20:51 Attack stirs up campaign: These Democrats could replace Biden
The attack on Donald Trump brings new wind into the debate over whether Joe Biden should still be running for the Democrats. With the mental instability of the incumbent president, it seems that a Republican victory is now a foregone conclusion. Currently, three potential Democratic candidates are emerging.
8:29 PM Republicans begin Nomination Convention in Milwaukee
The official Republican Party convention has begun in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with delegates gathering until Thursday. They will formally declare former US President Trump as the Republican presidential candidate that evening. The delegates will cast their votes based on the results of the primary elections. The process is considered a formality - Trump has the necessary votes. The highlight of the event is expected to be a speech by Trump on Thursday evening (local time).
8:09 PM Jagger: "It's surprising that someone came to shoot here"
The shooting at Trump in Pennsylvania has completely disrupted the campaign. Politician Thomas Jagger believes that Biden has been pushed into a role that undermines his original plans. Trump's peace offering is not to be taken seriously. Jagger sees many open questions regarding the circumstances of the shooting.
7:41 PM Trump requests Secret Service protection for Kennedy
Former President Donald Trump has requested Secret Service protection for independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on his social media platform Truth Social. Kennedy should "immediately" receive protection, Trump writes. Given the history of the Kennedy family, this is "obviously the right thing to do," Trump adds. Both Robert F. Kennedy's uncle, John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the USA, and his father, Robert F. Kennedy, were victims of assassinations in the 1960s.
7:08 PM US Homeland Security Secretary: Trump shooting was a security failure
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas called the shooting at US presidential candidate Donald Trump a security failure in an interview with CNN. "An incident like this should not happen," Mayorkas told CNN. "When I say it should not happen, we're talking about a failure." Mayorkas was specifically asked if he holds the Secret Service responsible for the security lapse that led to the shooting. The agency is responsible for protecting the current and former presidents and falls under Mayorkas' ministry. Mayorkas promises an independent and thorough investigation to determine how the shooting at Trump during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday could have occurred. Based on the findings, recommendations for security measures will be made.
6:43 PM After the shooting: Trump to announce his VP pick
Donald Trump is expected to announce his choice for US vice president on Monday, according to a report by a television news outlet. Fox News host Bret Baier said he had spoken with Trump, who said the vice presidential pick would be announced on Monday. Additionally, there will be other surprises.
18:19 Democratic Senator hopes for signal from Trump
The Democratic Senator Chris Coons, Co-Chair of the Biden-Harris Campaign, hopes that former President Donald Trump will use his platform at the Republican National Convention to follow "President Biden's example." According to CNN, Coons referred to Biden's earlier statements, including his inaugural address, where he called for unity among the American people. His remarks 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, yes, even the whole world, together."
17:49 Secret Service to support independent investigation
The Director of the Secret Service, Kimberly Cheatle, announced that the agency would fully cooperate with an independent review of security arrangements during the attack on Donald Trump's campaign rally on Saturday. According to the "Washington Post," she said, "We are aware of the significance of President Biden's announcement of an independent review and will fully participate. We will also collaborate with the relevant Congressional committees in all oversight measures." Biden had announced on Sunday that the results would be made public.
17:23 King Charles sends personal message to Donald Trump
British King Charles III reportedly sent a personal message to former US President Donald Trump following the attack. The exact content of the message was not disclosed. According to the British news agency PA, sources from the palace confirmed that the message was in line with a conversation between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Trump.
17:01 Ex-classmates describe shooter Crooks as miserable marksman
The Trump shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks, according to former classmates, struggled with handling firearms. Speaking to ABC News, Jameson Myers, who attended school with Crooks from elementary to high school, said that the 20-year-old had tried to join the rifle team in his first year at Bethel Park High School but was rejected during the tryouts. "He didn't even make it," 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 further practice sessions. An anonymous member of the rifle team told the sender that the Trump shooter "wasn't really suitable for the team." He added, "He also shot terribly."
16:41 Local sharpshooters were supposedly supposed to secure shooter's building
One of the two local anti-sniper teams was supposed to secure the building used by the shooter. CNN reported this based on a source familiar with the investigation who wished to remain anonymous. The Pennsylvania State Police denied the allegations and stated they were not involved. The police in Butler County have not commented on the matter yet.
