22:59 Robert F. Kennedy makes it clear: I remain in the race
Independent Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. remains in the race for the White House. He will not drop out, Kennedy's nephew of the former President John F. Kennedy stated to Politico. The reason for the clarification is a report from Politico. According to it, the Republican candidate Donald Trump met Kennedy. The purpose was to persuade Kennedy to give an official endorsement for Trump. Many rumors circulated around their meeting, Kennedy explained on X. "Our main topic was national unity. I hope I will also meet with the top Democrats. No, I am not dropping out of the race." Kennedy is considered a long shot. However, his participation could be a problem for the candidates of the Republicans and the Democrats, even if he only deters individual voters.
10:11 PM After the Attack: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Receives Secret-Service Protection
After the assassination attempt on his predecessor Donald Trump, US President Joe Biden has ordered Secret Service protection for the independent Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. "In light of the events of the weekend, the President has instructed me to work with the Secret Service to protect Robert Kennedy Jr.," said Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Monday in front of journalists. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the son of the former Attorney General and Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, who was shot to death in 1968, five years after his brother John F. Kennedy. Trump had previously asked Biden to offer Kennedy appropriate protective measures (see entry at 7:41 pm).
9:11 PM Republican Leader in the Senate Heckled at Party Convention
At the Republican Party convention, heckles were heard when the leader of the minority in the Senate, Mitch McConnell, from Kentucky took the microphone, during the nomination of Donald Trump as the official Republican candidate for the Presidential election in November.
8:41 PM 1700 Members of the US Military at Republican Party Convention
At the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, approximately 1700 members of the military are in service. A Pentagon spokesperson explained to CNN. Mostly National Guard members from Wisconsin, Minnesota and North Dakota are involved. They are supposed to support the FBI, the Secret Service and the local police in their various 24-hour tasks.
8:14 PM Attack Stirs Up Campaign: These Democrats Could Replace Biden
The attack on Donald Trump brings new momentum to the debate about whether Joe Biden should still run for the Democrats. In addition to Biden's mental fitness, a victory for the Republicans now seems assured. In Biden's party, three potential candidates are currently emerging.
7:51 PM Republicans Officially Start Nomination Party in Milwaukee
The Republican Party convention has officially begun, overshadowed by the assassination attempt on Donald Trump. The delegates of the party come together in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, until Thursday, to formally declare Trump as the Presidential candidate of the Republicans. This should happen on Monday evening. The delegates will base their votes on the results of the internal primaries. 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).
20:09 Jaeger: "It's surprising that someone came to shoot here"
The shooting at Trump in Pennsylvania is causing chaos in the campaign, according to political scientist Thomas Jaeger. Biden is being pushed into a role that crosses out his original plans, he says. Trump's peace offering is not to be taken seriously. Regarding the shooting circumstances, Jaeger sees many open questions.
19:41 Trump calls for Secret-Service protection for Kennedy
Former President Donald Trump has called for Secret-Service protection for independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on his own social network Truth Social, writing that he should "immediately" receive protection. Trump's statement comes in light of the Kennedy family history, as 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: Shooting on Trump was a security failure
According to US Home Security Minister Alejandro Mayorkas, the shooting on US presidential candidate Donald Trump marks a security failure. "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 failure 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 on Trump at a campaign rally in the US state of Pennsylvania on Saturday occurred, and to make recommendations for security measures.
18:43 After the shooting: Trump to announce VP pick Monday
Donald Trump is expected to announce his vice presidential pick on Monday, according to a report by Fox News. Moderator Bret Baier said he had spoken with Trump and that the announcement would be made on Monday. Additionally, there will be surprises.
18:19 Democratic Senator hopes for signal from Trump
Senator 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 the example of President Biden. Speaking to CNN, Coons cited Biden's earlier statements, including his inaugural address, in which he called for unity among the American people. His comments come after Trump told the "Washington Examiner" on Sunday that he would revise his original speech, as it presented an opportunity to "bring the whole country, yes, even the whole world, together."
17:49 Secret Service to fully support independent investigation
The Director of the Secret Service, Kimberly Cheatle, has announced that the agency will cooperate fully with an independent review of security measures regarding the attack on Donald Trump at his campaign rally on Saturday. According to the "Washington Post," she stated, "We are aware of the significance of the independent review announced by President Biden yesterday, and we will fully participate. We will also work with the relevant Congressional committees in all regulatory matters." Cheatle further added. President 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 has reportedly sent a personal message to former US President Donald Trump following the attack. The exact content of the message was not disclosed. It was in line with a conversation between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Trump, according to the British news agency PA, citing palace sources.
