22:11 After the attack: Robert F. Kennedy receives Secret-Service protection
After the assassination attempt on his predecessor Donald Trump, US-President Joe Biden has ordered the Secret Service to provide personal protection for independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. according to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. "Given the events of the weekend, the President has directed me to work with the Secret Service to protect Robert Kennedy Jr.", Mayorkas told journalists on Monday. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the son of the former Attorney General and presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, who was shot in 1968, five years after his brother John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Trump had previously asked Biden to offer Kennedy appropriate protective measures (see entry at 19:41).
21:41 Republican Leader in the Senate Heckled at Party Convention
Heckles were heard as Mitch McConnell, the Senate Minority Leader from Kentucky, took the microphone during the nomination of Donald Trump as the official Republican candidate for the Presidential election in November at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
21:14 1700 Members of the US Military at Republican Party Convention
Approximately 1700 members of the military are in use at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, according to a Pentagon spokesperson, as reported by CNN. Most of these are members of the National Guard from Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota. They are to support the FBI, the Secret Service, and local police in their various 24-hour tasks.
20:51 Attack stirs up campaign: These Democrats could replace Biden
The attack on Donald Trump brings new momentum to the debate over whether Joe Biden should continue to run for the Democrats. With Biden's mental fitness coming into question, a Republican victory now seems assured. In the Democratic Party, three potential candidates are currently emerging.
20:29 Republican Convention Officially Begins in Milwaukee
Overshadowed by the attack on Donald Trump, the US Republican Party Convention officially began. The delegates of the party will gather in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, until Thursday to formally nominate Trump as the Republican presidential candidate. This is expected to happen on Monday 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 secured. The highlight of the event is expected to be a speech by Trump on Thursday evening (local time).
20:09 Hunter: "It's surprising that someone came to shoot here"
The shooting at Trump in Pennsylvania is causing chaos in the campaign. Biden is being pushed into a role that undermines his original plans, says political scientist Thomas Hunter. Trump's peace offer is not to be taken seriously. Hunter sees many open questions in the circumstances of the attack.
19:41 Trump calls for Secret Service protection for rival Kennedy
Former President Donald Trump has called for Secret Service protection for independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. following the shooting at a campaign event. Trump made the request on his own social media platform Truth Social, writing that Kennedy should receive "immediate" protection. Trump considered it the "obvious thing to do," given the history of the Kennedy family. 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.
19:08 US Home Security Minister: Trump Attack was a FailureUS Home Security Minister Alejandro Mayorkas considered the attack on US Presidential candidate Donald Trump as a failure based on his statement to CNN. "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 whether he holds the Secret Service responsible for the failure that led to the attack. The agency is responsible for protecting the sitting and former presidents and falls under Mayorkas' ministry. Mayorkas promises an independent and thorough investigation to determine how the attack on Trump at his campaign rally in the US state of Pennsylvania on Saturday occurred. Recommendations for security measures will be made based on the findings, he adds.
18:43 Trump to Announce VP Pick MondayDonald Trump is expected to announce his Vice Presidential pick on Monday, according to a report by Fox News. The host Bret Baier stated that he had spoken with Trump and that Trump had mentioned that the Vice Presidential pick would be announced on Monday. Furthermore, there are expected to be surprises.
18:19 Democratic Senator Hopes for Trump's EndorsementSenator Chris Coons (D), 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." During an interview with CNN, Coons referenced 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, stating it could bring "the whole country, even the whole world, together."
17:49 Secret Service to Support Independent InvestigationThe 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 lead the investigation. "We are aware of the significance of the independent review announced by President Biden and will fully cooperate," Cheatle said. US President Biden had announced on Sunday that the results would be made public.
17:23 King Charles Sends Personal Message to TrumpBritish King Charles III has reportedly sent a personal message to former US President Donald Trump following the attack. The contents of the message were not disclosed. However, it was in line with a conversation between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Trump, according to sources close to the palace, as reported by the British Press Association.