16:18 Shooter bought 50 rounds of ammunition shortly before attack
The Trump shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks purchased 50 rounds of ammunition shortly before the attack. CNN reported this based on sources in law enforcement. According to the report, the shooter bought the ammunition only a few hours before the incident at a local gun shop.
15:53 Secret Service intensifies security measures for Republican party convention
Following the assassination attempt on US Presidential candidate Donald Trump, security preparations for the upcoming Republican party convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, have been intensified. The Director of the responsible Secret Service, Kimberly Cheatle, stated that her organization has revised and strengthened the plans for the protection of the convention after the attack on Saturday. She is now confident that they are prepared for all scenarios.
15:27 Ex-Agent: Trump assassination attempt could devastate Secret Service
Criticism of Donald Trump's personal security detail is growing louder following the assassination attempt. Former Secret Service Agent Tim McCarthy sees it as 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 election
The German government still sees a chance that Amtsinhaber Joe Biden will win the US election in November. "Joe Biden's campaign skills should not be underestimated," says government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit. "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, have called on the Democrats to persuade Biden to withdraw, as he is now considered to have no chance against Trump. Hebestreit emphasizes 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 says.
14:41 No direct contact between Scholz and Trump after assassination
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz has not sought direct contact with Republican US Presidential candidate Donald Trump following the assassination attempt. However, there have been "contact channels" with both the Democrats and the Republicans, according to 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 shows "monstrous failure"
Following the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, the Secret Service is facing heavy criticism. "The protectee was outside the Secret Service zone. What is that, then?" asks Richard Painter, a White House staffer under former President George W. Bush and now a law professor at the University of Minnesota. He sees a "monstrous failure" and calls for a detailed investigation. If a roof is within the range of a rifle to reach a President or Presidential candidate, "then it is the responsibility of the Secret Service to be on that roof," says Painter. "Have they ever heard of the Texas Book Depository?" That is the building in Dallas, Texas, from which Lee Harvey Oswald shot President John F. Kennedy in 1963 with a rifle.
13:58 Trump Appearance in Milwaukee: Thousands of Additional Police in ActionAt the Republican Party convention in Milwaukee, security measures will be particularly strict. According to the local newspaper "Milwaukee Journal Sentinel," up to 4500 additional police officers from the surrounding area will be assigned to secure the RNC in addition to the city police forces. The area around the Fiserv Forum will also be declared a no-fly zone for drones during the duration of the convention. Outside the area, where the Secret Service is responsible for personal protection, carrying weapons is permitted during the RNC in the vicinity of the RNC - in accordance with the laws of the state of Wisconsin. The Secret Service has announced that they are "fully prepared." The RNC-responsible Secret-Service coordinator Audrey Gibson-Cicchino stated that she trusts that the event will be protected on "highest security level."
13:35 Trump Attack Boosts Chinese Firm's Stock Market PlusFollowing the attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump, a Chinese technology firm excelled at the stock exchange - all because of its name. The shares of the software provider Wisesoft soared today at the Shenzhen Stock Exchange by the daily maximum of ten percent. The company name in Mandarin sounds similar to the Chinese translation of the sentence "Trump wins big." In China, stock market speculation related to current events is widespread. This often leads to price jumps in all directions that have nothing to do with the numbers and the performance of the respective company.
13:06 USA after the Attack: Time for Trump and Republicans "for Revenge"The interpretation battle over the assassination attempt on Donald Trump is in full swing. Political scientist Andrew B. Denison expects that the former president and the Republicans will assume the martyr role and continue to fan the political hatred:
12:37 Trump Photos T-Shirts Become New Sales HitFollowing the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, the online sale of T-shirts with images of the bleeding ex-president quickly went through the roof. On the T-Shirts, which cost between nine and forty dollars, Trump is shown with a bloody face, raising his fist defiantly. Printed on them are slogans like "Bulletproof," "Legends never die," and "Shooting makes me stronger." 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 more than 2000 orders within three hours from China and the US," said the businesswoman to the media in Hong Kong.