17:01 Ex-classmates describe Attacker Crooks as a miserable marksman
Thomas Matthew Crooks, the Trump attacker, was reportedly a poor marksman according to former classmates. Speaking to ABC News, Jameson Myers, who attended school with Crooks, stated that the 20-year-old had tried to join the security team but was rejected during the preseason preparation. "He didn't even make it into the team," Myers said. "He was asked not to return because he was such an incredibly bad marksman. His participation was considered a danger." After that, Crooks did not show up for further practice sessions. An anonymous member of the security team told the broadcaster that the Trump attacker "wasn't really suitable for the team." They added, "He also shot terribly."
16:41 Local sharpshooters were supposedly supposed to secure the attacker's building
One of the two local anti-sniper teams was supposed to secure the building used by the shooter, CNN reported, citing an unnamed source familiar with the investigation. The Pennsylvania State Police denied the allegations and stated they were not involved. The police in Butler County have not commented yet.
16:18 Shooter bought 50 rounds of ammunition shortly before the attack
The Trump attacker, Thomas Matthew Crooks, bought new ammunition shortly before the attack, CNN reported, citing sources from the security apparatus. According to the report, the shooter purchased only 50 rounds of ammunition at a local gun shop just a few hours before the incident.
15:53 Secret Service intensifies security measures for Republican Party convention
Following the attack on US Presidential candidate Donald Trump, security measures for the upcoming Republican Party convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, have been intensified, according to Kimberly Cheatle, the Director of the responsible Secret Service. She stated, "Our organization has reviewed and strengthened the plans for the protection of the Republican Party convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in light of the attack on Saturday." She is now confident that they are prepared for all contingencies.
15:27 Ex-Agent: Trump assassination attempt could devastate Secret Service
After the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, criticism of his personal protection is growing louder. Former Secret-Service Agent Tim McCarthy also sees a failure of the security forces. The incident is now being investigated - for the Secret Service, this is an existential threat, according to McCarthy.
15:04 Government Spokesperson: Biden not to be written off in US election campaign
The German government also sees a chance that Joe Biden could win the US presidential election in November, despite the assassination attempt on the US presidential candidate Donald Trump. "We should not underestimate Biden's campaign skills," says Government Spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit. "Given that, it's too early to believe that the American presidential election has been decided." Other politicians, such as Bavaria's Minister-President Markus Söder, had called on the Democrats to persuade Biden to withdraw, as he was now hopelessly behind 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 so attractive for voters, for citizens," he says.
14:41 No direct contact between Scholz and Trump after assassination
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz has not sought direct contact with the Republican US presidential candidate Donald Trump since the assassination attempt. However, there are "dialogues" with both Democrats and Republicans, according to Government Spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit. Scholz had met with representatives of both parties in the US in the past week. The German government condemns the attack on Trump clearly. "That was a despicable crime," says Hebestreit.
14:18 Expert attests Secret Service "monumental failure"
After the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, the Secret Service is facing heavy criticism. "The protectee was outside the Secret-Service zone. What is that, 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 "monumental security failure" and calls for a detailed investigation. If a roof is within the range of a rifle to a President or presidential candidate, "then it's the Secret Service's job to be on that roof," says Painter. "Have they ever heard of the Texas Book Depository?" That's the building in Dallas, Texas, from which Lee Harvey Oswald shot President John F. Kennedy in 1963 with a rifle.
13:58 Trump rally in Milwaukee: Thousands of additional police in action
Security measures will be particularly strict at the Republican Party convention in Milwaukee. Up to 4,500 additional police officers from the surrounding area will be deployed in addition to the local police forces to secure the RNC, according to the local Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The area around the Fiserv Forum 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 security, weapons are allowed to be carried during the convention in accordance with Wisconsin state law. The Secret Service assures, "we are fully prepared." The responsible Secret-Service coordinator Audrey Gibson-Cicchino explains, "I trust that the event will be protected at the highest level of security measures."
13:35 Trump Attack Brings Chinese Firm's Stocks Soaring
After the attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump, a Chinese technology firm saw its stocks shine at the stock exchange - all because of its name. The shares of software maker Wisesoft surged today at the Shenzhen Stock Exchange by the daily maximum of ten percent. The company name in Mandarin is Chuan Da Zhi Sheng, which sounds remarkably similar to the Chinese translation of the sentence "Trump wins big." In China, stock market speculation related to current events is widespread. This often leads to price jumps in all directions that have nothing to do with the numbers and performance of the respective company.