17:01 Ex-classmates label Attacker Crooks as miserable marksman
The Trump attacker Thomas Matthew Crooks was reportedly poorly handling fire weapons according to former classmates. Jameson Myers, who went to school with Crooks from elementary to high school, told ABC News that the 20-year-old attempted to join the marksmanship team at Bethel Park Highschool 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 he was such a terrible marksman. His participation was considered dangerous." After that, Crooks didn't show up for further tryouts. A member of the marksmanship team who wished to remain anonymous told the sender that the Trump attacker "wasn't really suitable for the team." He added that "he also shot terribly."
16:41 Local marksmanship teams should have secured attacker's building, allegedly
One of the two local anti-sniper teams was supposed to secure the building that the shooter used, CNN reported, citing an unnamed source familiar with the investigation. The Pennsylvania State Police denied the accusations 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
The Trump attacker Thomas Matthew Crooks bought ammunition shortly before the attack, CNN reported, citing sources from the security sector. According to the report, Crooks purchased only a few hours before the incident 50 rounds of ammunition from a local gun shop.
15:53 Secret Service intensifies security measures for Republican convention
Following the attack on US Presidential candidate Donald Trump, security measures for the upcoming Republican convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, have been intensified by the Secret Service, according to the organization's director, Kimberly Cheatle. She stated that their plans for protecting the convention have been revised and strengthened since the attack on Saturday. Cheatle is now confident that they are well-prepared for all possible scenarios.
15:27 Former agent: Trump attack could devastate Secret Service
The criticism of Donald Trump's security detail is growing louder following the attack. 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, it's an existential threat, McCarthy stated.
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. Spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit advised against underestimating Biden's campaign skills. "It's still too early to believe that the American presidential election is decided," Hebestreit said. Other politicians, like Bavaria's Minister-President Markus Söder, had urged Biden to withdraw from the race, arguing that he was now hopelessly behind Trump. Hebestreit emphasized that it's natural in democracies for there to be the possibility of a government change. "That's what makes them so attractive to voters, citizens, women, and men," 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"
The Secret Service is under heavy criticism following the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. "The guard was outside the Secret-Service zone. What is that zone 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 failure" and demands a detailed investigation. If a roof is within the range of a rifle to 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 is the building in Dallas, Texas, from which Lee Harvey Oswald shot President John F. Kennedy in 1963 with a rifle.
13:58 Trump Rally in Milwaukee: Thousands of additional police on duty
Security measures will be particularly strict at the Republican Party convention in Milwaukee. Up to 4500 additional police officers from the surrounding area have been deployed according to local newspaper "Milwaukee Journal Sentinel" in addition to the city police forces to secure the RNC. The area around the Fiserv Forum has also been declared a no-fly zone for drones during the duration of the convention. Outside the area, where the personal protectors of the Secret Service are responsible, weapons are allowed to be carried during the convention in the vicinity of the RNC - in accordance with the laws of the state of Wisconsin. The Secret Service assures, "fully prepared." The coordinator for the RNC-related Secret Service, Audrey Gibson-Cicchino, declares, "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 value
Following the attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump, a Chinese technology company shone at the stock exchange - and that was only because of its name. The shares of software provider Wisesoft soared by ten percent at the Shenzhen Stock Exchange today. 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 linked to current events is widespread. This often leads to price fluctuations unrelated to the numbers and performance of the respective company.
13:06 USA after the Attack: "Time for revenge" for Trump and Republicans
The struggle for interpretation of the attack on Donald Trump is in full swing. Political scientist Andrew B. Denison expects that the former President and the Republicans will assume the role of martyrs and continue to fuel political hatred: [End of text]
12:37 T-Shirts with Trump Photos are the new sales hit
After the attempted assassination on Donald Trump, sales of T-Shirts featuring images of the wounded former President skyrocketed online. Images of Trump with blood on his face, raising his fist defiantly, are printed on the shirts for prices ranging from nine to forty dollars. Slogans such as "Bulletproof", "Legends never die", and "Shooting makes me stronger" are also printed on them. The 25-year-old Li Jinwei, who sells products on the Chinese platform Taobao from Alibaba, quickly designed T-Shirts as soon as she heard 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 at a campaign rally mark a low point in the polarizing battle between political factions in the USA. The accusation of the Republicans against the Democrats was "hypocritical," says historian Annika Brockschmidt and explains how political enemies became enemies:
11:19 The example that political leaders will give in the coming days is crucial
Regarding the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump and the beginning of the Republican Party convention, where he is officially to be nominated as the presidential candidate, the "Los Angeles Times" writes: "The example that political leaders will give in the coming days is crucial for how the rest of the election campaign will unfold. (...) Trump and the top Republicans, who are gathering in Milwaukee this week, bear a special responsibility for not using the attack as a means to inflame their base. They must recognize that the US is a powder keg right now, and heated rhetoric should be toned down before sparks fly. For the moment, they must recognize that violence, once unleashed, is 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 of 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 split in the country could worsen.
