19:08 Home Security Minister (US): Trump attack was a security failure
The attempted attack on US Presidential candidate Donald Trump marks a security failure, according to US Homeland Security Minister Alejandro Mayorkas. "An incident like this should not occur," Mayorkas told CNN. "When I say that something should not occur, we're talking about a failure." Mayorkas was explicitly asked if he held the Secret Service responsible for the security failure that led to the attack at Trump's campaign rally in the US state of Pennsylvania on Saturday. The agency is responsible for the protection of the sitting and former presidents and falls under Mayorkas' ministry. Mayorkas promises an independent and thorough investigation to determine how the attack on Trump during his campaign speech in Pennsylvania on Saturday occurred. Based on the findings, recommendations for security measures will be made, he adds.
3:43 p.m. After the Attack: Trump to Announce VP Pick
Donald Trump is expected to announce his vice presidential pick at a press conference later today, according to a report by Fox News. The host Bret Baier said he had spoken with Trump, who stated that the vice presidential selection would take place today. Additionally, there are expected to be other surprises.
3:19 p.m. Democratic Senator Hopes for Trump's Lead
Senator Chris Coons (D-DE), co-chair of the Biden-Harris campaign, hopes that former President Donald Trump will use his platform at the Republican National Convention to follow "the example of President Biden." In an interview with CNN, Coons cited Biden's earlier statements, including his inaugural address, in which he called for unity among the American people. His comments come after Trump told the "Washington Examiner" on Sunday that he would revise his original speech, as it presented an opportunity "to bring the whole country, if not the whole world, together."
3:09 p.m. Secret Service to Support Independent Investigation
The Director of the Secret Service, Kimberly Cheatle, has stated that the agency will fully cooperate with an independent review of the security arrangements at the attack on Donald Trump's campaign rally on Saturday. According to the "Washington Post," the Behavioral Analysis and Threat Assessment Unit of the Secret Service will conduct the investigation. "We are aware of the significance of President Biden's announcement of an independent review, and we will fully participate. We will also work with the relevant congressional committees in all oversight activities," Cheatle said. US President Biden announced on Sunday that the results of the investigation would be made public.
2:33 p.m. British King Sends Personal Message to Trump
British King Charles III has reportedly sent a personal message to former US President Donald Trump following the attack on Saturday. The contents of the message were not disclosed. It was in line with a conversation between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Trump, according to the British Press Association, citing sources from the palace.
17:01 Ex-classmates label Attacker Crooks as miserable marksman
Former classmates of Trump attacker Thomas Matthew Crooks described him as poorly skilled with firearms. Jameson Myers, who attended ABC News and went to the same elementary and high school as Crooks, stated that the 20-year-old attempted to join the marksmanship team at Bethel Park High School 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 participation was considered dangerous due to his incredibly poor marksmanship." Afterward, Crooks no longer showed up for practice sessions. An anonymous member of the marksmanship team told the sender that the Trump attacker "wasn't really suitable for the team." They added, "He also shot terribly."
16:41 Local sharpshooters should have allegedly secured attacker's building
One 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 related allegations and stated they were not involved. The Butler County Police have not commented yet.
16:18 Shooter bought 50 rounds of ammunition shortly before attack
Trump attacker Thomas Matthew Crooks purchased new ammunition shortly before the attack, CNN reported, citing sources from the security sector. According to the report, the shooter bought 50 rounds of ammunition at a local gun shop only a few hours before the incident.