13:06 USA after the Attack: "Time for Revenge" for Trump and Republicans
The interpretation of the assassination attempt on Donald Trump is in full swing. Political scientist Andrew B. Denison believes that the former president and the Republicans will assume the role of martyrs and fan the political hatred further:
12:37 T-Shirts with Trump Photos are the New Sales Hit
Following the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, the online sale of T-shirts with images of the bloodied ex-president has skyrocketed in a short time. On the T-Shirts, priced between nine and forty dollars, Trump is shown with a bloody face, raising his fist defiantly. Slogans like "Bulletproof," "Legends never die," and "Shooting makes me stronger" are printed on them. The 25-year-old Li Jinwei, who sells products on the Chinese platform Taobao from Alibaba, immediately designed T-Shirts when she heard about the attack. "We had over 2000 orders from China and the US within three hours," the businesswoman told the media in Hong Kong.
11:55 Many Years Ago: The Man "Who Destroyed American Politics"
The shots at Donald Trump during a campaign rally mark the lowest point of the polarized political battles in the USA so far. The accusations of the Republicans against the Democrats are "hypocritical," says historian Annika Brockschmidt, and explains how political opponents became enemies:
11:19 "The Example the Political Leaders Give in the Next Few Days is Crucial"
Regarding the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump and the start of the Republican Party convention, where he is to be officially nominated as the presidential candidate, the "Los Angeles Times" writes: "The example the political leaders give in the next few days is crucial for how the rest of the election campaign will unfold. (...) Trump and the top Republicans gathering in Milwaukee this week carry a special responsibility for not using the assassination attempt to inflame their base. They must recognize that the US is a powder keg right now, and that 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 US citizens to renounce violence.
10:42 After Shots on Trump: "The Divide in the USA Will Get Deeper"
Could the thwarted assassination attempt on Donald Trump be a moment of inner political reconciliation for US society? Political scientist Thomas Jäger sees no signs of it. On the contrary, the split in the country could worsen.
10:13 Initial Analysis: Chances of a Victory in the Election for Trump Increase
First Analysis: Chances of a Victory in the November Election for Trump Are Rising, According to Ipek Ozkardeskaya, Analyst at Swissquote Bank. The chances for a victory by Trump, who is positively evaluated by the market according to the analyst, rose to 67 percent based on data from the online tool PredictIt 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 Prepares for Trump 2.0
The German government has been preparing for the possibility that Donald Trump could return to the White House for some time. As ntv-correspondent Heike Boese summarizes in the RTL/ntv Morning Show:
09:25 "Heated Moments Could Become Extremely Dangerous"
German SPD party chair Saskia Esken, in response to the question of whether the attack would increase Trump's chances of winning the election, says on RTL/ntv's Morning Show: "It's to be expected, yes, that he and especially his supporters will use this incident to further fan the flames. We have also experienced such situations in the past, which have ended up at the Capitol, for example. Such heated moments could become extremely dangerous, not only in terms of a victory in the election." On the question of how Germany and the German government should react if Trump wins the presidency, the SPD chair says: "It's long been the case that the German government, along with other European governments, is aware that we need to get closer together."
08:48 "Have We Overlooked Something?" - Consequences Threaten the Secret Service
After the attack on Donald Trump, the Secret Service is under scrutiny for failing to provide adequate protection. "The Congress will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the tragic incident of yesterday to determine where there were gaps in security and what else the American people need to know," says spokesperson Mike Johnson, a Republican and Trump supporter, to the broadcaster NBC. Robert E. McDonald, a professor at the University of New Haven who worked for the Secret Service for 20 years, also tells the "New York Times": "Have we overlooked something? And if we have overlooked something, we must stand up and take responsibility for it." McDonald wonders why the Secret Service did not secure the building with snipers.
08:05 Secret Service under Scrutiny: Shots Fired at Trump: "Perhaps the Assailant Was Following the Police Officer"
In the aftermath of 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: Joe Biden will not make "Battlefield"
US-President Biden expresses himself in a speech and on social media again about the attack on his political rival Donald Trump. The 81-year-old writes on X: "Political differences are unavoidable in American democracy. They are part of human nature. But politics should never be a literal battlefield or - God forbid - a deadly battlefield."