10:13 First analyses: Chances of a victory at the election for Trump increase
The attempted assassination of the former US President Donald Trump at a campaign rally over the weekend has increased his chances of winning the election in November, according to Ipek Ozkardeskaya, analyst at Swissquote Bank. The chances of a victory for Trump, who is positively evaluated by the market according to the analyst, rose to 67 percent after the attack, compared to 61 percent before the attack. "Although the attack fuels concerns about a deeply divided America where political violence is gaining ground, it has increased the chances that Trump will win the presidential elections in November," the analyst explains.
09:54 The attempt as a campaign boost? Boese: Berlin prepares for Trump 2.0
The German government has been preparing for the possibility that Donald Trump will return to the White House for some time now. Many in political Berlin have less than fond memories of his first term, as NTV correspondent Heike Boese summarizes:
09:25 Heated Moments Could Now Become Extremely Dangerous
The Federal Chairwoman of the SPD, Saskia Esken, says in the RTL/ntv Frühstart on the question of whether the attack on Trump could enhance his chances of re-election: "It's to be expected, yes, that he and especially his supporters will use this incident to further stoke the flames. We've experienced similar situations in the past, which ended up at the Capitol, for example. Such heated moments, they could now become extremely dangerous, not just in terms of a victory." Regarding how Germany and the Federal Government should react if Trump wins the presidency, the SPD Chairwoman says: "It's long been the case that the Federal Government, along with governments in Europe, are aware that we need to draw closer together."
08:48 "Have We Overlooked Something?" - Consequences Threaten the Secret Service
Following the attack on Donald Trump, the Secret Service is under scrutiny. They were unable to provide adequate protection for the ex-president. Spokesperson Mike Johnson, a Republican and Trump supporter, tells NBC: "There will be a comprehensive investigation into yesterday's tragedy to determine where there were gaps in security and what else the American people need to know." Robert E. McDonald, a professor at the University of New Haven who worked for the Secret Service for 20 years, also tells the "New York Times": "Have we overlooked something? And if we have overlooked something, we must stand up and take responsibility for it." McDonald wonders why the intelligence service did not secure the building with snipers.
08:05 Secret Service under Scrutiny: Shots at Trump: "Perhaps the Police Officer Was the Assailant"
Following the planned attack on Donald Trump, the Secret Service faces numerous 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 Attack: Biden Does Not Want a "Battlefield"
US President Biden speaks out on the attack on his political opponent Donald Trump in a speech and on social media. So, the 81-year-old writes on X: "Political differences 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 attempt threw everything into disarray"
The Sydney Morning Herald writes about the attack on Donald Trump: "US-President Joe Biden faces a delicate balancing act, as America is still reeling from the attack on its biggest political rival. After weeks of discussions following the TV debate, Biden had planned to intensify his attacks on Donald Trump in the coming weeks to prove to Democrats that he has the mental and physical strength to beat the disruptive 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 fuel the tensions of a country teeming with hostility, anger, and fear.
06:38 A grand show is coming up: Trump has arrived in Milwaukee
After the primary elections in each state, both Democrats and Republicans must officially confirm their overall results on a national level. This is done at the respective nomination conventions. The Democrats will meet 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 hindered from holding a large, pompous event due to the pandemic.