11:55 Many Years before Trump: The Man "who destroyed American politics"The shots at Donald Trump during a campaign event mark the provisional low point of the polarizing battle between political factions in the USA. The Republican Party's accusations against the Democrats are "hypocritical," says historian Annika Brockschmidt, and explains how political adversaries became enemies:
11:19 "The example that political leaders will give in the coming days is crucial"
According to the "Los Angeles Times," the attempted assassination on Ex-President Donald Trump and the beginning of the Republican Party convention, where he is officially set to be endorsed as the Presidential candidate, writes: "The example that political leaders will give in the coming days is crucial in determining how the rest of the election campaign season will unfold. (...) Trump and the top Republicans gathering in Milwaukee this week carry a special responsibility to not use the attack as a means to inflame their base. They must recognize that the U.S. is a powder keg at the moment, and heated rhetoric should be toned down before sparks fly. For the time being, they must recognize that violence, once unleashed, is bipartisan." Previously, President Biden had already called on American citizens to renounce violence.
10:42 Shots at Trump: "The divide in the U.S. is getting deeper"
Could the attempted assassination on Donald Trump lead to a moment of inner-political reconciliation for the American society? Political scientist Thomas Jaeger sees no signs of it. On the contrary, the division in the country may worsen.
10:13 First analyses: Chances of a victory in the election for Trump increase
The attempted assassination on the former U.S. 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 Trump victory, which the analyst positively assesses from the market perspective, rose to 67 percent according to PredictIt data 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," the analyst explains.
09:54 The attack as a campaign boost? Boese: Berlin 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. Many in political Berlin recall the first term unfavorably, as summarized by ntv correspondent Heike Boese:
09:25 "Heated moments could now become very, very dangerous"
German SPD party chair Saskia Esken, in an RTL/ntv Frühstart interview, answers the question of whether the attack will boost 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 similar situations in the past, which have ended up at the Capitol, for example. 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 chair states: "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?" - Secret Service under scrutiny after Trump shooting
Following the shooting of Donald Trump, the Secret Service is under scrutiny. The service failed to provide adequate protection for the ex-President. "The Congress will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the previous incident to determine where security lapses occurred and what else the American people need to know," says Mike Johnson, a Republican and Trump supporter, speaking to NBC. Robert E. McDonald, a professor at the University of New Haven who worked for the Secret Service for 20 years, also commented to the "New York Times": "Have we overlooked something? And if we have, 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 fire: Shots fired at Trump: "Was the officer the assassin's accomplice?"
In the aftermath of the planned attack on Donald Trump, the Secret Service must answer many questions. Trump himself has so far 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 shooting: Biden does not want a "battlefield"
US President Biden spoke out again on the shooting of his political rival Donald Trump, both in a speech and on social media. The 81-year-old wrote on X: "Differences of opinion 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 one."
06:57 The attack has turned everything upside down
The Sydney Morning Herald writes about the shooting of Donald Trump: "US President Joe Biden faces a delicate balancing act, as America continues to reel from the shooting of his 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: present the strengths of his accomplishments in his first term, present a bold vision for the future, and go on the offensive against Trump by portraying him as the greatest threat to democracy in the US. But the shooting of the former president on Saturday has turned everything upside down. Facing the fear of escalating violence, Biden knows he cannot afford to further stoke the tensions of a country teeming with hostility, anger, and fear."
06:38 A grand show is coming: Trump arrives in Milwaukee
After the primary elections in individual states, both the Democrats and Republicans must officially confirm their overall results on a national level. This is done at the respective nomination conventions. The Democrats will gather for this purpose in mid-August in Chicago, Illinois. The Republican nomination convention, on the other hand, takes place this 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 assassination attempt affects the stock market
Asian stock markets react with uncertainty to the attempted assassination of US Presidential candidate Donald Trump. Investors are concerned about potential implications for future US economic policy. Bond yields for government bonds rose, which experts attribute to the expectation of a potentially inflationary and debt-intensive economic policy under a Trump presidency. In addition, stricter immigration laws could worsen 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 Trump's chances continue to improve after this incident."
05:56 Trump: I'm just realizing it now
After the assassination attempt at a campaign rally, Donald Trump calls for calm and unity. "This is an opportunity to bring the whole country, even the whole world, together," Trump tells the "Washington Examiner." The incident deeply affected him. He now realizes the gravity of the situation ("Reality is just setting in"). Trump survived the attack because he turned away from the crowd at 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?"
05:22 NYT: Explosives found in Trump assassination suspect's house
More information is coming to light about the Trump assassination suspect. In addition to the rudimentary explosives found in Thomas Matthew Crooks' car, it is reported by the "New York Times" that the 20-year-old may have had explosives in his house.