06:57 The Attack Has Turned Everything Upside Down
Regarding the attack on Donald Trump, the Australian newspaper "Sydney Morning Herald" writes: "US-President Joe Biden faces a delicate balancing act, as America is still reeling from the attack on its largest political opponent. For weeks, 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: present the strengths of his performance in his first term, present a bold vision for the future, and go on the offensive against Trump by portraying him as the greatest threat to democracy in the US. But the attack on the former president on Saturday has turned everything upside down. 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: Trump has Arrived in Milwaukee
After the party primaries in the 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 meet for this purpose in mid-August in Chicago in the state of Illinois. The Republican nomination convention, on the other hand, takes place this time from July 15 to 18 in Milwaukee in the state of Wisconsin. Trump has already arrived in the city. He can present himself for the first time as the clear leader of the Republicans at a nomination convention. In 2016, he entered as an outsider, and in 2020, the Republicans were prevented from holding a large, pompous event due to the pandemic.
06:14 The Trump Attack Affects the Stock Exchange
Asian stock markets react with uncertainty to the attempted attack on US presidential candidate Donald Trump. Investors are concerned about potential 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. 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 the election chances improve further after this incident."
05:56 Trump: He keeps thinking about the small head movement before the assassination
Donald Trump keeps thinking about the moment before the assassination attempt that possibly saved his life: a small head movement to better see the screen. This likely prevented a bullet from fatally hitting his head and instead grazed his ear. "The most incredible thing is that I not only turned around, but exactly at the right time and in the right amount," Trump told the "Washington Examiner" during a speech aboard his 757 as he flew to Milwaukee for the Republican National Convention's start. "If I had only turned half around, it would have hit the back of my head. The other way goes straight through the skull. The chance that I would make a perfect turn is probably less than one in ten percent, so I shouldn't be here."
05:22 Trump: I'm realizing it now
After the attempted assassination at a campaign event, Donald Trump calls for calm and unity. "This is a chance to bring the whole country, indeed the whole world, together," Trump told the "Washington Examiner." The incident deeply affected him. He now realizes ("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?"
04:46 NYT: Explosives found in Trump-Attacker's house
More information is coming to light about the Trump attacker. Besides the rudimentary explosives found in Thomas Matthew Crooks' car, the 20-year-old may have had explosives in his house. The "New York Times" reports this based on trusted sources.
04:15 Trump-Attacker was a member of a shooting range
According to US media, the Trump attacker was a member of a shooting range. "The Clairton Sportsmen's Club can confirm that Thomas Matthew Crooks was a member," reads a statement from the club's lawyer, Robert Bootay. "Beyond that, the Club, due to ongoing police investigations, cannot provide any further comment on this matter." The Clairton Sportsmen's Club operates a wooded facility in the southern hills of Pittsburgh with a 200-yard shooting range.
03:31 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 and self-evidently behind the scenes, it also requires a coalition of the democratic parties, factions, and political foundations," Link told the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). "I am seeking this coalition regularly and have been networking intensively with the competent colleagues in CDU and CSU on the topic of preparing 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, urged Germany to better prepare for a potential Trump re-election.
02:25 Biden calls for de-escalation in campaign
US President Joe Biden urged for calm in the US election campaign following the attack on his predecessor and political rival Donald Trump. "We settle our differences at the ballot box. That's how we do it - at the ballot box, not with bullets," Biden said in a rare address to the nation from the Oval Office at the White House. "We need to lower the heated rhetoric in politics." He reminded Americans that they were "neighbors and friends, not enemies." The Democrat expressed relief that Trump was not seriously injured in the incident. Biden acknowledged that the campaign had been marked by highly charged political rhetoric but emphasized the high stakes in the upcoming presidential elections.
01:46 Biden resumes campaign planning
Following a brief campaign hiatus due to the attack on his predecessor and political opponent Donald Trump, US President Joe Biden plans to resume public appearances in the coming days. According to the White House, Biden will visit the NAACP convention in Las Vegas on Tuesday. On Wednesday, he is scheduled to participate in a local campaign event in the desert metropolis of Nevada. Biden had canceled a trip to Texas scheduled for Monday and cut short a weekend stay in Delaware to return to the White House.
01:04 Quiet and frequently bullied: What is known about the shooter Matthew Crooks
The FBI identified the Trump attacker as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. A driver's license photo of Crooks shows a young man with side-parted dark-blond hair, glasses, and a few freckles on his face. Crooks' former classmates described him as a "quiet" student who often seemed "lonely," as reported by ABC News. One classmate claimed that Crooks had been "socially withdrawn." He could not recall having heard Crooks discuss politics in general or Trump specifically. Jason Kohler, who attended the same high school as the alleged shooter, told reporters that Crooks had been frequently bullied. "He was quiet, but he was just bullied. He was bullied so much." Crooks, who occasionally wore hunter's clothing, was mocked for his clothing style.