06:14 The stock market reacts to the Trump attack
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. At the bond markets, interest rates for government bonds rose, which experts attribute to the expectation of a potentially inflationary and debt-intensive economic policy under a Trump presidency. Additionally, stricter immigration laws could complicate the labor market and drive wages up. "The market reaction to a Trump presidency was previously characterized by a stronger dollar and a steeper yield 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 caused a bullet to graze his ear instead of hitting him fatally in the head. "The most incredible thing was that I not only turned, but I turned exactly at the right time and to the right extent," Trump says in a speech aboard his 757 as he flies to Milwaukee for the Republican National Convention. "If I had only turned half, it would have hit the back of my head. The other way would have gone straight through my skull. The chance of getting a perfect turn is probably around one in ten thousand, so I shouldn't be here."
05:22 Trump: Reality is just setting in
After the attempted attack at a campaign event, Donald Trump calls for peace and unity. "This is a chance to bring the whole country, indeed the whole world together", Trump told the "Washington Examiner" newspaper. The incident deeply disturbed him. He now understands what happened ("Reality is just setting in"). Trump survived the attack because he turned away from the crowd in the crucial moment. "I rarely turn away from the crowd. If I had done that in this moment, we wouldn't be talking about this today, or?"
04:46 NYT: Possible explosives in Trump-Assailant's house
More information is emerging 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 sources close to the investigation.
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, stated in a declaration. "Beyond that, the Club, in light of ongoing police investigations, cannot make any further comments on this matter." The Clairton Sportsmen's Club operates a wooded facility in the southern hills of Pittsburgh with a 200-yard shooting range.
03:31 German government preparing for a Trump re-election
The German government is preparing for a possible second US presidency for Donald Trump, according to the words of its Transatlantic Coordinator, Michael Link. "Besides the intensive preparations of the German government, which are running very intensively but self-evidently 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 seeking this consensus regularly and have been networking intensively with the competent colleagues in CDU and CSU on the topic of preparation for a possible scenario Trump 2.0 for a long time." Previously, the deputy CDU faction leader Jens Spahn and the green chairman of the Bundestag European Affairs Committee, Anton Hofreiter, urged Germany to better prepare for a possible Trump re-election.
02:25 Biden calls for de-escalation in the campaign
US President Joe Biden appeals for de-escalation in the US campaign after the attack on his predecessor and opponent Donald Trump. "We settle our differences at the ballot box. That's how it works - at the ballot box, not with bullets," Biden said in a rare address to the nation from the Oval Office in the White House. "We need to lower the heated rhetoric in politics." He reminded Americans that they are "neighbors and friends, not enemies." Biden is relieved that Trump was not seriously injured in the attack. Biden acknowledges that the campaign is marked by highly heated political rhetoric but emphasizes the high stakes in the upcoming presidential elections.
01:46 Biden resumes campaign planning
After a short campaign pause due to the attack on his predecessor and political rival Donald Trump, US President Joe Biden is planning public appearances in the coming days. According to the White House, Biden will visit a NAACP meeting in Las Vegas on Tuesday. On Wednesday, he is also scheduled to attend a local campaign event in the desert metropolis of Nevada. Biden had canceled 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 assassination suspect as the 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. A classmate claims that Crooks was "socially withdrawn." He cannot remember hearing Crooks talk about politics in general or Trump specifically. Jason Kohler, who claims to have attended the same high school as the alleged shooter, tells reporters that Crooks was frequently bullied. "He was quiet, but he was just bullied. He was bullied so much." Crooks, who occasionally wore hunter's clothing, was mocked for his clothing style.
00:35 "Next time not miss": Democratic congresswoman fires employee for Facebook post
Democratic Representative in the US House of Representatives Bennie Thompson fired an employee who posted on social media that she wished the Trump assassination suspect had aimed better. According to the "New York Times," Jacqueline Marsaw wrote on Facebook: "I don't condone violence, but please take shooting lessons so you don't miss next time. Ups, that wasn't me who spoke." Thompson, who represents Mississippi's second district, writes on X, he is grateful that Trump is okay. He adds that there is no place for political violence in America's democracy.
