At 19:43, a fireman threw himself before his family and died as a 'hero'
The man killed during a rally by former US President Donald Trump in the state of Pennsylvania was a firefighter and a father. Pennsylvania Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro announced this and stated that he had spoken with his wife and daughters. The man "died as a hero" and had shielded his family as the shots fell during the Trump rally. He was a "passionate supporter" of Trump. Besides the one man in the crowd who was killed, two other spectators were injured. Shapiro stated that their condition was critical.
19:13 Many Republicans see Biden and the Democrats at fault
The overwhelming majority of Republicans in 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 "every form of political violence must be denounced."
18:44 Former German US Ambassador: Copycats or Avengers more likely
The former German ambassador to the US, Wolfgang Ischinger, warns of the danger of a spiral of violence in the US election campaign. "Copycats - against Trump -, or avengers - against Joe Biden - are more likely," he tells the "Tagesspiegel." This is all the more true because "multiple conspiracy theories are confusing the already uneasy American electorate." Michael Link, the Transatlantic Coordinator of the German government, also fears further political polarization in the US. "This must not happen. It's important now to maintain calm and respect. President Joe Biden did that with his call to Donald Trump," says the FDP politician.
18:06 Trump supporters see confirmation of conspiracy theories
The shots at Donald Trump could be decisive for the upcoming US presidential election, says Frank Umbach. The security expert finds it inexplicable that there were no follow-up actions on the shooter's indications 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 alongside a photo of his father with a bloodied face raising his fist. Eric Trump shares the same photo on Instagram with a similar message in capital letters. In an Instagram story, Tiffany Trump thanks God that her father is still alive. "Political violence is never the answer," she writes, thanking the law enforcement agencies and the Secret Service and expressing sympathy for the victims. "As you saw today, my father is a fighter, and he will continue to fight for you and the USA." Ivanka Trump, who had previously announced that she would not participate in her father's presidential campaign this year, 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 was reportedly secured near the crime scene, 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 not technically possible to fire continuously with this weapon. Skilled shooters can, however, fire many shots in a very short time.
16:59 Melania Trump also speaks out
Following the attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump, his wife Melania has also spoken out. The slain guard was a "monster" who 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 USA, 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 bodyguards.
16:26 "They're not behind me, they're behind you" - Trump campaign launches fundraising appeal
According to democratic strategist Brad Bannon, the incident could be used by Trump. It fits the narrative of the former US President that the country is on the wrong track. "The attempted assassination generates sympathy for Trump," Bannon 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 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," said Republican political advisor Chip Felkel, 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 law enforcement agencies
Republican Party Chairman Michael Whatley assured that efforts were being made to ensure security at the upcoming convention in Milwaukee. They were working with 40 different law enforcement agencies, Whatley told 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 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 attackAt 15:24 during 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 attack 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 holding 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 the 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 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 was taking place, as TMZ reports.
11:40 Secret Service denies Republican accusationThe Secret Service has denied the Republican accusation that they had refused additional security resources for Trump in the last months. "The claim that a member of the former President's security team requested additional security resources that the Secret Service or the Department of Homeland Security denied is absolutely false", said Secret-Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi. In fact, the Secret Service had recently increased security measures.
Few hours after the attack on Trump, Republican Congressman Michael Waltz had said that he had "very 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 recoveryBundespresident 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 instinctively"Seconds after the shots rang out, Donald Trump emerges from the Secret Service agents, covered in blood and with clenched fists. Political scientist Thomas Jäger 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 seems to have noticed the assassin just before the first shotsA video posted on X shows a sharpshooter at the Trump rally in the exact 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 scope. 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 attackBefore 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 the security personnel: "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 did not 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 the attack as abhorrentBundeskanzler Olaf Scholz comments on the assassination attempt against 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 captures image 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 photos per second. The photo was taken with a shutter speed of 1/8000 seconds.
08:00 Alleged Shooter Identified as a 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 registered as a Republican. According to reports he donated $15 to a Democratic donation organization on the day of Biden's inauguration in January 2021.
The "New York Post" notes that Crooks was 17 years old at the time of the donation. He registered as a Republican Party member in September 2021 when he turned 18.
07:46 Expert: "Secret Service needs to answer some questions"Donald Trump, as the former President and candidate, is under the protection of the Secret Service. There are highest security measures in place 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 react in 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", writes von der Leyen. 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 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. Although the name suggests otherwise, 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", says Rojek. "And they are 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 officially be nominated as the Republican presidential candidate. US President Biden announced that the Democrats would stop all campaign ads as soon as possible.
06:50 Shooter fired from a rooftop near the rallyAnthony Guglielmi, a spokesperson for the Secret Service, said the suspect fired "multiple shots towards the stage" and was located "on an elevated position" outside the event venue. This suggests that a rooftop near the rally was meant.
06:39 Shooter is apparently 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 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 released from hospitalTrump was discharged from the hospital late Saturday evening (local time) according to a report by Bloomberg News.
06:01 FBI confirms Trump assassination attempt at rallyFollowing the shootings 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. FBI Agent Kevin Rojek in Butler, the location of the rally, made the announcement. Trump was injured in the ear by the gunfire, according to law enforcement reports. One bystander was killed and two others were seriously injured.
04:41 Biden calls Trump after attackUS President Joe Biden personally called Trump after the attack, 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, it was further stated.
03:58 Republicans plan to hold Convention despite Trump attackThe US Republicans plan to hold the Nominating Convention in Milwaukee this week as planned, despite the attack on their presidential candidate Donald Trump. The party and Trump's campaign team made the announcement in a joint statement. The Republicans are expected to 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 positionAt the attack on Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, the suspect opened fire from an "elevated position" outside the event venue, according to the Secret Service. One bystander was killed and two others were seriously injured. Initially, it was reported that one person was seriously injured.
02:55 Trump: I was hit by a bullet in the earThe former US President Donald Trump, according to his own statements, was injured by a bullet during a campaign appearance. "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 during a campaign appearance 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.
- Despite the shooting incident at the Trump rally, many Republicans in Congress continue to offer their support and prayers for former President Donald Trump, with some blaming President Joe Biden and the Democrats for alleged instigation, despite Biden's clear condemnation of political violence.
- In the aftermath of the shooting at a Trump rally,Former German US Ambassador Wolfgang Ischinger warns of a potential spiral of violence in the US presidential election campaign, citing multiple conspiracy theories and the uneasy American electorate as contributing factors.