04:46 Trump assassination suspect was a member of a shooting range
According to US media, the Trump assassination suspect was a member of a shooting range. "The Clairton Sportsmen's Club can confirm that Thomas Matthew Crooks was a member," the club's lawyer, Robert Bootay, states in a declaration. "Beyond that, the club cannot make any further comments on this matter due to ongoing police investigations." 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 preparing for potential second presidency of Trump
The German government is preparing for a possible second presidency of Donald Trump, according to its Transatlantic Coordinator Michael Link. "Besides the intensive preparations of the German government, which are running very intensively and confidentially behind the scenes, we also need a consensus of the democratic parties, factions, and political foundations," Link told the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). "I am regularly seeking this consensus 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 potential victory by Trump.
02:25 Biden calls for de-escalation in campaign
US President Joe Biden urged for de-escalation in the US campaign after the attack on his predecessor and political opponent Donald Trump. "We settle our differences at the ballot box. That's how it works - at the ballot box, not with bullets," Biden said in a rare address to the nation from the Oval Office in the White House. "We need to lower the heated rhetoric in politics." He reminded Americans that they were "neighbors and friends, not enemies." Biden expressed relief that Trump was not seriously injured in the incident. He acknowledged that the campaign had been marked by highly heated political rhetoric but emphasized the high stakes of the upcoming presidential elections.
01:46 Biden resumes campaign planning
After a brief campaign pause following the attack on his predecessor and political rival Donald Trump, US President Joe Biden plans to make public appearances in the coming days. According to the White House, Biden will visit the NAACP convention in Las Vegas on Tuesday. On Wednesday, he is scheduled to attend a local campaign event in the Nevada desert city. Biden had canceled a Monday trip to Texas and cut short a weekend stay in Delaware in response to the shooting.
01:04 Still and frequently bullied: What is known about the shooter Matthew Crooks
The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has 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 describe him as a "quiet" student who often seemed "lonely," as reported by ABC News. One classmate claims Crooks was "socially withdrawn." He could not remember hearing Crooks talk about politics in general or Trump specifically. Jason Kohler, who attended the same high school as the alleged shooter, told reporters that Crooks was frequently bullied. "He was quiet, but he was just bullied. He was bullied so much." Crooks, who occasionally wore hunter's clothing, was mocked for his clothing style.
00:35 "Next time not shoot in the vicinity": US Democrat fires employee for Facebook post
Democratic US Representative Bennie Thompson of Mississippi fired an employee who posted on social media that she wished the Trump assassin had better aim. According to "New York Times," Jacqueline Marsaw wrote on Facebook: "I don't condone violence, but please take marksmanship lessons, so you don't shoot in the vicinity next time. Oops, that was not me who spoke." Thompson, who represents Mississippi's second district in the US House of Representatives, writes on X, expresses gratitude that Trump is doing well. He adds, "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 shares that the 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 Wisconsin as an additional precaution. Carrying firearms is protected by state laws, he says. At the Mega-Event, Donald Trump is expected to be officially declared the Republican Party's presidential candidate during the week. Trump is trying to avoid giving an impression of weakness: He announced that he would 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
After the shooting at US presidential candidate Donald Trump, the motive of the shooter is still unclear. "We don't have any information about the shooter's motive," 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 work.
22:53 Financial markets expect a "landslide victory" for Trump
After the attempted assassination of US presidential candidate Donald Trump, financial markets must reposition themselves. The bullet that hit Trump during a campaign rally could increase his chances of winning the election - and therefore, investors expect the financial markets to focus on a steeper yield curve for US Treasury bonds. "The election is likely to be a landslide. That reduces uncertainty," says Nick Ferres, Chief Investment Manager at Vantage Point Asset Management. Rong Ren Goh, Portfolio Manager of Eastspring Investments in Singapore, expects the dollar to continue its recovery and investors to focus on a higher return on US government bonds.
22:07 Injured visitors in stable condition
The two people who were seriously injured in the shooting attempt on Donald Trump are in stable condition, according to the Pennsylvania police. At the campaign rally, a man from the audience was killed. The alleged shooter was shot by security guards. Trump was lightly injured, and two visitors were seriously injured.
