23:35 Spahn hopes for a chance through Trump-Vice President Vance
Jens Spahn believes J.D. Vance could be a chance for Trump as VP
CDU politician Jens Spahn thinks that the selection of J.D. Vance as Trump's Vice Presidential candidate in the US Presidential campaign "could be a chance." "Perhaps there is a chance with J.D. Vance," says the CDU politician to the "Tagesspiegel." "The last time, Mike Pence was supposed to attract swing voters, while Trump focused more on the 'tribe,' or the completely convinced at the base. Maybe it's different this time, and we'll see a different Donald Trump who behaves more statesmanlike and aims for the center during the campaign." Spahn is attending the convention in Milwaukee as an observer.
22:59 Robert F. Kennedy clarifies: I'm staying in the race
Independent Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is staying in the race for the White House. He made this clear to the "Politico." According to a report by Politico, Trump had met with Kennedy to try and get an official endorsement from him. There were many rumors about their meeting, explained Kennedy on X. "Our main topic was national unity. And I hope I'll get a chance to meet with the leaders of the Democrats as well. No, I'm not dropping out of the race." Kennedy is considered a longshot. With the election in November possibly coming down to every vote, Kennedy's participation could be a problem for both the Republican and Democratic candidates, even if he only sways a few voters.
22:11 After the assassination attempt: 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 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 Minister Alejandro Mayorkas on Monday to journalists. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the son of the former Attorney General and Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, who was shot dead in 1968, five years after his brother John F. Kennedy. Trump had previously asked Biden to offer Kennedy such protective measures.
21:41 Republican leader in the Senate heckled at the Republican convention
At the Republican convention, there were heckles when Mitch McConnell, the leader of the minority in the Senate from Kentucky, took the microphone during Trump's official nomination as the Republican candidate for President in the November election.
21:14 1700 members of the US military at the Republican convention
At the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, approximately 1700 members of the military are in service. This was announced by a Pentagon spokesperson, according 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.
20:51 Assault stirs up the campaign: These Democrats could replace Biden
The attack on Donald Trump is also stirring up the debate about whether Joe Biden should still 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 Republicans commence nomination convention in Milwaukee
Overshadowed by the attack on Donald Trump, the Republican convention officially began in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The delegates of the party will gather there until Thursday to formally nominate the former US President Trump as the Presidential candidate. This is expected to happen later tonight. The delegates will cast their votes based on the results of the primary elections. This 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 Hunter: "It's surprising that someone came to shoot here"
The shooting at Trump in Pennsylvania has disrupted the entire campaign. Biden has been forced into a role that undermines his original plans, says political scientist Thomas Hunter. Trump's peace offering is not to be taken seriously. Hunter sees many open questions regarding the circumstances of the shooting.
19:41 Trump requests 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. Kennedy should "immediately" receive protection, Trump writes. Given the history of the Kennedy family, this is the "obvious thing to do," Trump adds. Both Robert F. Kennedy's uncle John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the USA, and his father Robert F. Kennedy were victims of assassinations in the 1960s.
19:08 US Homeland Security Secretary: Shooting on Trump was a security failure
According to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, the shooting on US Presidential candidate Donald Trump represents a security failure. "An incident like this should not happen," Mayorkas told CNN. "When I say that it should not happen, we're talking about a failure." Mayorkas was explicitly asked if he holds the Secret Service responsible for the security lapse that led to the shooting. The agency is responsible for the protection of the sitting and former Presidents and falls under Mayorkas' ministry. Mayorkas promises an independent and thorough investigation to determine how the attack on Trump at a campaign rally in the US state of Pennsylvania on Saturday could have occurred. Based on the findings, recommendations for security measures will be made.
18:43 After the shooting: Trump to announce his VP pick
Donald Trump is expected to announce his Vice Presidential pick tonight, according to a report by Fox News. Moderator Bret Baier said he had spoken with Trump, who said the announcement of the Vice Presidential pick would occur today. Additionally, there are expected to be other surprises.