00:35 "Next time not miss": Democratic congresswoman fires employee for Facebook post
Democratic Representative Bennie Thompson in the US House of Representatives fired an employee who had posted on social media that she wished the Trump attacker had been more accurate in his shooting. According to "The New York Times," Jacqueline Marsaw wrote on Facebook: "I don't condone violence, but please take marksmanship classes so you don't miss next time. Ups, that wasn't me who spoke." Thompson, who represents Mississippi's second district, wrote on X, expressing gratitude that Trump was okay. He added that there was no place for political violence in America's democracy.
23:50 No intensification of security measures at Republican Party convention
The security representative for the Republican Party convention, Audrey Gibson-Cichino of the Secret Service, reports that the measures for the large event have not been intensified yet. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson does not intend to prohibit weapons in the exterior area of the event venue as an additional precaution. Carrying firearms is protected by state laws, Johnson says. The Mega-Event is scheduled to officially declare Donald Trump as the presidential candidate of the party in the state of Wisconsin. Trump is making plans to arrive in 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 of US presidential candidate Donald Trump, the motive of the shooter remains unclear. "We still 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 speculate and to let the law enforcement agencies do their work.
22:53 Financial markets expect "landslide victory for Trump"
Following the attempted shooting of US presidential candidate Donald Trump, financial markets must reposition themselves. The bullet that hit Trump at an election rally could increase his chances of winning - and therefore, investors expect that the markets may be disrupted, as they prepare for a steeper yield curve for US Treasury bonds. "The election is likely to be a landslide. This reduces uncertainty," says Nick Ferres, Chief Investment Manager at Vantage Point Asset Management. Rong Ren Goh, Portfolio Manager of Eastspring Investments in Singapore, expects that the dollar's uptrend will continue, and investors will focus on a steeper return on investment for US government bonds.
22:07 Injured attendees in stable condition
The two people who were seriously injured in the shooting attempt on Donald Trump are reportedly in stable condition, according to the Pennsylvania police. At the election rally, a man from the audience was killed. The alleged shooter was shot by security personnel. Trump was lightly injured, and two attendees were seriously injured.
21:57 FBI: Shooter acted alone, no identifiable ideology or mental health issues yet
The FBI issues a statement: The alleged shooter acted alone, and there are no further threats to security, an FBI representative says. 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 suspect who was killed. However, no clear indications of an ideology or mental health issues have been found for the alleged shooter yet. The weapon was legally purchased, likely by the suspect's father. Bomb experts have also secured a suspicious device in the suspect's car, which has been taken to the lab for further investigation.
21:42 British Prime Minister Starmer calls Trump
According to government sources, the new British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has contacted the injured former US President Trump. He condemned the violence and expressed his condolences to the victims and their families, the British news agency PA reports. Trump and the other injured were wished a quick recovery.
21:16 They will be waiting for this: Soder gives US Democrats "recommendation from outside"
"Violence is certainly not a means of resolution", says CSU-Chief Markus Soder and wishes Donald Trump a speedy recovery after the attack. He assesses the consequences for the presidential campaign and gives the Democrats a tip.
20:47 Trump to travel to Republican Party convention in Wisconsin soon
Just one day after the attack on him, former US President Donald Trump plans to travel to the Republican Party convention in the state of Wisconsin. The Republican presidential candidate wrote on the online platform Truth Social that he would leave for Milwaukee Sunday evening local time and not change his schedule.
20:39 Biden cancels trip to Texas
US President Joe Biden cancels a planned trip to Texas at short notice. The White House announced this. Biden had originally planned to leave for the southern state on Monday. After the shootings at Trump's rally in the state of Pennsylvania on Saturday evening local time, Biden had already cut short a weekend stay in Delaware and returned to the government headquarters in Washington earlier than planned.
20:11 Biden announces heightened security measures for Republican Party convention
US President Joe Biden announces a speech to the nation and calls for unity. "We must stand together as a nation", Biden says at the White House and announces that he will address the American people in an official statement from the Oval Office on Monday evening (German night). For the Republican Party convention, which begins on Monday, security measures should 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 about the current investigation status in the morning by law enforcement and security agencies.
20:07 Live on ntv: Biden speaks on Trump attack
US President Joe Biden speaks about the attempted assassination on his rival Donald Trump. Biden had already spoken out a few hours after the attack on Saturday and said, "There is no place for this kind of violence in America". Biden then spoke on the phone with Trump. Biden was briefed on the investigation status in the morning by the heads of the FBI and the Secret Service, the security agency for presidents and former presidents.