15:53 Secret Service intensifies security measures for Republican convention
Following the attack on US Presidential candidate Donald Trump, security measures for the upcoming Republican convention have been intensified by the relevant authorities. Kimberly Cheatle, the director of the responsible Secret Service, 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 attack could devastate Secret Service
Following the attack on Donald Trump, criticism of his security detail is growing louder. Former Secret Service agent Tim McCarthy also sees a failure on the part 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 election
The German government still sees a chance for Amtsinhaber Joe Biden to win the US election, despite the attack on Donald Trump. Government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit stated, "One should not underestimate the campaigning abilities of Joe Biden." He added, "It's still too early to believe that the American presidential election has been decided." Other politicians, such as Bavaria's Minister-President Markus Söder, had previously called on Biden to withdraw from the race, arguing that he was now hopelessly behind Trump. Hebestreit emphasized that it is 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 condemns the attack on Trump clearly. "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 protective detail was outside the Secret-Service zone. What is that, then?" asks Richard Painter, a White House employee under former President George W. Bush and now a law professor at the University of Minnesota. He sees 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," 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 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 have been deployed according to the local Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The area around the Fiserv Forum is declared a no-fly zone for drones during the duration of the convention. Outside the area, where the Secret Service is responsible for personal security, carrying weapons is allowed during the convention in the vicinity of the RNC - in accordance with the laws of the state of Wisconsin. The Secret Service assures, "we are fully prepared." The coordinator for the convention's Secret Service, Audrey Gibson-Cicchino, states, "I trust that the event will be protected at the highest level of security measures."
13:35 Trump Attack boosts Chinese firm's stock market plus
Following the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, a Chinese technology company shone at the stock exchange - and that only because of its name. The shares of software provider Wisesoft rose by the daily maximum of ten percent at the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. The company name in Mandarin, Chuan Da Zhi Sheng, sounds similar to the Chinese translation of the sentence "Trump wins big." In China, stock market speculation related to current events is widespread. This often leads to price jumps in all directions that have nothing to do with the numbers and performance of the respective company.
13:06 USA after the Attack: Now it's "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, online sales of T-Shirts featuring images of the wounded former President have skyrocketed. On the T-Shirts, priced between nine and forty dollars, Trump is depicted with a bloody face, raising 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, quickly designed T-Shirts upon hearing the news. "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 by the Republicans against the Democrats are "hypocritical," says historian Annika Brockschmidt and explains how political enemies became enemies:
11:19 The example set by political leaders in the coming days is crucial
Regarding the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump and the start of the Republican Party convention, where he is to be officially declared the presidential candidate, the "Los Angeles Times" writes: "The example set by political leaders in the coming days is crucial for how the rest of the election campaign will unfold. (...) Trump and the top Republicans gathering in Milwaukee this week carry a special responsibility for not using the assassination attempt to incite their base. They must recognize that America is a powder keg right now, and heated rhetoric should be toned down before sparks fly. For the moment, they must recognize that violence, once unleashed, is non-partisan." Previously, President Biden had already called on American 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 rift 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 at a campaign rally over the weekend has increased his chances of winning the November election, according to Ipek Ozkardeskaya, analyst at Swissquote Bank. The chances 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 assassination attempt fuels concerns about a deeply divided America where political violence is gaining ground, it has increased the chances that Trump will win the presidential elections in November," the analyst explains.
09:54 The assassination attempt as a campaign boost? Boese: Berlin prepares for Trump 2.0
The German government has been preparing for the possibility that Donald Trump could return to the White House for some time now. Many in political Berlin have less than pleasant memories of his first term, as ntv correspondent Heike Boese summarizes: [
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09:25 Heated Moments Could Now Become Extremely Dangerous
The Federal Chairwoman of the SPD, Saskia Esken, states in RTL/ntv Frühstart regarding the question of whether the attack on Trump could enhance his chances of winning the elections: "It's to be expected, yes, that he and especially his supporters will use this incident to further heat up the situation. We have experienced similar situations in the past, which ended up at the Capitol in chaos. Such heated moments, they could now become extremely dangerous, not only in terms of a victory." Regarding how Germany and the Federal Government should react if Trump wins the presidency, the SPD Chairwoman states: "It's only natural that the Federal Government, that governments in Europe are aware that we need to get closer."
08:48 "Have We Overlooked Something?" - Consequences Threaten at the Secret Service
Following the attack on Donald Trump, the Secret Service is under scrutiny. "The Congress will conduct 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," says Spokesperson Mike Johnson, a Republican and Trump supporter, to NBC. Robert E. McDonald, a professor at the University of New Haven who worked for the Secret Service for 20 years, also states to the "New York Times": "Have we overlooked something? And if we have overlooked something, we must stand up and take responsibility for it." McDonald wonders why the Secret Service did not secure the building with snipers.