18:19 Democratic Senator hopes for signal from Trump
Democratic Senator Chris Coons, Co-Chair of the Biden-Harris campaign, hopes that former President Donald Trump will use the Republican National Convention to set an example, following President Biden's earlier statements. Coons referred to Biden's inaugural address, in which he called for unity among the American people. His remarks come after Trump told the "Washington Examiner" on Sunday that he would rewrite his original speech, as it presented an opportunity to "bring the whole country, if not 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 unrestrictedly 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 said, "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 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 label Attacker Crooks as miserable marksman
Thomas Matthew Crooks, the Trump attacker, was reportedly a poor marksman according to former classmates. Speaking to ABC News, Jameson Myers, who went to school with Crooks from elementary to high school, said the 20-year-old had tried to join the marksmanship team in his first year at Bethel Park High School but was rejected during tryouts. "He didn't even make it into the team," Myers said. "He was asked not to return because he was such a terrible marksman. His participation was considered a danger." After that, Crooks did not show up for any further practice sessions. An anonymous member of the marksmanship team told the network, "He wasn't really suitable for the team." They added, "He also shot terribly."
16:41 Local sharpshooters were supposedly supposed to secure 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 attack
The Trump attacker Thomas Matthew Crooks bought ammunition shortly before the attack, CNN reported, citing sources in law enforcement. According to the report, Crooks purchased only 50 rounds of ammunition at a local gun shop just a few hours before the incident.
15:53 Secret Service strengthens 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 strengthened by the relevant Secret Service, according to Kimberly Cheatle, the agency's Director. She stated that her organization had revised and reinforced the plans for the protection of the convention after 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 presidential campaign
The German government also sees a chance that Joe Biden could win the US presidential election in November despite the assassination attempt on Donald Trump. "We should not underestimate Biden's campaign skills," says Government Spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit. "Therefore, it's too early to believe that the American presidential election has already been decided." Other politicians, such as Bavaria's Minister-President Markus Söder, had called on the Democrats to persuade Biden to withdraw because he was now allegedly hopeless against Trump. Hebestreit emphasizes that it is natural in democracies for there to always be the possibility of a government change. "That's what makes them so attractive for voters, for citizens," he says.
14:41 No direct contact between Scholz and Trump after assassination
Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz has not sought direct contact with the Republican US presidential candidate Donald Trump since the assassination attempt. However, there are "dialogues" with both Democrats and Republicans, according to Government Spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit. Scholz had met 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: Secret Service "monumental failure"
After the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, the Secret Service is under 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 failure" and demands 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 you 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 city's 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 party convention. Outside the area, where the Secret Service is responsible for personal security, weapons are allowed to be carried during the party convention in accordance with Wisconsin state law. The Secret Service assures, "we are fully prepared." The responsible Secret-Service coordinator Audrey Gibson-Cicchino says she trusts that the event will be protected at "the highest level of security measures."
13:35 Trump Attack Brings Chinese Firm's Stocks Soaring
Following the attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump, a Chinese technology firm saw its stocks shine at the stock exchange - all due to its name. The shares of software provider Wisesoft surged by the daily maximum of ten percent at the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. 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 linked to current events is widespread. This often leads to price surges in all directions unrelated to the numbers and performance of the respective company.