19:43 Firefighter threw himself in front of family and died "as a hero"
The man killed at a campaign rally for former US President Donald Trump in the state of Pennsylvania was a firefighter and family man. This was announced by the democratic governor of Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro, and he said he had spoken with the man's wife and daughters. The man died "as a hero" and threw himself in front of his family to protect them when the shots rang out at the Trump rally. He was a "devoted Trump supporter". In addition to the man who died, two other spectators were injured. Shapiro said their condition was still critical.
19:13 Some Republicans hold Biden and Democrats accountable
Many Republican members of Congress offer prayers and support for former President Donald Trump in the hours following the shooting at a campaign event in 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 "everyone must condemn political violence."
18:44 Former German US Ambassador: Imitators or Avengers more likely
The former German ambassador to the US, Wolfgang Ischinger, warns of the danger of a spiral of violence in the US election campaign. "Imitators - against Trump -, or avengers - against Joe Biden - are more likely," he tells the "Tagesspiegel". This is all the more likely, as "multiple conspiracy theories will only further confuse the already uncertain American electorate." The Transatlantic Coordinator of the German government, Michael Link also fears further political polarization in the US. "This must not happen. It is now important to maintain calm and respect. President Joe Biden has done this with his call to Donald Trump," says the FDP politician.
18:06 Trump supporters see confirmed 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 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 along with a photo of his father with a bloodied face raising his fist. Eric Trump shares the same photo on Instagram with a similar message in capital letters. In an Instagram story, Tiffany Trump thanks God that her father is still alive. "Political violence is never the answer," she writes, thanking the law enforcement agencies and the Secret Service, and honoring the victims. "As you saw today, my father is a fighter, and he will continue to fight for you and the USA." Ivanka Trump, who previously announced that she would not participate in her father's presidential campaign this year, thanks the bodyguards and writes: "I continue to pray for our country," and: "I love you, Dad, today and always."
17:15 The shooter also had explosives in his car
According to information from the "Wall Street Journal," the Trump assassination attempt suspect also had explosives in his car. The car near the crime scene was reportedly secured by the authorities, according to the newspaper, citing unidentified sources. The weapon used in the crime was reportedly purchased by the father of the alleged suspect, according to the newspaper and ABC News. It is said to be an AR-15 type rifle. The rifle was developed in the 1950s, initially for the military. The AR-15 is the civilian version of this rifle. Unlike the military version, this weapon does not technically support continuous firing. Skilled shooters can still fire many shots in a very short time.
16:59 Melania Trump speaks out
Following the attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump, Melania Trump has also spoken out. The slain security guard was a "Monster" who tried to "extinguish Donald's passion, his laughter, his inventiveness, his love of music, and his enthusiasm," explained the former First Lady of the United States at X. When she saw that a bullet had grazed her husband, she realized that her life and that of her son Barron were "on the brink of a devastating change." Melania Trump also thanks the security personnel of her husband.
16:26 "You're not behind me, you're behind them" - Trump campaign launches fundraising appeal
According to Brad Bannon, a democratic strategist, the incident could be used by Trump. It fits the narrative of the former US President that the country is on the wrong track. "The attempted assassination generates sympathy for Trump," Bannon says. "It also confirms the perception of his voters that something fundamental is wrong in this country." Trump's appearances at the four-day Republican nomination convention in Milwaukee, which begins on Monday, could be fueled by the attack. "If the country wasn't a powder keg before, it is now," says Chip Felkel, a Republican political analyst who is not a Trump supporter. Hours after the attack, Trump's campaign launched a fundraising appeal via text message. "You're not behind me, you're behind them," the message to voters reads.
16:08 Concerns before the convention: Republicans working with 40 security agencies
Republican Party Chairman Michael Whatley assures that the authorities are working intensively to ensure security at the upcoming Republican convention in Milwaukee. They are working with 40 different security agencies, according to Whatley in the Fox News channel. The specific precautions that have been taken were not mentioned.
15:44 Top advisors to Trump campaign: "If something seems strange to you, please report it immediately"
Top advisors to Donald Trump's campaign team advise caution. "We are reinforcing the armed security presence 24/7 with officers on site. Additional security checks are being conducted. Our top priority is to ensure the safety of all staff," quotes the "Washington Post" the Trump campaign advisors Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles from a joint memo. "We also urge you to recognize the political polarization in this heated election. If something seems strange to you, please report it immediately to the leadership or the security team on site," it continues.
15:24 Witnesses describe chaotic scenes at Trump assassination attemptDuring Trump's campaign speech in Pennsylvania, shots were fired, causing chaos and panic. Witnesses speak of speculations about fireworks, the sound of gunshots, gunfire on the roof, and the moment Trump fell to the ground.