08:05 Secret Service under Criticism: Shots at Trump: "Was the Police Officer the Assassin?"
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 in a speech and on social media. So, the 81-year-old writes on X: "Disagreements are inevitable in the American democracy. They are part of human nature. But politics should never be a literal battlefield or - God forbid - a deadly battlefield."
06:57 "The attack threw everything into disarray"
The Sydney Morning Herald writes about the attack on Donald Trump for the Australians: "US-President Joe Biden is faced with a delicate balancing act, as America is still reeling from the attack on its biggest political rival. After weeks of discussions following the TV debate, Biden had planned to intensify his attacks on Donald Trump in the coming weeks to prove to Democrats that he has the mental and physical strength to defeat the disruptive Republicans in the November election. The strategy was simple: showcase the strengths of his first term, present a bold vision for the future, and go on the offensive against Trump by portraying him as the greatest threat to democracy in the US. However, the attack on the former president on Saturday has thrown everything into disarray. Facing the fear of escalating violence, Biden knows he cannot further 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
After the primary elections in each state, both Democrats and Republicans must officially confirm their national results. This is done at the respective nomination conventions. The Democrats are meeting in Chicago, Illinois, in mid-August, while the Republican nomination convention is taking place this time from July 15 to 18 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Trump has already arrived in the city. He can present himself for the first time as the clear leader of the Republicans at a nomination convention. In 2016, he entered as an outsider, and in 2020, the Republicans were prevented from holding a large, pompous event due to the pandemic.
06:14 The Trump attack affects the stock exchange as well
The Asian stock markets react with uncertainty to the attempted attack on the US presidential candidate Donald Trump. Investors are concerned about potential implications for future US economic policy. At the bond markets, interest rates for government bonds rose, which experts attribute to the expectation of a potentially inflationary and debt-intensive economic policy under a Trump presidency. Additionally, stricter immigration laws could complicate the labor market and push wages up. "The market reaction to a Trump presidency has so far been 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 allowed him to avoid a bullet hitting him in the head. Instead, the bullet grazed his ear. "The most incredible thing was that I not only turned but did so at the exact right time and to the exact right degree," Trump said in a speech on board 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 goes straight through the skull. The chance of me making a perfect turn is probably less than one in ten percent, so I shouldn't be here."
05:22 Trump: Reality is just setting in
After the attempted attack at a campaign event, Donald Trump calls for peace and unity. "This is a chance to bring the whole country, indeed the whole world together", Trump tells the "Washington Examiner" newspaper. The incident deeply disturbed Trump. He understands now what happened ("Reality is just setting in"). Trump survived the attack because he turned away from the crowd in the decisive moment. "I rarely turn away from the crowd. If I hadn't done that in this moment, we wouldn't be talking about this today, or?"
04:46 NYT: Possible explosives 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 possible explosives in his house. The "New York Times" reports this based on trusted sources.
04:15 Trump-Assailant was a member of a rifle club
According to US media, the Trump assailant was a member of a rifle club. "The Clairton Sportsmen's Club can confirm that Thomas Matthew Crooks was a member," the club's lawyer, Robert Bootay, states in a declaration. "Beyond that, the Club, in the face of ongoing police investigations, cannot provide any further comment on this matter." The Clairton Sportsmen's Club operates a wooded facility in the southern hills of Pittsburgh with a 200-yard shooting range.
03:31 Federal government preparing for Trump's re-election
The federal government is preparing, according to the words of its Transatlantic Coordinator Michael Link, for a possible second US presidency for Donald Trump. "Besides the intense preparations of the federal government, which are running very intensively and self-evidently behind the scenes, we also need a consensus of the democratic parties, factions, and political foundations," Link tells the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). "I am seeking this consensus regularly and have been intensively networking 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 faction leader Jens Spahn and the green chairman of the Bundestag European Affairs Committee, Anton Hofreiter, had called on Germany to better prepare for a possible Trump re-election.
02:25 Biden calls for de-escalation in the campaign
US President Joe Biden appeals for de-escalation in the US campaign after the attack on his predecessor and opponent Donald Trump. "We settle our differences at the ballot box. That's how we do it - at the ballot box, not with bullets," Biden says 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 reminds 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 has been marked by highly heated political rhetoric, but emphasizes the high stakes in the upcoming presidential elections.
