This is an opportunity to bring the whole country, even the whole world, together," Trump told the "Washington Examiner." The incident deeply affected him. He now realizes ("Reality is just sinking 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 having this conversation, or?"
04:46 NYT: Explosives 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 involved in 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," says a statement from the club's lawyer, Robert Bootay. "Beyond that, the club, in the context of ongoing police investigations, cannot make any further comments 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. "Beyond the intensive preparations of the German government, which are running very intensively and 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 networking intensively with the competent colleagues in the CDU and CSU on the topic of preparation for a possible scenario Trump 2.0," says the FDP politician. Previously, the deputy CDU fraction 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 campaign
US President Joe Biden urged for de-escalation in the US campaign following the attack on his predecessor and rival 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." The Democrat expressed relief that Trump was not seriously injured in the incident. Biden acknowledged that the campaign had been marked by highly charged political rhetoric but emphasized the high stakes in the upcoming presidential elections.
01:46 Biden resumes campaign planning
After a brief campaign pause following the attack on his predecessor and political adversary Donald Trump, US President Joe Biden plans to resume public appearances in the coming days. According to the White House, Biden will visit the NAACP's annual convention in Las Vegas on Tuesday. He is also scheduled to attend a local campaign event in the desert metropolis in the US state of Nevada on Wednesday. Biden had canceled a trip to Texas scheduled for Monday and cut short a weekend stay in the state of 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 attacker as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. A driver's license photo of Crooks shows a young man with side-parted dark-blond hair, glasses, and a few freckles on his face. Crooks' former classmates described him as a "quiet" student who often seemed "lonely," as reported by ABC News. One classmate claimed Crooks had been socially withdrawn. He could not recall having heard Crooks speak about politics in general or Trump specifically. Jason Kohler, who attended the same high school as the alleged shooter, told reporters that Crooks had been 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 staffer for Facebook post
Democratic Representative Bennie Thompson in the US House of Representatives fired a staffer who posted on social media that she wished the Trump attacker had shot more accurately. According to the "New York Times," Jacqueline Marsaw wrote on Facebook: "I don't condone violence, but take shooting lessons, so you don't miss next time. Oops, that wasn't me who spoke." Thompson, who represents Mississippi's second district, wrote on X, expressing 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 Party convention
Audrey Gibson-Cicchino, the security representative in charge of the Republican Party convention, announces that the measures for the large event have not been intensified yet. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson does not intend to prohibit weapons in the exterior area of the event venue as an additional precaution. Carrying firearms is protected by state laws, Johnson states. The Mega-Event is scheduled to officially nominate Donald Trump as the presidential candidate of the party in the coming week. Trump is making efforts to avoid giving an impression of weakness: He announced that he will travel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the US federal state on Sunday afternoon (local time) for the party convention.
23:21 Biden: Motive of the shooter still unclear
Joe Biden, the US President, stated before journalists in the White House that there is still no information about the motive of the shooter. "We have no information about the motive of the gunman," Biden said. Biden urged the public not to speculate and to let the law enforcement agencies do their work.
22:53 Financial markets expect "landslide victory for Trump"
Financial markets are expected to reorganize themselves after the attempted assassination of US presidential candidate Donald Trump. The bullet that hit Trump at an election rally increased his chances of winning - and thus, financial markets may be focusing on a steeper yield curve for US Treasury bonds, investors say. "The election is likely to be a landslide. This reduces uncertainty," says Nick Ferres, Chief Investment Manager at Vantage Point Asset Management. Rong Ren Goh, Portfolio Manager of Eastspring Investments in Singapore, expects the dollar to continue its recovery and investors to focus on a higher return on US government bonds.
22:07 Injured attendees in stable condition
According to the police in Pennsylvania, the two people injured in the attempted assassination of Donald Trump are in stable condition. At a campaign rally, a man from the audience was killed. The suspected shooter was shot by security personnel. Trump was slightly injured, and two attendees were seriously injured.
21:57 FBI: Shooter acted alone, no ideology or psychological issues identified yet
The FBI has issued a statement: The suspected 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, no clear signs of an ideology or mental health issues have been identified. The weapon was legally purchased, 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 calls Trump
Britain's new Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reportedly phoned Donald Trump, who was injured in the assassination attempt. Starmer condemned the violence and expressed his condolences to the victims and their families, according to government sources. Trump and the other injured were wished a quick recovery by Starmer, reports the British news agency PA.