23:50 No intensification of security measures at Republican convention
The Secret Service representative responsible for security at the Republican convention, Audrey Gibson-Cicchino, reports 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 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as an additional precaution. Carrying weapons is protected by state laws, he says. At the Mega-Event, Trump is scheduled to be officially nominated as the Republican Party's presidential candidate in the coming week. Trump is trying to avoid giving the impression of weakness: He announced that he would travel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Sunday afternoon (local time) to break the ice. The party convention is taking place there.
23:21 Biden: Motive of Attacker still unclear
After the attempted attack on US Presidential candidate Donald Trump, the motive of the shooter is still unclear. "We have no information on the motive of the shooter," says US President Joe Biden at the White House to journalists. Biden urges the public not to make assumptions and to let the law enforcement agencies do their job.
22:53 Financial markets expect "landslide victory for Trump"
Following the attempted attack on US Presidential candidate Donald Trump, financial markets need to reposition themselves. The bullet that wounded the Republican at a campaign rally could increase Trump's chances of winning - and therefore, investors expect the financial markets to focus on this, they say. "The election will likely be a landslide. That reduces uncertainty," says Nick Ferres, Chief Investment Manager at Vantage Point Asset Management. Rong Ren Goh, Portfolio Manager at Eastspring Investments in Singapore, expects the dollar to continue its 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 only slightly injured, while two attendees were severely injured.
21:57 FBI: Shooter acted alone, no ideology identified yet
The FBI issues a warning: The alleged shooter acted alone, there are no further safety concerns, says a representative of the US Federal Police. The incident will be 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 are currently no indications of an ideology or a mental illness of the alleged attacker. The weapon was legally purchased, possibly by the suspect's father. Bomb experts have also secured a suspicious device in the suspect's car, which has been taken to the lab for further investigation.
21:42 British Prime Minister Starmer phones Trump
Britain's new Prime Minister Keir Starmer has phoned Trump, according to government sources, following the attack. He condemned the violence and expressed his condolences to the victims and their families, it is reported. Trump and the other injured were wished a quick recovery by Starmer, according to the British news agency PA.
21:16 They will wait for this: Söder gives Democrats an "external recommendation"
"Violence is certainly not a means of dispute resolution," says CSU chief Markus Söder and wishes 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 one day after the attack on him, former US President Donald Trump plans to travel to the Republican Party convention in the state of Wisconsin, according to his post on the online platform Truth Social. He will leave for Milwaukee on Sunday afternoon local time and will not change his schedule.
20:39 Biden announces plans
US-President Joe Biden cancels a planned trip to Texas at short notice. The White House announces this. Biden had originally been scheduled to leave for 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 to the government headquarters in Washington.
20:11 Biden announces heightened security measures for the Republican convention
US-President Joe Biden announces an address to the nation and calls for unity. "We must stand together as a nation," Biden says at the White House and announces that he will make an official statement to the American people in the evening (in the US night on Monday) from the Oval Office. For the Republican convention, which begins on Monday, security measures will be increased, 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 the Trump assassination attempt
US-President Joe Biden speaks about the attempted assassination of his rival Donald Trump. Biden had already spoken out a few hours after the incident on Saturday and said, "There is no place for this kind of violence in America." He then called Trump. Biden was briefed on the status of the investigations by the heads of the FBI and the Secret Service, the security agency for presidents and former presidents, in the morning.
19:43 Firefighter threw himself in front of his family and died "as a hero"
The man killed at a campaign rally of former US President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania was a firefighter and family man. This was announced by the democratic governor of Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro, and he said he had spoken to his wife and daughters. The man died "as a hero" and threw himself over his family to protect them when the shots were fired 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," about 30 of them directly blame US President Joe Biden, the Democratic Party, or journalists for the alleged instigation of the attack - despite Biden's clear condemnation of the violence and his statement that "every form of political violence must be denounced."
18:44 Former German US Ambassador: Imitators or Avengers more likely
The former German ambassador to the US, Wolfgang Ischinger, warned 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 told the "Tagesspiegel." This is all the more true because "multiple conspiracy theories are confusing the already uncertain American electorate," he added. 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," said the FDP politician.
18:06 Trump Supporters see conspiracy theories confirmed
The shots at Donald Trump could be decisive for the upcoming presidential election in the US, according to Frank Umbach. The security expert finds it "incomprehensible" that there were no follow-up investigations into the shootings and praises the Democrats for "the right reaction."