01:46 Biden resumes campaign planning
After a brief campaign pause due to the attack on his predecessor and political rival Donald Trump, US President Joe Biden is set to make public appearances in the coming days. According to the White House, Biden will visit the NAACP convention in Las Vegas on Tuesday. On Wednesday, he is also scheduled to attend a local campaign event in the desert metropolis of Nevada. Biden cancelled a trip to Texas on Monday and cut short a weekend stay in Delaware to return to the White House.
01:04 Still and frequently bullied: What is known about the shooter Matthew Crooks
The FBI identified the Trump attacker as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. A driver's license photo of Crooks shows him as a young man with side-parted dark blond hair, glasses, and a few freckles on his face. Crooks' former classmates describe him as a "quiet" student who often seemed "lonely," as reported by ABC News. One classmate says that Crooks was "socially withdrawn." He cannot remember hearing Crooks talk about politics in general or Trump in particular. Jason Kohler, who claims to have attended the same high school as the alleged shooter, tells reporters that Crooks was often bullied. "He was quiet, but he was just bullied. He was bullied so much." Crooks, who occasionally wore hunter clothing, was mocked for his clothing style.
00:35 "Next time not miss": Democratic congresswoman fires employee for Facebook post
Democratic Representative in the US House of Representatives Bennie Thompson fired an employee who posted on social media that she wished the Trump attacker had aimed better. According to the "New York Times," Jacqueline Marsaw wrote on Facebook: "I don't condone violence, but please take shooting lessons so you don't miss next time. Oops, that wasn't me who spoke." Thompson, who represents the second district of the US state of Mississippi, writes on X, expressing gratitude that Trump is doing well. He adds that there is no place for political violence in America's democracy.
23:50 No intensification of security measures at Republican party convention
The Secret Service representative in charge of security for the Republican party convention, Audrey Gibson-Cicchino, reports that security measures for the large event have not been intensified yet. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson does not see the possibility of banning weapons in the outer area of the event venue in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as an additional precaution. Carrying weapons is protected by state laws, he says. At the Mega-Event, Trump is scheduled to be officially nominated as the Republican Party's presidential candidate in the coming week. Trump is making efforts 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 event takes place there.
23:21 Biden: Motive of Attackers still unclear
After the attempted attack on US Presidential candidate Donald Trump, the motive of the shooter is still unclear. "We have no information on the motive of the shooter," says US President Joe Biden at the White House to journalists. Biden urges the public not to make assumptions and to let the law enforcement agencies do their job.
22:53 Financial markets expect "landslide victory for Trump"
Following the attempted attack on US Presidential candidate Donald Trump, financial markets need to recalibrate. The bullet that wounded the Republican at a campaign rally could increase Trump's chances of winning - and thus, financial markets may be focusing significantly on this, investors suggest. "The election will likely be a landslide. This reduces uncertainty," says Nick Ferres, Chief Investment Manager at Vantage Point Asset Management. Rong Ren Goh, Portfolio Manager of Eastspring Investments in Singapore, expects the dollar to continue its uptrend and investors to focus on a steeper yield curve for US Treasury bonds.
22:07 Injured victims in stable condition
The two people who were severely injured in the attempted attack on Donald Trump are in stable condition, according to Pennsylvania police. At a campaign rally, a man from the audience was killed. The alleged shooter was shot by security guards. Trump was lightly wounded, and two attendees were severely injured.
21:57 FBI: Suspect acted alone, no ideology or psychological issues identified yet
The FBI has issued a warning: The alleged shooter acted alone, and there is no further danger to security, an FBI representative says. The incident is being classified as a domestic 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 have been no identified indications of an ideology or a psychological condition for the alleged attacker. The weapon was legally purchased, presumably by the suspect's father. Bomb experts have 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, the new British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has phoned the wounded former US President Trump. 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 individuals were wished a quick recovery.
21:16 They will wait for this: Söder gives Democrats an "outsider recommendation"
"Violence is certainly not a means of dispute resolution," says CSU leader Markus Söder and wishes Donald Trump a speedy recovery after the attack. He assesses the consequences for the Presidential campaign and gives the Democrats a tip.