21:16 They will be waiting for this: Söder gives US Democrats "recommendation from outside"
"Violence is certainly not a means of resolution", says CSU chief 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 Republican Party convention in Wisconsin 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 wrote on the online platform Truth Social that he would leave for Milwaukee on Sunday afternoon local time and would not change his schedule.
20:39 Biden cancels trip to Texas
US President Joe Biden cancels a planned trip to Texas at short notice. The White House announced this. Biden had originally planned to travel to the state in the south on Monday. After the shootings at Trump's rally in the state of Pennsylvania on Saturday evening local time, Biden had already cut short a weekend stay in Delaware and returned to the government headquarters in Washington.
20:11 Biden announces heightened security measures for Republican Party convention
US President Joe Biden announces a speech to the nation and calls for unity. "We must stand together as a nation", says Biden at the White House and announces that he will address the American people in an official statement from the Oval Office in the evening (in the German night to Monday). For the Republican Party convention, which begins on Monday, security measures are to be increased, he also announces. An independent investigation into the background of the attack is also to be carried out. In the morning, he and his deputy Kamala Harris were briefed by law enforcement and security agencies on the latest investigation status.
20:07 Live on ntv: Biden speaks about the attack on Trump
US President Joe Biden speaks about the attempted assassination attempt 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 informed about the status of the investigations 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 rally for former US President Donald Trump in the state of Pennsylvania was a firefighter and family man. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro announced this and said he had spoken to his wife and daughters. The man died "as a hero" and threw himself in front of his family to protect them when the shots rang out at the Trump rally. He was a "passionate supporter" of Trump. In addition to the man who died, two other spectators were injured. Shapiro said their condition was critical.
19:13 Some Republicans hold Biden and Democrats accountable
Many Republican members of Congress offer prayers and support for former President Donald Trump in the hours following the shooting at a campaign event in Pennsylvania. According to the "Washington Post", approximately 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 crime and his statement that "everyone must condemn political violence."
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. He tells the "Tagesspiegel" that "imitators - against Trump -, or avengers - against Joe Biden - are more likely." This is all the more true because "multiple conspiracy theories are confusing the already uncertain American electorate." The Transatlantic Coordinator of the German government, Michael Link also fears further political polarization in the US. "That must not happen. It's important now to maintain calm and respect. President Joe Biden did that 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 were no follow-up investigations into 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, thanking the law enforcement agencies and the Secret Service, and honoring the victims. "As you saw today, my father is a fighter, and he will continue to fight for you and the USA." Ivanka Trump, who previously announced that she would not participate in her father's presidential campaign this year, thanks the bodyguards and writes: "I continue to pray for our country," and: "I love you, Dad, today and always."
17:15 The shooter also had explosives in his car
According to information from the "Wall Street Journal," the Trump assassination attempt suspect also had explosives in his car. The car near the crime scene was reportedly secured by the authorities, according to the newspaper, citing unidentified sources. The weapon used in the crime was reportedly purchased by the father of the alleged suspect, according to the newspaper and ABC News. It is said to be an AR-15 type rifle. The AR-15 was developed in the 1950s, initially for the military. The AR-15 is the civilian version of this weapon. Unlike the military version, it is not technically possible to fire continuously with this weapon. Skilled shooters can, however, fire many shots in a very short time.
16:59 Melania Trump also speaks out
Following the attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump, Melania Trump has also spoken out. The slain security guard was a "Monster," who had attempted to "extinguish Donald's passion, his laughter, his inventiveness, his love of music, and his enthusiasm," explained the former First Lady of the United States 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 also thanked her husband's security team.
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 used by Trump. It fits the narrative of the former US President that the country is on the wrong track. "The attempted assassination generates sympathy for Trump," says Bannon. "It also confirms the belief 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. "They're not behind me, they're behind you," reads the message to voters.
16:08 Concerns before the convention: Republicans working with 40 law enforcement agencies
Republican Party Chairman Michael Whatley assures that the authorities are working intensively to ensure security at the upcoming convention in Milwaukee. They are working with 40 different law enforcement agencies, according to Whatley in the Fox News channel.