21:57 FBI: The suspect acted alone, no identifiable ideology detected yet
The FBI issues a warning: The alleged shooter acted alone, there are no further threats to security, an FBI representative stated. The incident is being classified as a domestic terrorist attack and an attempted assassination. The FBI is investigating the social media accounts of the 20-year-old who was killed. However, there have been no identifiable ideology or signs of psychological issues of the alleged attacker so far. The weapon was legally purchased, presumably by the suspect's father. Bomb experts have secured a suspicious device in the alleged attacker's car, which has been taken to the lab for further investigation.
21:42 Starmer phones Trump
Britain's new Prime Minister Keir Starmer has phoned Trump according to government sources. He condemned the violence and expressed his condolences for the victims and their families, the British news agency PA reports. Starmer wished Trump and the other injured a quick recovery.
21:16 Soder gives Democrats an outside recommendation
"Violence is certainly not a means of dispute resolution," says CSU chief Markus Soeder and wishes Trump a speedy recovery after the attack. He assesses the consequences for the presidential campaign and gives the Democrats a tip.
20:47 Trump to travel to Wisconsin Republican Party convention soon
Just a day after the attack on him, former US President Donald Trump plans to travel to the Republican Party convention in the state of Wisconsin. Trump announced on the online platform Truth Social that he would leave for Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 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. The White House announced this. Biden had originally planned to travel to the southern state on Monday. After the shootings at Trump on Saturday evening local time in the state of Pennsylvania, Biden had already cut short a weekend stay in Delaware and returned to the White House early.
20:11 Biden announces heightened security measures for Republican Party convention and calls for unity
US President Joe Biden announces a speech to the nation and calls for unity. "We must come together as a nation," Biden said at the White House and announced that he would address the American people in an official statement from the Oval Office on Monday evening (in the German night). For the Republican Party convention, which begins on Monday, Biden announced increased security measures. He also announced that an independent investigation into the background of the attack would be conducted. In the morning, Biden 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 Trump assassination attempt
US-President Joe Biden speaks out about the attempted assassination on his rival Donald Trump. Biden had already expressed his opinion on the incident just a few hours after it happened and stated, "there is no place for this kind of violence in America." He then called Trump. Biden was briefed on the status of the investigations by the heads of the FBI and the Secret Service, the security service for presidents and former presidents.
19:43 Firefighter threw himself in front of family and died "as a hero"
The man who was killed during a campaign rally of former US-President Donald Trump in the state of Pennsylvania was a firefighter and a family man. This was announced by the democratic governor of Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro, and he said he had spoken with his wife and daughters. The man died "as a hero" and threw himself over his family to protect them when the shots fell during the Trump rally. He was a "passionate supporter" of Trump. Besides the one man in the crowd who lost his life, two other spectators were injured. Shapiro said their condition was still critical.
19:13 Many Republicans see Biden and the Democrats as culprits
The majority of Republicans in Congress offer prayers and support for former President Donald Trump in the hours following the attack on a campaign event in Butler. 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 act and his statement that "political violence must be denounced by everyone."
18:44 Former German US ambassador: Copycats 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. "Copycats - against Trump - or avengers - against Joe Biden - are more likely," he tells the "Tagesspiegel." This is all the more true because "multiple conspiracy theories are confusing the already uncertain American electorate." Michael Link, the Transatlantic Coordinator of the German government, also fears further political polarization in the US. "This must not happen. It is now important to maintain calm and respect. That's what President Joe Biden did with his call to Trump," says the FDP politician.
18:06 Trump supporters see confirmation of conspiracy theories
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 actions on the shooter's hints 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
Donald Trump's children 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 for her father's life. "Political violence is never the answer", she writes, thanks the law enforcement agencies and the Secret Service, and pays tribute to 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 assassin also had explosives in his car
According to reports from the "Wall Street Journal", the Trump assassin also had explosives in his car. The car near the crime scene was secured, reports the newspaper, citing unidentified sources. The weapon used in the attack 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 rifle is externally almost identical to the M16 rifle, which the manufacturer Colt sold to 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 very short time.
16:59 Now Melania Trump speaks out
Following the attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump, his wife Melania has also spoken out. The assassinated guard was a "Monster" who had tried to "extinguish Donald's passion, his laughter, his inventiveness, his love of music, and his enthusiasm", explains the former First Lady of the USA on Twitter. When she saw that a bullet had grazed her husband, she realized that her life and that of her son Barron were "on the brink of a devastating change". Melania Trump thanks the Secret Service agents protecting her husband.