20:47 Trump plans to travel to Wisconsin Republican Party convention soon
Just a day after the attack on him, former US President Donald Trump plans to travel to the Republican Party convention in Wisconsin. The Republican Presidential candidate writes on the online platform Truth Social that he will leave for Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Sunday afternoon local time and will not change his schedule.
20:39 Biden announces plans
US-President Joe Biden cancels a planned trip to Texas at short notice. The White House announces this. Biden had originally intended to travel to the southern state on Monday. After the shootings at Trump's rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday evening local time, Biden had already cut short a weekend stay in Delaware and returned prematurely to the government headquarters in Washington.
20:11 Biden announces heightened security measures for the Republican convention
US-President Joe Biden announces a speech to the nation and calls for unity. "We must stand together as a nation," Biden says at the White House and announces that he will address the American people in an official statement from the Oval Office on Monday evening (in the US night). For the Republican convention, which begins on Monday, security measures will be increased, Biden also announces. An independent investigation into the background of the attack is also to be carried out. Biden and his deputy Kamala Harris were informed of the latest investigation status by law enforcement and security agencies in the morning.
20:07 Live on ntv: Biden speaks about 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 declared, "There is no place for this kind of violence in America". He then spoke on the phone with Trump. Biden was briefed on the status of the investigations by the heads of the FBI and the Secret Service, the security agency for presidents and former presidents, in the morning.
19:43 Firefighter threw himself in front of family and died "as a hero"
The man killed at a campaign rally for former US President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania was a firefighter and family man. Pennsylvania Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro announced this and said he had spoken to the man's 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 Many Republicans blame Biden and the Democrats
The majority of Republicans in Congress offer prayers and support for former President Donald Trump in the hours after the shooting at a campaign event in Butler. According to the "Washington Post", approximately 30 of them directly blame US President Joe Biden, the Democratic Party, or journalists for the alleged instigation of the attack - despite Biden's clear condemnation of the violence and his statement that "every form of political violence must be condemned".
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 would further confuse 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 was no follow-up on the hints about the shooter and praises the Democrats for "the right reaction."
17:37 "He will never stop fighting for the salvation of America" - Trump's children express themselves
The children of former President Donald Trump pay tribute to their father and thank the agents who protected him. "He will never stop fighting for the salvation of America," writes Donald Trump Jr. on Twitter about the photo of his father, in which he raises his fist with a bloodied face. Eric Trump shares the same photo on Instagram with a similar message in capital letters. In an Instagram story, Tiffany Trump thanks God that her father is still alive. "Political violence is never the answer," she writes, thanks the law enforcement agencies and the Secret Service, and honors the victims. "As you have seen today, my father is a fighter, and he will continue to fight for you and the USA." Ivanka Trump, who previously announced that she would not participate in her father's presidential campaign this year, thanks the bodyguards and writes: "I continue to pray for our country," and: "I love you, Dad, today and always."
17:15 Shooter had explosives in his car
The Trump assassin had explosives in his car, according to information from the "Wall Street Journal." The car was secured near the crime scene, reports the newspaper, citing unidentified sources. The weapon used for the assassination was bought by the father of the alleged assassin, reports the newspaper and ABC News further. It is said to be an AR-15 rifle. The rifle was developed in the 1950s, initially for the military. The AR-15 is the civilian version. Technically speaking, it is not possible to fire continuously with this weapon. Skilled shooters can, however, fire many shots in a very short time.
16:59 Melania Trump also speaks out
After the attempted assassination on ex-US President Donald Trump, Melania 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 also the security guards of her husband.
16:26 "They're not behind me, they're behind you" - Trump campaign launches fundraising appeal
According to Brad Bannon, a democratic strategist, the incident could be 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 launches a fundraising appeal via text message. "They're not behind me, they're behind you," reads the message to voters.
16:08 Concerns before the convention: Republicans working with 40 security agencies
The chairman of the Republicans, Michael Whatley, assures that the agencies are working intensively to ensure security at the upcoming convention in Milwaukee. They are working with 40 different security agencies, as Whatley tells Fox News.