13:06 USA after the Attack: "Time for Trump and Republicans to Seek Revenge"
The interpretation of the assassination attempt on Donald Trump is in full swing. Political scientist Andrew B. Denison believes that the former president and the Republicans will assume the martyr role and continue to fan the political hatred:
12:37 T-Shirts with Trump Photos are the New Sales Hit
Following the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, online sales of T-shirts featuring images of the bloodied ex-president have skyrocketed within 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, quickly designed T-Shirts as soon as she heard about the incident. "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 fired at Donald Trump during a campaign rally mark the lowest point of the polarizing battle between political factions in the US. The Republican Party's accusations against the Democrats are "hypocritical," says historian Annika Brockschmidt and explains how political adversaries became enemies:
11:19 "The Example Set by Political Leaders in the Next Few Days is Crucial"
Regarding the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump and the start of the Republican Party Convention, where he is officially set to be named the presidential candidate, the "Los Angeles Times" writes: "The example set by political leaders in the next few days is crucial for how the rest of the election campaign will unfold. (...) Trump and the leading Republicans, who are gathering in Milwaukee this week, bear a special responsibility for not using the assassination attempt to incite 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 US citizens to renounce violence.
10:42 After Shots on Trump: "The Divide in the US Will Deepen"
Could the foiled 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 division in the country may worsen.
10:13 Initial Analysis: Chances of a Victory in the Election for Trump Increase
First analysis: The chances of a victory in the election for Donald Trump have increased, according to Ipek Ozkardeskaya, an analyst at Swissquote Bank. The chances for a win by Trump, who is positively evaluated by the market, rose to 67 percent according to PredictIt data after the attack, compared to 61 percent before the attack. "Although the attack fuels concerns about a deeply divided America where political violence is gaining the upper hand, it has increased the chances that Trump will win the presidential elections in November," the analyst explains.
09:54 Attack as a Campaign Boost? Boese: Germany is Preparing for Trump 2.0
The German government has been preparing for the possibility that Donald Trump could return to the White House for some time. Many in political Berlin recall the first term unfavorably, as Heike Boese, an ntv correspondent, summarizes:
09:25 "Heated Moments Could Become Extremely Dangerous"
Saskia Esken, the chairwoman of the SPD, responds in the RTL/ntv Morning Show to the question of whether the attack will boost Trump's chances in the election: "It's to be expected, yes, that he and especially his supporters will use this incident to further heat up the situation. We have experienced similar situations in the past, which have ended in chaos at the Capitol. Such heated moments could become extremely dangerous, not just in terms of a victory." On the question of how Germany and the federal government should react if Trump wins the presidential elections, Esken says: "It's only natural that the federal government, along with European governments, realizes that we need to draw closer together."
08:48 "Have We Overlooked Something?" - Consequences for the Secret Service
In the focus after the attack on Donald Trump is the Secret Service, which failed to provide adequate protection. "The Congress will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the tragic incident to determine where there were gaps in security and what else the American people need to know," says Mike Johnson, a Republican and Trump ally, 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 comments in 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 agency did not secure the building with snipers.
08:05 Secret Service under Scrutiny: Shots Fired at Trump: "Was the Assailant Following the Police Officer?"
After the planned attack on Donald Trump, the Secret Service must answer many questions. Trump himself has 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 the American democracy. They are part of human nature. But politics should never be a literal battlefield or - God forbid - a lethal battlefield."
06:57 The Attack Has Turned Everything Upside Down
Regarding the attack on Donald Trump, the Australian newspaper "Sydney Morning Herald" writes: "US-President Joe Biden 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 defeat the disruptive Republicans in the November election. The strategy was simple: present the voters with 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 the Republicans must officially confirm their overall results on a national level. This is done at the respective nomination conventions. The Democrats will gather for this purpose in mid-August in Chicago 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
The Asian stock markets react with uncertainty to the attempted attack on US presidential candidate Donald Trump. Investors are concerned about possible consequences for future US economic policy. At the bond markets, yields for government bonds rose, which experts explain with the expectation of a potentially inflationary and debt-intensive economic policy under a Trump presidency. In addition, stricter immigration laws could complicate the labor market and drive wages up. "The market reaction to a Trump presidency was previously characterized by a stronger dollar and a steeper curve of US government bonds," says Rong Ren Goh, Portfolio Manager at Eastspring Investments in Singapore. "We may observe some of these developments in the coming week if the election chances improve further after this incident."