16:26 "You are not behind me, you are behind each other" - Trump campaign launches fundraising appeal
According to democratic strategist Brad Bannon, 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", Bannon says. "It also confirms the belief 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 republican political analyst Chip Felkel, who is not a Trump supporter. Hours after the attack, Trump's campaign launched a fundraising appeal via text message. "You are not behind me, you are behind each other", reads the message to voters.
16:08 Concern before the Party: Republicans working with 40 law enforcement agenciesRepublican Party Chairman Michael Whatley assures that the agencies are working intensely to ensure security at the upcoming Republican Party convention in Milwaukee. They are working with 40 different law enforcement agencies, according to Whatley on Fox News, but he did not specify what precautions have been taken.
15:44 Top Trump Campaign Advisors: "Please report anything suspicious immediately"Top advisors of Donald Trump's campaign team advise caution. "We reinforce around-the-clock armed security presence 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 anything suspicious happens, please report it immediately to the leadership or the on-site security team," it continues.
15:24 Witnesses describe chaotic scenes at Trump assassination attemptDuring Trump's campaign speech in Pennsylvania, gunshots were fired, causing chaos and panic. Witnesses speak of speculation 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 working to calm things down. "We need to tone down the rhetoric," he says on MSNBC. "We need to lower the temperature in this country."
14:30 Expert: Trump assassination attempt is an opportunity for Biden
14:03 Trump calls for unity"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. The Republican National Convention takes place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from Monday to Thursday. Trump writes further, "I pray for the wounded, and we hold the memory of the fallen citizen in our hearts." Trump 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 attack on Trump. "I am shocked by the attempted assassination of former President Trump," Stoltenberg writes on X. He wishes Trump a quick 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 likely saved Trump's life can be heard. The attack triggered panic among the onlookers. The recording was made from outside the area where the rally took place, according to TMZ.
11:40 Secret Service refutes Republican's allegationsThe Secret Service has refuted the allegations that they denied additional security resources to Trump in the last few 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 Ministry is absolutely false", said Secret-Service-Spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi. In fact, the Secret Service recently increased security measures.
Few hours after the attack, Republican Representative Michael Waltz stated that he had "reliable sources" who said that there had been repeated requests for stronger secret service protection for President Trump. Waltz did not provide any evidence.
11:16 Steinmeier wishes Trump swift recoveryFederal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier condemned the attack and expressed his condolences to the family of the victim's family: "I condemn the attack on the 45th US President, Donald J. Trump", Steinmeier wrote in a statement. "Violence has no place in our democracy - not in America, not here. We can all 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 person wish a swift recovery. My deepest condolences go to the family of the victim of the attack."
10:32 Expert: "Trump produced that image directly and instinctively"Seconds after the shots were fired, Donald Trump was seen rising up from a crowd of Secret-Service agents, bloodied and with a clenched fist. 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 post on X showed a sharpshooter at the Trump rally in exactly the moment the shots were fired. Sharpshooters are used at such events by the Secret Service to secure the surroundings - which apparently did not go well in this case. The sharpshooter seemed to be observing something or someone through his telescopic sight. He recoiled, just before the shots were heard, suggesting that he became aware of the shooter as a threat in that moment. Shortly thereafter, the shooter was shot.
09:23 A participant warned of the assassin before the shootingBefore the shots were fired at Trump's campaign rally in Butler, participants had noticed a man with a rifle on a roof nearby. One of them, Greg Smith, told on-site security personnel: "Hey man, there's a guy with a rifle on the roof", he later told the BBC. The response was: "Ha-ha, what?", as if the security forces did not know what was going on. "I thought: Why is Trump still talking, why didn't they get him off the stage? ... The next thing I heard were five gunshots."
09:15 Scholz condemns attempted attack on Trump as despicableFederal Chancellor Olaf Scholz comments on the attack attempt against Trump: "The attack on US Presidential candidate Donald Trump is despicable. I wish him a quick recovery. My thoughts are also with the people who were affected by the attack. Such acts threaten democracy."