15:44 Top Trump advisors: "If something seems strange, please report it immediately"
Top advisors of 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," quotes the "Washington Post" Trump campaign advisors Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles from a joint memo. "We urge you to recognize the political polarization in this heated election. If something seems strange, please report it immediately to the leadership or the security team on site," it continues.
15:24 Witnesses describe chaotic scenes at Trump assassination attempt
During Trump's campaign speech in Pennsylvania, shots were fired, causing chaos and panic. Witnesses speak of speculation about fireworks, the sound of gunshots, guards on the roof, and the moment Trump fell to the ground.
14:58 Leading Republican: "We need to lower the rhetoric"The President of the US House of Representatives, the Republican Mike Johnson, is trying to calm things down. "We need to lower the rhetoric," he says on MSNBC. "We need to lower the temperature in this country."
14:30 Expert: "Trump assassination attempt is an opportunity for Biden"
14:03 Trump calls for reconciliation "It is more important than ever that we come together," writes Donald Trump on his platform "Truth Social." He is looking forward to speaking in Wisconsin "to our great country" this week. In Milwaukee in the US state of Wisconsin, the Republican nominating convention takes place from Monday to Thursday. Trump writes further, he is praying for the wounded and keeping the memory of the slain citizen "in our hearts." Trump had already called for unity in his inaugural speech as US President in January 2017.
12:58 NATO Secretary-General Stoltenberg shocked by assassination attempt NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is shocked by the assassination attempt on Trump. "I am shocked by the attempted assassination of the former president Trump," Stoltenberg writes on X. He wishes him a speedy recovery and is thinking of the victims. Political violence has no place in democracies. The NATO allies are standing together to defend freedom and values.
12:13 Video shows seconds between shooter's shots and Secret Service shots The American gossip news site TMZ shows a video in which it appears that both the shots of the assassin and the shots that likely saved Trump's life can be heard. The attack caused panic among the onlookers. The recording was made from outside the area where the rally took place, according to TMZ.
11:40 Secret Service denies Republican allegations The Secret Service has denied the allegation 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 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 "very reliable sources" who told him that there had been repeated requests for stronger intelligence service protection for President Trump. Waltz did not provide any evidence.
11:16 Steinmeier wishes Trump a speedy recovery Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier condemns the assassination attempt and expresses his condolences to the family of the victim's death: "I condemn the assassination attempt on the 45th US President, Donald J. Trump," Steinmeier writes in a statement. "Violence has no place in our democracy - not in America, not with us. We can all contribute: Let us reject violence in political disputes! Let us push back hatred and hate speech from election campaigns and debates! Democracy tolerates sharp controversies - but violence destroys democracy. Donald J. Trump and the injured I wish a speedy recovery. My deepest condolences go to the family of the victim of the attack."
10:32 Expert: "Trump produced that image directly, instinctively" Seconds after the shots were fired, Trump rises up, covered in blood, and raises his fist at Secret Service agents. Political scientist Thomas Jaeger sees the "master of political marketing" at work here. What's crucial now is whether Trump can continue to spin his "witch hunt" narrative.
10:10 Sharpshooter seemed to have noticed the assassin just before the first shotsA video posted on X shows a sharpshooter at the Trump rally, right at the moment the shots were fired. Sharpshooters are used at such events by the Secret Service to secure the area - which apparently did not go well in this case. The sharpshooter seems to be observing something or someone through his telescopic sight. He recoils, just before the shots are heard, suggesting that the shooter became aware of him as a threat in that moment. Shortly after, the assassinator was shot.
09:23 Participant warned others about the assassinator before the attackBefore the shooting at Trump's rally in Butler, participants had noticed a man with a rifle on a roof nearby. One of them, Greg Smith, alerted on-site security: "Hey man, there's a guy with a rifle on the roof", he later told the BBC. The response was: "Huh?", as if the security personnel didn't know what was going on. "I thought: Why is Trump still speaking, why didn't they take him off the stage? ... Next, five shots were fired."
09:15 Scholz condemns the attackFederal Chancellor Olaf Scholz commented on the attempted assassination of 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 affected by the attack. Such acts threaten democracy."