05:56 Trump: He thinks about it again and again
Donald Trump thinks about the moment before the attempted attack 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 on board his 757 as he flew to Milwaukee for the Republican National Convention. "If I had only turned half around, it would have hit the back of my head. The other way goes straight through the skull. The chance that I would make a perfect turn is probably less than one in ten percent, so I shouldn't be here."
05:22 Trump: I'm realizing it now
After the attempted attack at a campaign event, Donald Trump calls for calm and unity. "This is a chance for the whole country, indeed the whole world, to come 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 in the crucial moment. "I rarely turn away from the crowd. If I hadn't done that in this moment, we wouldn't be having this conversation, would we?"
04:46 NYT: Explosives in Trump-Attacker's House
More information is coming to light about the Trump attacker. In addition to the rudimentary explosives found in Thomas Matthew Crooks' car, the 20-year-old may have had explosives in his house. The "New York Times" reports this based on sources familiar with the investigation.
04:15 Trump-Attacker was a member of a shooting range
According to US media, the Trump attacker was a member of a shooting range. "The Clairton Sportsmen's Club can confirm that Thomas Matthew Crooks was a member," reads a statement from the club's lawyer, Robert Bootay. "Beyond that, the Club, in the context of ongoing police investigations, cannot make any further comments on this matter." The Clairton Sportsmen's Club operates a wooded facility in the southern hills of Pittsburgh with a 200-yard shooting range.
03:31 German government plans for Trump's re-election
The German government is preparing for a possible second US presidency for Donald Trump, according to the words of its Transatlantic Coordinator Michael Link. "Beyond the intensive preparations of the German government, which are running very intensively and self-evidently behind the scenes, we also need a consensus of the democratic parties, factions, and political foundations," Link told the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). "I am actively seeking this consensus 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," says the FDP politician. Previously, the deputy CDU parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn and the green chairman of the Bundestag European Affairs Committee, Anton Hofreiter, called on Germany to better prepare for a possible Trump re-election.
02:25 Biden calls for de-escalation in campaign
US President Joe Biden urged for 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 in the US state of Nevada. Biden had canceled a trip to Texas scheduled for Monday and cut short a weekend stay in the state of Delaware to return to the White House.
01:04 Quiet and frequently bullied: What is known about the shooter Matthew Crooks
The FBI identified the Trump attacker as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. A driver's license photo of Crooks shows a young man with side-parted dark-blond hair, glasses, and a few freckles on his face. Crooks' former classmates described him as a "quiet" student who often seemed "lonely," as reported by ABC News. One classmate claimed that Crooks had been "socially withdrawn" towards him. He could not recall having heard Crooks discuss politics in general or Trump specifically. Jason Kohler, who reportedly 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 they wished the Trump attacker had aimed better. According to the "New York Times," Jacqueline Marsaw wrote on Facebook: "I don't condone violence, but please take marksmanship classes so you don't miss next time. Ups, that wasn't me who spoke." Thompson, who represents the second district of the US state of Mississippi, writes X, expressed gratitude that Trump was okay. He added that there is no place for political violence in America's democracy.
23:50 No intensification of security measures at Republican Party convention
Audrey Gibson-Cicchino, the security representative in charge of the Republican Party convention, informs that the measures for the large event have not been intensified yet. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson does not plan to ban weapons in the external area of the event venue as a precautionary measure. Carrying firearms is protected by state laws, Johnson states. The Mega-Event is scheduled to officially nominate Donald Trump as the presidential candidate of the party in the coming week. Trump is making efforts to avoid appearing weak following the attack: He announced plans to travel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in the US federal state where the convention is taking place, on Sunday afternoon (local time).
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 about the motive of the gunman," 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 thus, financial markets may be focusing on a steeper yield curve for US Treasury bonds, investors say. "The election is likely to be a landslide. This reduces uncertainty," says Nick Ferres, Chief Investment Manager at Vantage Point Asset Management. Rong Ren Goh, Portfolio Manager of Eastspring Investments in Singapore, expects the dollar to continue its uptrend and investors to focus on a higher return on US government bonds.