08:28 Photographer captures image of possible projectileNew York Times photographer Doug Mills apparently took a photo 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 from a projectile." Generally, 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 images per second. The photo was taken with a shutter speed of 1/8000 seconds.
08:00 Alleged shooter registered as a RepublicanThe FBI has identified the alleged shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks. He is 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 notes that Crooks was 17 years old at the time of the donation. He registered as a Republican member in September 2021, when he turned 18.
07:46 Expert: "Secret Service must answer some questions"Donald Trump, as an ex-President and candidate, is under the protection of the Secret Service. There are the highest security precautions at all campaign events, as Obama's former campaign advisor Julius van de Laar reports. It now needs to be clarified how such an attacker could get through.
07:38 World leaders react in shockWorld leaders reacted in shock to the attack on Ex-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," writes von der Leyen. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 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 condemns this act of political violence in the strongest terms," the spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres says. "He wishes President Trump a speedy recovery." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky 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." Zelensky 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 US, "there is no place for this kind of violence."
07:21 Open Questions to the Secret ServiceFBI Agent Kevin Rojek states at a press conference that it was "surprising" that the protector was able to fire multiple shots. In response to questions about security measures, he states that such questions should be answered by the Secret Service. Although the name implies otherwise, the Secret Service is not a secret service, but rather (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," says Rojek. "And they are the ones responsible for securing the crime scene." A representative of the Secret Service was not present at the press conference. "Nobody was available," says Rojek.
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 announced that the nomination convention will take place as planned; the convention takes place from Monday to Thursday in Milwaukee. There, Trump will be officially nominated as the Republican presidential candidate. US President Biden shared that the Democrats would stop all campaign ads as soon as possible.
06:50 Shooter fired from a roof near the rallyAnthony Guglielmi, a spokesperson for the Secret Service, states that the suspect fired "multiple shots towards the stage" and was located "on an elevated position outside the event perimeter." This likely means a roof near the rally.
06:39 Shooter is reportedly a 20-year-old from PennsylvaniaThe person who shot Trump is a 20-year-old man from Pennsylvania, according to a source familiar with the investigation of the "Washington Post." The FBI officially states that they have not yet identified the shooter, but are "close" to doing so. The shooter is deceased. According to the Pennsylvania police, it is too early to say whether it was a lone gunman. However, there is also no indication of "any further threat."
06:25 Media: Trump released from hospitalTrump was discharged from the hospital late Saturday evening (local time) according to a report by the news agency Bloomberg.
06:01 FBI confirms attempted assassination of Ex-President Trump at rallyThe US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has classified the incident at a campaign rally in the US state of Pennsylvania as an "attempted assassination" against former President Donald Trump. "This is an attempt to assassinate our former President Donald Trump," says FBI Agent Kevin Rojek in Butler, the location of the rally. Trump was injured in the ear by the gunfire, according to law enforcement reports, and one other person was killed and two others were seriously injured.
03:58 Republicans plan to hold convention despite Trump attackThe US Republicans plan to hold their nomination convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as scheduled this week, according to a joint statement from the party and Trump's campaign team. The Republicans will gather in Milwaukee starting on Monday to officially nominate the 78-year-old Trump as their presidential candidate.
03:54 Shooter fired from "elevated position": One dead, two injuredDuring the attack on Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, the alleged shooter opened fire from an "elevated position" outside the event venue. One person was killed and two others were severely injured, according to the Secret Service. Initially, it was reported that one person was critically injured.
02:55 Trump: I was hit by a bullet in my earFormer US President Donald Trump claimed in a post on his Truth Social platform that he was hit by a bullet during the attack at a campaign event in Pennsylvania. "I was hit by a bullet in my ear, which pierced the upper part of my right ear," Trump wrote.
00:33 Shots fired at Trump: Secret Service agents escort ex-president off stageFormer US President Donald Trump was escorted off the stage during a campaign event in Pennsylvania after shots were fired. In images, Trump is seen with a bloody ear and raised fist.
The shooting incident at Donald Trump's campaign rally in Pennsylvania has raised questions about Joe Biden's chances in the upcoming United States Presidency Election 2024. Despite this, three potential Democratic candidates are emerging as contenders.
In light of the security concerns following the attack, there have been calls to intensify security measures for the Republican party convention in Milwaukee, where Donald Trump is expected to officially become the Republican presidential candidate.