15:44 Top advisors from Trump's campaign team: "Please report anything suspicious immediately"
Top advisors from Donald Trump's campaign team advise caution. "We are reinforcing our 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 anything seems suspicious to you, please report it immediately to the leadership or the security team on site," it continues.
15:24 Witnesses describe chaotic scenes at Trump attackAt Trump's campaign rally in Pennsylvania, shots were fired, causing chaos and panic. Witnesses speak of speculations about fireworks, the sound of gunshots, gunshots on the roof, and the moment Trump fell to the ground.
14:58 Leading Republican: "We need to tone down the rhetoric"The President of the US House of Representatives, Republican Mike Johnson, is trying 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 attack is an opportunity for Biden"
14:03 Trump calls for reconciliation"It's more important than ever that we come together," writes Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform. He is already looking forward to speaking in Wisconsin "to our great country" this week. In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Republican National Convention takes place from Monday to Thursday. Trump writes further, "I hold the memory of the slain citizen in our hearts." He had already called for unity in his inaugural address as US President in January 2017.
12:58 NATO Secretary-General Stoltenberg shocked by assassination attemptNATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is shocked by the assassination attempt on Trump. "I am shocked by the attempted assassination of former President Trump," he 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 the shooter's shots and the Secret Service's shotsThe American gossip news site TMZ shows a video in which it appears that both the shooter's shots and the shots that allegedly killed him only seconds later can be heard. The attack caused panic among the bystanders. The recording was made from outside the area where the rally took place, as TMZ reports.
11:40 Secret Service denies Republican accusationThe Secret Service has denied the Republican accusation that they had refused to provide additional security resources to 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 spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi. In fact, the Secret Service had recently increased security measures.
Few hours after the attack on Trump, Republican Congressman Michael Waltz had said that he had "reliable sources" who told him that there had been "repeated requests for stronger intelligence services protection for President Trump." Waltz did not provide any evidence.
11:16 Steinmeier wishes Trump swift recoveryFederal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier condemns the attack 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 here. We all can contribute: Let us respect 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 deserve swift recovery. My deepest condolences go to the family of the attack victim."
10:32 Expert: "Trump produced that image directly, instinctively"Seconds after the shots were fired, Donald Trump is seen rising from the crowd and punching at Secret Service agents. Political scientist Thomas Jaeger sees the "master of political marketing" at work here. It remains to be seen if Trump will be able to continue spinning his "witch hunt" narrative.
10:10 Sharpshooter seemed to have noticed the assassin just before the first shotsA video posted on X shows a sharpshooter at the Trump rally in exactly the moment the shots were fired. Sharpshooters are deployed at such events by the Secret Service to secure the area - which apparently did not go well in this case. The sharpshooter seems to be observing something or someone through his telescopic sight. He recoils, just before the shots can be heard, suggesting that he became aware of the shooter as a threat in that moment. The shooter was soon shot himself.
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 near the venue before the shooting. 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, what?", as if the security personnel had not known what was going on. "I thought: Why is Trump still speaking, why didn't they get him off the stage? ... The next thing I heard were five gunshots."
09:15 Scholz condemns the attack as abhorrentChancellor Olaf Scholz comments on the attempted assassination of Trump on X: "The assassination attempt on US presidential candidate Donald Trump is abhorrent. I wish him a swift recovery. My thoughts are also with those affected by the attack. Such acts of violence threaten democracy."
08:28 Photographer took picture of possible projectileDoug Mills, a photographer for the "New York Times", apparently took a picture at the exact moment a bullet narrowly missed Trump. Michael Harrigan, a retired FBI agent, told the newspaper that "the photo could very well show the air displacement caused by a bullet". In general, 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 Identified as a RepublicanThe FBI has identified the suspected shooter. He is a man named Thomas Matthew Crooks. The 20-year-old victim who was killed during the shooting attempt is from the small town of Bethel Park in the US state of Pennsylvania, about an hour south of Butler, where the Trump rally took place. Crooks is a registered 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 17 years old at the time of the donation. He registered as a Republican Party member in September 2021 when he turned 18.