22:07 Injured visitors in stable condition
The two people who were seriously injured in the shooting attempt on Donald Trump are reportedly in stable condition, according to Pennsylvania police. At a campaign rally, a man from the audience was killed. The suspected shooter was shot and killed by security personnel. Trump was lightly injured, while two visitors were seriously injured.
21:57 FBI: Shooter acted alone, no identifiable ideology or mental illness yet
The FBI issues a statement: The suspected shooter acted alone, and there are no further threats to security, an FBI representative says. The incident is being classified as a domestic terror attack and an attempted assassination. The FBI is investigating the social media accounts of the 20-year-old suspect who was killed. However, no clear indications of an ideology or mental illness have been found 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 wounded former US President Trump. He condemned the violence and expressed sympathy for 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: Söder gives US Democrats "recommendation from outside"
"Violence is certainly not a means of resolution", says CSU-Chief Markus Söder and wishes Donald Trump a speedy recovery after the attack. He assesses the consequences for the presidential campaign and gives the Democrats a tip.
20:47 Trump to travel to Republican Party convention in Wisconsin soon
Just one day after the shooting at him, former US President Donald Trump plans to travel to the Republican Party convention in the state of Wisconsin. The Republican presidential candidate wrote on the online platform Truth Social that he would leave for Milwaukee on Sunday afternoon local time and 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 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 (in the German night). For the Republican Party convention, which begins on Monday, security measures should be increased, he also announces. An independent investigation into the background of the attack is also to be carried out. Biden and his deputy Kamala Harris were briefed on the current investigation status by law enforcement and security agencies in the morning.
20:07 Live on ntv: Biden speaks about the attempted assassination on Trump
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 in America for this kind of violence". He then called Trump. Biden was informed about the status of the investigations by the heads of the FBI and the Secret Service, the security agency for presidents and former presidents, 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 for former US President Donald Trump in the state of Pennsylvania was a firefighter and family man. Democratic Governor of Pennsylvania Josh Shapiro announced this and said he had spoken to his wife and daughters. The man died "as a hero" and threw himself in front of his family when the shots rang out at the Trump rally. He was a "passionate supporter" of Trump. In addition to the man who died, two other spectators were injured. Shapiro said their condition was 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 Pennsylvania. According to the "Washington Post", approximately 30 of them directly blame President Joe Biden, the Democratic Party, or journalists for the alleged instigation of the attack - despite Biden's clear condemnation of the 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 true because "multiple conspiracy theories will only further confuse the already uncertain American electorate." Michael Link, Transatlantic Coordinator of the German government, also fears further political polarization in the US. "That must not happen. It's important now to maintain calm and respect. That's what President Joe Biden did with his call to Donald Trump," says the FDP politician.
18:06 Trump supporters see conspiracy theories confirmed
The shots at Donald Trump could be decisive for the upcoming US presidential election, explains Frank Umbach. The security expert finds it inexplicable that there were no follow-up actions on the shooter's hints and praises the Democrats for the "right reaction."
17:37 "He will never stop fighting for the salvation of America" - Trump's children express themselves
The children of former President Donald Trump pay tribute to their father and thank the agents who protected him. "He will never stop fighting for the salvation of America," writes Donald Trump Jr. on Twitter along with a photo of his father with a bloodied face raising his fist. Eric Trump shares the same photo on Instagram with a similar message in capital letters. In an Instagram story, Tiffany Trump thanks God that her father is still alive. "Political violence is never the answer," she writes, thanking the law enforcement agencies and the Secret Service, and honoring the victims. "As you saw today, my father is a fighter, and he will continue to fight for you and the USA." Ivanka Trump, who previously announced that she would not participate in her father's presidential campaign this year, thanks the bodyguards and writes: "I continue to pray for our country," and: "I love you, Dad, today and always."