14:58 Leading Republican: "We need to tone down the rhetoric"The President of the US House of Representatives, Republican Mike Johnson, is trying to calm things down. "We need to tone down the rhetoric," he says on MSNBC. "We need to lower the temperature in this country."
14:30 Expert: "Trump assassination attempt is an opportunity for Biden"
14:03 Trump calls for reconciliation"It's more important than ever that we come together," writes Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform. He is already looking forward to speaking in Wisconsin "to our great country" this week. In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Republican National Convention takes place from Monday to Thursday. Trump writes further, he is praying for the wounded, and keeps the memory of the slain 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 assassination attempt on Trump. "I am shocked by the attempted assassination of former President Trump," he writes on Twitter. He wishes him a speedy recovery and is thinking of the victims. Political violence has no place in democracies. The NATO allies stand together to defend freedom and values.
12:13 Video shows seconds between the shooter's shots and Secret Service 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 caused panic among the onlookers. The recording was made from outside the area where the rally was taking place, as TMZ reports.
11:40 Secret Service denies Republican accusationThe Secret Service has denied the 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 were denied by the Secret Service or the Home Security Department is absolutely false," said Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi. In fact, the Secret Service had recently increased security measures.
Few hours after the assassination attempt on Trump, Republican Congressman Michael Waltz had said he had "reliable sources" telling him that there had been "repeated requests for stronger intelligence and protective services for President Trump." Waltz provided no evidence.
11:16 Steinmeier wishes Trump swift recoveryBundespresident Frank-Walter Steinmeier condemns the attack and expresses his condolences to the victim's family: "I condemn the attack on the 45th US President, Donald J. Trump," Steinmeier writes in a statement. "Violence has no place in our democracy - not in America, not here. We all can contribute: Let us respect violence in political disputes! Let us push back hatred and incitement from campaigning and debates! Democracy tolerates sharp controversies - but violence destroys democracy. Donald J. Trump and the injured deserve swift recovery. My deepest condolences go to the victim's family."
10:32 Expert: "Trump produced that image directly, instinctively"Seconds after the shots were fired, Donald Trump is seen raising his fist towards Secret Service agents, covered in blood. 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 shows a sharpshooter at the Trump rally in exactly the moment the shots were fired. Sharpshooters are deployed at such events by the Secret Service to secure the area - which apparently did not go well in this case. The sharpshooter seems to be observing something or someone through his telescopic sight. He recoils, just before the shots can be heard, suggesting that he became aware of the shooter as a threat in that moment. The shooter was soon shot himself.
09:23 Participant warned security about the assassin before the attackBefore 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, alerted the security personnel: "Hey man, there's a guy with a rifle on the roof", he later told the BBC. Their response was: "Ha, what?", as if they had not known what was going on. "I thought: Why is Trump still speaking, why didn't they get him off the stage? ... The next thing I heard were five gunshots."
09:15 Scholz condemns attack as abhorrentBundeskanzler Olaf Scholz reacts to the attempted attack on Trump on X: "The attack on US presidential candidate Donald Trump is abhorrent. I wish him a swift recovery. My thoughts are also with those affected by the attack. Such acts threaten democracy."
08:28 Photographer takes picture of possible projectileDoug Mills, a photographer for the "New York Times", apparently took a photo by chance in the exact moment a bullet narrowly missed Donald Trump. Michael Harrigan, a retired FBI agent, told the newspaper that "the photo could very well show the air displacement caused by a bullet". In general, it is possible to photograph a flying bullet, Harrigan said. Mills used a Sony digital camera at the Trump rally, which can take up to 30 pictures per second. The photo was taken with a shutter speed of 1/8000 seconds.
08:00 Alleged Shooter Identified as RepublicanThe FBI has identified the suspect. It is a man named Thomas Matthew Crooks. The 20-year-old victim, who was killed during the shooting attempt, is from the small town of Bethel Park in the US state of Pennsylvania, an hour south of Butler, where the Trump rally took place. Crooks is a registered Republican. According to reports he donated $15 to a Democratic donation organization on the day of Biden's inauguration in January 2021.
The "New York Post" points out that Crooks was 17 years old at the time of the donation. He registered as a member of the Republican Party in September 2021 when he turned 18.
07:46 Expert: "Secret Service Needs to Answer Some Questions"Donald Trump, as an ex-President and candidate, is under the protection of the Secret Service. There are highest security precautions at all campaign events, as Obama's former campaign advisor Julius van de Laar reports. It remains to be worked out how it was possible that a shooter was able to attack, despite these measures.