17:37 "He will never stop fighting for the salvation of America" - Trump's children speak out
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 alongside a photo of his father with a bloodied face raising his fist. Eric Trump shares the same photo on Instagram with a similar message in capital letters. In an Instagram story, Tiffany Trump thanks God that her father is still alive. "Political violence is never the answer," she writes, thanking the law enforcement agencies and the Secret Service, and paying 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 had previously announced that she would not participate in her father's presidential campaign this year, also 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 in the assassination attempt was purchased by the father of the alleged assassin, according to the newspaper and ABC News. 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 of this rifle. Technically speaking, continuous fire is not possible with this weapon. Skilled shooters can, however, fire many shots in a very short time.
16:59 Melania Trump also speaks out
Following the attempted assassination on ex-US President Donald Trump, Melania Trump also speaks out. The guard who was killed in the attack was a "Monster" who tried to extinguish "Donald's passion, his laughter, his inventiveness, his love for music and his enthusiasm," explains the former First Lady of the USA at X. When she saw that a bullet had grazed her husband, she realized that her life and that of her son Barron were "standing before a devastating change" shortly. Melania Trump thanks the security guards of her husband.
16:26 "They're not behind me, they're behind you" - Trump campaign launches fundraising appeal
According to Brad Bannon, a democratic strategist, the incident could be 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 confirms also the perception of his voters that something fundamental is wrong in this country." Trump's appearances at the four-day Republican nomination convention in Milwaukee, which begins on Monday, could be fueled by the attack. "If the country wasn't a powder keg before, it is now," says Chip Felkel, a republican political analyst who is not a Trump supporter. Hours after the incident, Trump's campaign launches a fundraising appeal via text message. "They're not behind me, they're behind you," reads the message to voters.
16:08 Concerns before the convention: Republicans working with 40 security agencies
The chairman of the Republicans, Michael Whatley, assures that the agencies are working intensely 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 intensifying 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 shooting
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 tone down the rhetoric"
The President of the US House of Representatives, Republican Mike Johnson, is working to calm things down. "We need to tone down the rhetoric," he says on MSNBC. "We need to lower the temperature in this country."
14:30 Expert: Trump shooting an opportunity for Biden
A leading expert sees the Trump shooting as 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 civilian "in our hearts." Trump had already called for unity in his inauguration 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 shooter's shots and the shots that might have saved Trump's life only seconds later can be heard. The attack caused panic among onlookers. The recording was made from outside the area where the rally was taking place, according to TMZ.
11:40 Secret Service denies Republican accusation The Secret Service has denied the Republican accusation that they had refused additional security resources for Trump in the last months. "The claim that a member of the former president's security team requested additional security resources that the Secret Service or the Home Security Department denied is absolutely false," said Secret-Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi. In fact, the Secret Service had recently increased security measures.
Few hours after the attack on Trump, Republican congressman Michael Waltz said he had "reliable sources" who told him that there had been repeated requests for stronger intelligence protection for President Trump. Waltz provided no evidence.
11:16 Steinmeier expresses condolences to Trump family Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier condemns the assassination attempt and expresses his condolences to the family of the victim: "I condemn the assassination attempt on the 45th US President, Donald J. Trump," Steinmeier writes in a statement. "Violence has no place in our democracy - not in America, not with us. We can all contribute: Let us condemn violence in political disputes! Let us push back hatred and hate speech from election campaigns and debates! Democracy tolerates sharp controversies - but violence destroys democracy. Donald J. Trump and the injured I wish a speedy recovery. My deepest condolences go to the family of the victim of the attack."
10:32 Expert: "Trump produced that image directly, instinctively" Seconds after the shots were fired, Trump rises up, covered in blood, and raises a fist at Secret Service agents. Political scientist Thomas Jaeger sees the "master of political marketing" at work here. What matters now is whether Trump can continue to spin his "witch hunt" narrative.