17:15 The shooter also had explosives in his car
According to information from the "Wall Street Journal," the Trump assassination attempt suspect also had explosives in his car. The car near the crime scene was reportedly secured by the authorities, according to the newspaper, citing unidentified sources. The weapon used in the crime was reportedly purchased by the father of the alleged suspect, according to the newspaper and ABC News. It is said to be an AR-15 type rifle. The AR-15 was developed in the 1950s, initially for the military. The AR-15 is the civilian version of this weapon. Unlike the military version, it is technically impossible to fire continuously with this weapon. Skilled shooters can, however, fire a large number of shots in a very short time.
16:59 Melania Trump also speaks out
Following the attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump, Melania Trump has also spoken out. The slain security guard was a "Monster" who had tried to "extinguish Donald's passion, his laughter, his inventiveness, his love of music, and his enthusiasm," Melania Trump, the former First Lady of the United States, said at X. When she saw that a bullet had grazed her husband, she realized that her life and that of her son Barron were "on the brink of a devastating change." Melania Trump also thanked her husband's security team.
16:26 "They're not behind me, they're behind you" - Trump campaign launches fundraising appeal
According to Brad Bannon, a democratic strategist, the incident could be used by Trump. It fits the narrative of the former US President that the country is on the wrong track. "The attempted assassination generates sympathy for Trump," Bannon said. "It also confirms the belief of his voters that something fundamental is wrong in this country." Trump's appearances at the four-day Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, which begins on Monday, could be fueled by the attack. "If the country wasn't a powder keg before, it is now," said 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. "They're not behind me, they're behind you," the message to voters read.
16:08 Concerns before the convention: Republicans working with 40 security agencies
Republican Party Chairman Michael Whatley assured that the authorities were working intensively to ensure security at the upcoming convention in Milwaukee. They were working with 40 different security agencies, Whatley said on Fox News, without specifying the details of the preparations.
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 urged caution. "We are increasing security presence 24/7 with officers on site. Additional security checks are being conducted. Our top priority is to ensure the safety of all our staff," the "Washington Post" quoted 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 continued.
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, gunmen 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 holds 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 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 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 took place, as TMZ reports.
11:40 Secret Service denies Republican accusationThe Secret Service has denied the accusation that they had denied additional security resources to Trump in the last months. "The claim that a member of the former President's security team requested additional security resources that were denied by the Secret Service or the Home Security Department is absolutely false", said Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi. In fact, the Secret Service had recently increased security measures.
Few hours after the assassination attempt on Trump, Republican congressman Michael Waltz had said that he had "reliable sources" who told him that there had been repeated requests for stronger intelligence service protection for Trump. Waltz provided no evidence.
11:16 Steinmeier wishes Trump swift recoveryFederal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier condemns the attack and expresses his condolences to the victim's family: "I condemn the assassination attempt on the 45th US President, Donald J. Trump", Steinmeier writes in a statement. "Violence has no place in our democracy - not in America, not here. We all can contribute: Let us respect violence in political disputes! Let us push back hatred and incitement from 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 rang out, Donald Trump is seen raising his fist at 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 can continue spinning his "witch hunt" narrative.
10:10 Sharpshooter seemed to have noticed the assassin just before the first shotsA video posted on X shows a sharpshooter at Trump's 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 in that moment. The shooter was soon shot dead.
09:23 Participant warned security about the assassin before the shootingBefore the shots 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 on-site security: "Hey man, there's a guy with a rifle on the roof", he later told the BBC. The response was: "Ha, what?", as if the security personnel didn't know 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 abhorrentChancellor Olaf Scholz comments on the attempted assassination of Trump on X: "The assassination attempt on US presidential candidate Donald Trump is abhorrent. I wish him a swift recovery. My thoughts are also with those affected by the attack. Such acts threaten democracy."