07:38 World Leaders Express 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", she writes. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also expresses similar sentiments. "My thoughts are with former President Trump, the participants of the event, and all Americans."
The United Nations also condemns the attack on Trump. "The Secretary-General condemns this act of political violence in the strongest terms", explains the spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres. "He wishes President Trump a quick 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.
Biden had already stated on Saturday evening (local time) that he was grateful that Trump was safe and doing well. In the USA, "there is no place for this kind of violence".
07:21 Open Questions to the Secret ServiceFBI agent Kevin Rojek speaks at a press conference and finds it "surprising" that the shooter was able to fire several shots. In response to a question about security measures, he says that such questions must be answered by the Secret Service. Despite the name, the Secret Service is not a secret service, but (among other things) responsible for the security of US Presidents and former US Presidents.
"They conduct the initial security assessments and determine where the various security locations should be located", Rojek says. "And they are the ones responsible for securing the crime scene." A representative of the Secret Service is not present at the press conference. "Nobody was available", so Rojek.
07:04 Trump in New Jersey, apparently unharmedA Trump spokesperson posted a video showing Trump leaving an airport in New Jersey without assistance. His injured ear was not visible in the video. The Republicans have announced that the Nominating Convention will go ahead as planned; the Convention will take place from Monday to Thursday in Milwaukee. There, Trump will officially be nominated as the Republican presidential candidate. US President Biden announced that the Democrats will 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, said the suspected shooter fired "multiple shots towards the stage" and was located "on an elevated position" outside the event venue. This suggests that a roof near the rally could be meant.
06:39 Shooter is reportedly a 20-year-old from PennsylvaniaThe person who shot at Trump is a 20-year-old man from Pennsylvania, according to a source familiar with the investigation to the "Washington Post." The FBI officially stated that they have not yet identified the shooter but 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. However, there is no indication of "any further threat."
06:25 Media: Trump discharged from hospitalTrump was discharged from the hospital late Saturday evening (local time) according to a report by Bloomberg.
06:01 FBI confirms Trump assassination attempt at rallyFollowing the shooting at a campaign rally in the US state of Pennsylvania, the FBI has classified the incident as an "assassination attempt" against former President Donald Trump. "This is an assassination attempt against our former President Donald Trump," FBI Agent Kevin Rojek said in Butler, the location of the rally. Trump was injured in the ear, and besides the suspected shooter, a bystander was killed, and two others were seriously injured, according to law enforcement.
04:41 Biden calls Trump after attackUS President Joe Biden called Trump personally after the attack on his predecessor, according to the White House, without disclosing the contents of the conversation. On Sunday, Biden will be briefed by law enforcement agencies about the status of the investigation.
03:58 Republicans to hold convention despite Trump attackThe US Republicans plan to hold the Nominating Convention in Milwaukee this week as scheduled, despite the attack on their presidential candidate Donald Trump. The party and Trump's campaign team made this statement jointly. The Republicans will gather in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, starting on Monday to officially nominate the 78-year-old as their presidential candidate.
03:54 Shooter fired from an elevated positionDuring the attack on Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, the suspected shooter opened fire from an "elevated position" outside the event venue. One bystander was killed, and two others were seriously injured, according to the Secret Service. Initially, there was talk of a seriously injured person.
02:55 Trump: I was hit by a bullet in the earThe former US President Donald Trump, according to his own statements, was injured by a bullet at a campaign event. "I was hit by a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear", Trump writes on his self-founded platform Truth Social.
00:33 Shots fired at Trump: Security guards escort ex-President off stageThe former US President Donald Trump was escorted off stage at a campaign event in the state of Pennsylvania by security personnel. Before that, shots were heard. In the images, Trump is seen with a bloody ear and raised fist.
In the wake of the attempted assassination on Donald Trump, US President Joe Biden has ordered Secret Service protection for independent Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., citing the events of the weekend as the reason for the increased security measures. Despite being a long shot in the United States Presidential Election 2024, Kennedy's participation in the race could potentially pose problems for both the Republican and Democratic candidates, even if he only deters individual voters. Independently, former President Donald Trump had earlier asked Biden to offer Kennedy appropriate protective measures.
Later in the same context, Joe Biden's mental fitness and the debate about whether he should still run for the Democrats have emerged as hot topics in the wake of the attack on Donald Trump. Although several potential candidates have emerged in Biden's party, it remains to be seen if this debate will lead to a significant shift in the presidential nominations.