10:10 Sharpshooter seemed to have noticed the assassin just before the first shotsA video posted on X shows a sharpshooter at the Trump rally, right at the moment when the shots were fired. Sharpshooters are employed by the Secret Service at such events to secure the surroundings - which apparently did not go well in this case. The sharpshooter seems to be observing something or someone through his telescopic sight. He recoils, just before the shots can be heard, suggesting that he became aware of the shooter as a threat in that moment. Shortly afterwards, the assassinator was shot.
09:23 Participant warned of 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, informed the security personnel: "Hey man, there's a guy with a rifle on the roof", he later told the BBC. The response was: "Ha ha, what?", implying that the security forces did not know what was going on. "I thought: Why is Trump still speaking, why didn't they take him off the stage? ... Next, five shots were fired."
09:15 Scholz condemns the attempt on TrumpFederal Chancellor Olaf Scholz commented on the attempt on Trump's life on X: "The attempt on US Presidential candidate Donald Trump is abhorrent. 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 picture by chance at the exact moment when a bullet narrowly missed Trump. Michael Harrigan, a retired FBI agent, told the newspaper that "the photo could very well show the air displacement caused by a bullet". In general, it is possible to photograph a flying bullet, Harrigan added. Mills used a Sony digital camera at the Trump rally, which can take up to 30 pictures per second. The photo was taken with a shutter speed of 1/8000 seconds.
08:00 Alleged shooter registered as a RepublicanThe FBI has identified the alleged shooter as 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 only 17 years old at the time of the donation. He registered as a member of the Republican Party in September 2021, when he turned 18.
07:46 Expert: "Secret Service must answer some questions"Donald Trump, as a former President and candidate, is under the protection of the Secret Service. At all campaign events, there are the highest security measures, as Obama's former campaign advisor Julius van de Laar reports. It remains to be clarified how it was possible that a shooter was able to attack, despite these precautions.
07:38 World leaders shocked by attack on TrumpState and government heads worldwide have reacted in shock to the attack on former President Trump. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen writes on X, expressing deep shock and wishing Trump a quick recovery. "Political violence has no place in a democracy", she writes. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also expresses his thoughts. "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," the spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says. "He wishes President Trump a swift recovery." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shares that he is "appalled" by the news of the attack. "Such violence has no justification and no place in the world. Never should violence prevail." Zelenskyy also wishes Trump a swift recovery.
Biden had already stated on Saturday evening (local time) that he was grateful Trump was safe and doing well. In the US, "there is no place for this kind of violence," he added.
07:21 Open questions to the Secret ServiceFBI Agent Kevin Rojek speaks at a press conference, finding it "surprising" that the protective detail could return fire. In response to a question about security measures, he states that such questions should be answered by the Secret Service. Although the name implies it, 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. Rojek states, "nobody was available."
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 be officially 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, says 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 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 and are "close" to doing so. The shooter is dead. According to Pennsylvania police, it is too early to say whether 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 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 in the ear by the gunshots, according to law enforcement reports. One bystander was killed and two others were seriously injured.
04:41 Biden calls Trump personally after attackUS President Joe Biden called Trump personally after the attack on his predecessor, the White House confirmed, without disclosing the contents of the conversation. On Sunday, Biden will be briefed on the status of the investigation by law enforcement agencies, 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 the joint statement. The Republicans will 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 positionThe shooter in the attack on Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump fired from an elevated position outside the event venue, the Secret Service reported. One bystander was killed and two others were seriously injured. Initially, 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 by a bullet during the attack at a campaign event in Pennsylvania. "I was hit by a bullet that went through the upper part of my right ear," Trump wrote on his own Truth Social platform.
00:33 Shots fired at Trump: Secret Service escorts ex-President off stageFormer US President Donald Trump was escorted off the stage by security personnel following shootings at a campaign event in Pennsylvania. In the images, Trump is seen with a bloody ear and raised fist.
- With Donald Trump's request for Secret Service protection for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., speculations are rising about potential candidates for the U.S. Presidential Election 2024, particularly since Joe Biden's mental fitness is being questioned due to recent events.
- Amid an intensified security focus following the shooting at Donald Trump's campaign event, there have been discussions about whether independently secured buildings, like the one used by the attacker, should have been handled differently, raising questions about the Secret Service's operations leading up to the incident.