08:28 Photographer took picture of possible projectileDoug Mills, a photographer for the "New York Times", apparently took a picture by chance in the exact moment a bullet whizzed past 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 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 Identified as RepublicanThe FBI has identified the suspected shooter. He is a man named Thomas Matthew Crooks. The 20-year-old victim, who was killed during the shooting attempt, is from the small town of Bethel Park in the US state of Pennsylvania, 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 only 17 years old at the time of the donation. He registered as a Republican Party member in September 2021 when he turned 18.
07:46 Expert: "Secret Service Needs to Answer Some Questions"Donald Trump, as the 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 could attack, despite these measures.
07:38 World Leaders Express ShockWorld leaders reacted in shock to the attack on former President Trump. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen writes on X, she is deeply shocked, wishes Trump a quick recovery, and expresses her condolences to the innocent victim's family. "Political violence has no place in a democracy", she writes. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also expresses similar sentiments. "My thoughts are with former President Trump, the participants of the event, and all Americans."
The United Nations also condemns the attack on Trump. "The Secretary-General strongly condemns this act of political violence", explains the spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres. "He wishes President Trump a quick recovery." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shares that he is "appalled" by the news of the attack. "Such violence has no justification and no place in the world. Never should violence prevail." Zelenskyy also wishes Trump a quick recovery.
Already on Saturday evening (local time), Biden had stated that he was grateful that Trump was safe and doing well. In the US, "there is no place for this kind of violence".
07:21 Open Questions to the Secret ServiceFBI agent Kevin Rojek, speaking at a press conference, 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. Although the name suggests otherwise, the Secret Service is not a secret service but is (among other things) responsible for the security of US presidents and former US presidents.
"They conduct the initial security evaluations and determine where the various security locations should be", 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, which shows Trump leaving an airport in New Jersey without assistance. His injured ear is not visible in the video. The Republicans have announced that the Nominating Convention will go ahead as planned; the Convention will take place from Monday to Thursday in Milwaukee. There, Trump will be officially 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 suspect fired "multiple shots at the stage" and was on "an elevated position" outside the event venue. This suggests that a roof near the gathering was meant.
06:39 Shooter is apparently 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 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 the 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 attempted assassination of Ex-President Trump at rallyFollowing the shootings at a campaign rally in the US state of Pennsylvania, the FBI has classified the incident as an "attempted assassination" against former President Donald Trump. FBI Agent Kevin Rojek in Butler, the location of the rally, stated, "This is an attempted assassination against our former President Donald Trump." According to authorities, Trump was injured in the ear, and besides the suspected shooter, a bystander was killed, and two others were seriously injured.
04:41 Biden phones Trump after attackUS President Joe Biden personally phoned Trump after the attack, according to the White House, without disclosing the contents of the conversation. On Sunday, Biden will be briefed on the status of the investigations by law enforcement agencies, the statement added.
03:58 Republicans to hold Convention despite Trump attackThe US Republicans plan to hold the Nominating Convention in Milwaukee this week despite the attack on their Presidential candidate Donald Trump. The party and Trump's campaign team made the announcement in a joint statement. The Republicans will gather in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, starting Monday to officially nominate the 78-year-old Trump as their Presidential candidate.
03:54 Authorities: Shooter fired from an elevated 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, in his own words, 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 wrote on his co-founded platform Truth Social.
00:33 Shots fired at Trump: Security guards escort ex-President off stageThe former US President Donald Trump was escorted off stage 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 light of the potential impact of J.D. Vance as a Vice Presidential candidate on Trump's behavior during the 2024 United States Presidential Election, Spahn suggests, "Perhaps there is a chance with J.D. Vance, and we might see a different Donald Trump who behaves more statesmanlike and aims for the center during the campaign."
Despite rumors of a meeting between Trump and Kennedy for an official endorsement, Independent Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. clarifies, "No, I'm not dropping out of the race."
(The two sentences are written as one paragraph for clarity)