07:46 Expert: "Secret Service Needs to Answer Some Questions"Donald Trump, as the former President and candidate, is under the protection of the Secret Service. There are highest security measures in place at all campaign events, as Obama's former campaign advisor Julius van de Laar reports. It remains to be worked out how it was possible that a shooter could attack, despite these security measures.
07:38 World Leaders React in ShockWorld leaders reacted in shock to the attack on former President Trump. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen writes on X, she is deeply shocked, wishes Trump a quick recovery, and expresses her condolences to the 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 participants of the event, and all Americans."
The United Nations also condemns the attack on Trump. "The Secretary-General strongly condemns this act of political violence", explains the spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres. "He wishes President Trump a quick recovery." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shares that he is "appalled" by the news of the attack. "Such violence has no justification and no place in the world. Never should violence prevail." Zelenskyy also wishes Trump a quick recovery.
Already on Saturday evening (local time), Biden stated that he was grateful that Trump was safe and doing well. In the USA, "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 and finds it "surprising" that the shooter was able to fire several shots. In response to a question about security measures, he says that such questions must be answered by the Secret Service. Despite the name, 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 locations should be located", Rojek says. "And they are responsible for securing the crime scene." A representative of the Secret Service is not present at the press conference. "Nobody was available", so Rojek.
07:04 Trump in New Jersey, apparently unharmedA Trump spokesperson posted a video showing Trump leaving an airport in New Jersey unaided. His injured ear was not visible in the video. The Republicans have announced that the Nominating Convention will go ahead 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 announced 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 shooter had "fired several shots at the stage" and had been on "an elevated position" outside the event venue. This suggests that a roof near the gathering could have been meant.
06:39 Shooter is apparently a 20-year-old from PennsylvaniaThe person who shot at Trump is a 20-year-old man from Pennsylvania, according to a source familiar with the investigation to the "Washington Post." The FBI officially stated that they had not yet identified the shooter, but were "close" to doing so. The shooter is dead. According to Pennsylvania police, it is too early to say whether it was a lone gunman. However, there is no indication of "any further threat."
06:25 Media: Trump discharged from hospitalTrump was discharged from the hospital late Saturday evening (local time), according to a report by Bloomberg News.
06:01 FBI confirms attempted assassination of Ex-President Trump at rallyFollowing the shooting at a campaign rally in the US state of Pennsylvania, the FBI has classified the incident as an "attempted assassination" against former President Donald Trump. FBI Agent Kevin Rojek in Butler, the location of the rally, stated, "This is an attempted assassination against our former President Donald Trump." According to authorities, Trump was wounded in the ear, and in addition to the alleged shooter, a bystander was killed and two others were seriously injured.
04:41 Biden phones Trump after attackUS President Joe Biden personally phoned Trump after the attack, according to the White House, without disclosing the contents of the conversation. On Sunday, Biden will be briefed by law enforcement agencies about the status of the investigation, it was further stated.
03:58 Republicans to hold Convention despite Trump attackThe US Republicans plan to hold the Nominating Convention in Milwaukee 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 are expected to gather in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, starting Monday to officially nominate the 78-year-old Trump as their Presidential candidate.
03:54 Authorities: Shooter fired from an elevated positionAt 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, according to the Secret Service. Initially, there was talk of a seriously injured person.
02:55 Trump: I was hit by a bullet in the earThe former US President Donald Trump, according to his own statements, was injured by a bullet during a campaign appearance. "I was hit by a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear," Trump wrote on his co-founded platform Truth Social.
00:33 Shots fired at Trump: Security guards escort ex-President off stageThe former US President Donald Trump was escorted off stage during a campaign appearance in the state of Pennsylvania by security personnel. Before that, shots were heard. In the images, Trump is seen with a bloody ear and raised fist.
- In light of the independent review announced by President Biden, the Secret Service, led by Director Kimberly Cheatle, has expressed their commitment to cooperate fully, also pledging to work with relevant Congressional committees regarding security measures for the 2024 US Presidential Election, where both Donald Trump and Joe Biden are expected contenders.
- As the US Presidential Election in 2024 approaches, political analysts and observers are closely watching the dynamics between former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden, with many anticipating a potential rematch between the two, given their contrasting political ideologies and the significant impact they have had on US politics.