08:28 Photographer took picture of possible projectileDoug Mills, a photographer for the "New York Times", apparently took a photo by chance in the exact moment a bullet narrowly missed Trump. The photo "could possibly show the air displacement caused by a projectile", said Michael Harrigan, a retired FBI agent, speaking to the newspaper. In principle, it is possible to photograph a flying bullet, Harrigan added. Mills used a Sony digital camera at the Trump rally, which can take up to 30 photos 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 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. In September 2021, he registered as a member of the Republican Party, turning 18.
07:46 Expert: "Secret Service needs to answer some questions"Donald Trump, as an ex-President and candidate, is under the protection of the Secret Service. At all campaign events, there are highest security measures, as Obama's former campaign advisor Julius van de Laar reports. It now needs to be clarified how it was possible that a shooter was able to approach, despite these precautions.
07:38 World leaders shocked by attack on TrumpState and government heads worldwide react with shock to the attack on former President Trump. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen writes on X, expressing deep shock, wishing Trump a quick recovery, and expressing 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 spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres. "He wishes President Trump a speedy 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.
On Saturday evening (local time), Biden stated 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 questions about security measures, he states that such questions should be answered by the Secret Service. Although the name suggests otherwise, the Secret Service is not a secret service but is, among other things, responsible for the security of US presidents and former US presidents.
"They conduct the initial security assessments and determine where the various security sites should be located," Rojek 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 nominated as the Republican presidential candidate. US President Biden stated that the Democrats would stop all campaign ads as soon as possible.
06:50 Shooter fired from a roof near the rallyAnthony Guglielmi, a Secret Service spokesperson, states that the suspect fired "multiple shots towards the stage" and was located "on an elevated position outside the event perimeter." This implies that a roof near the rally could be meant.
06:39 Shooter is reportedly a 20-year-old man 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 "very close" to doing so. The shooter is dead. According to Pennsylvania police, it is too early to determine if it was a lone gunman. There is also no indication of "any further threat."
06:25 Media: Trump discharged from hospital late SaturdayAccording to a report by the news agency Bloomberg, Trump was discharged from the hospital late on a Saturday evening (local time).
06:01 FBI confirms attempted murder against ex-President Trump at rallyFollowing shootings at a campaign event in the US state of Pennsylvania, the FBI has classified the incident as an "attempted murder" against former President Donald Trump. "This is an attempted murder against our former president Donald Trump," FBI agent Kevin Rojek in Butler, the location of the rally, said. Trump was injured at the ear, according to law enforcement, and a bystander was killed and two others were seriously injured.
04:41 Biden phones Trump after attackUS President Joe Biden personally phoned the Republican. The White House confirmed the call without disclosing the contents. On Sunday, Biden was to 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 their 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 known in a joint statement. The Republicans are scheduled to gather in Milwaukee, Wisconsin starting Monday for their nominating convention to officially name the 78-year-old as their presidential candidate.
03:54 Shooter fired from elevated positionIn the attack on Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, the alleged shooter opened fire from an "elevated position" outside the event venue. One bystander was killed and two others were seriously injured, the Secret Service reported. Initially, it was reported that one person was seriously injured.
02:55 Trump: I was hit by a bullet in the earFormer US President Donald Trump, in his own words, was injured in the ear during the attack at a campaign event in Pennsylvania. "I was hit by a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear," Trump wrote on his self-founded platform Truth Social.
00:33 Shots fired at Trump: Secret Service escorts ex-President from stageFormer US President Donald Trump was escorted from the stage by security personnel during a campaign event in Pennsylvania after shots were fired. In the images, Trump is seen with a bloody ear and raised fist.
In light of the security failure that led to the attack on Donald Trump during his campaign speech in Pennsylvania, there might be increased scrutiny on the Secret Service's role in ensuring the safety of future US Presidential candidates, including Joe Biden during the US Presidential Election 2024.
Furthermore, with Donald Trump's announcement of his vice presidential pick later in the day, it will be interesting to see how the political landscape unfolds in the US Presidential Election 2024, considering the divisive nature of politics and the recent security incident.
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