At 21:41, the Republican leader in the Senate is being ridiculed at the party convention
At the Republican Party convention, 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 Republican Party Convention
At the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, around 1700 members of the military are in service. A Pentagon spokesperson explained to CNN. Most of them are members of the National Guard from Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota. They will support the FBI, Secret Service, and local police in their various duties around the clock.
20:51 Attack stirs up campaign: These Democrats could replace Biden
The attack on Donald Trump is causing chaos in the campaign, with some Democrats questioning whether Joe Biden should still be their candidate. With the mental instability of the incumbent president and the possibility of a Republican victory, three potential Democratic candidates are emerging.
20:29 Republican Convention begins in Milwaukee
Overshadowed by the attack on Donald Trump, the US Republican Party convention has officially begun. The delegates of the party are gathering in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, until Thursday, to formally declare Trump as the presidential candidate. This will happen on Monday evening. The delegates will cast their votes based on the results of the primary elections. The process is considered a formality - Trump has the necessary votes. The highlight of the event will be a speech by Trump on Thursday evening (local time).
20:09 Hunter: "It's surprising that someone came to shoot here"
The shooting at Trump in Pennsylvania is turning the campaign upside down. Biden is being pushed into a role that contradicts his original plans, says political scientist Thomas Hunter. Trump's peace offering is not to be taken seriously. Regarding the circumstances of the attack, Hunter 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 media platform Truth Social. Kennedy "should receive protection immediately," Trump wrote. "Given the history of the Kennedy family, this is obviously the right thing to do," Trump added. Both Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s uncle, John F. Kennedy, who was the 35th President of the USA, and his father, Robert F. Kennedy, were victims of assassinations in the 1960s.
19:08 US Homeland Security Minister: Trump attack was a security failure
According to Homeland Security Minister Alejandro Mayorkas, the attack on US presidential candidate Donald Trump represents 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 lapse that led to the attack on Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. 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 attack on Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday could have occurred. Based on the findings, recommendations for security measures will be made.
18:43 After Attack: Trump to Announce VP Pick
Donald Trump will reportedly announce his Vice Presidential pick on Monday, according to a television report. Fox News host Bret Baier stated that he had spoken with Trump and that the former President had said the Vice Presidential selection would take place on Monday. Additionally, there are expected to be further surprises.
18:19 Democratic Senator Hopes for Trump's Lead
Senator Chris Coons (D), Co-Chair of the Biden-Harris campaign, hopes that former President Donald Trump will use the Republican National Convention to follow "President Biden's example." According to CNN, Coons referenced Biden's earlier statements, including his 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 Support Independent Investigation
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has stated that the agency will fully cooperate with an independent review of the security arrangements at the attack on Donald Trump's campaign rally on Saturday. According to the "Washington Post," Cheatle made the announcement. "We are aware of the significance of President Biden's announced independent review and will fully participate. We will also work with the relevant congressional committees in all oversight matters," Cheatle said. 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 reportedly sent a personal message to former U.S. President Donald Trump following the attack. The contents of the message were not disclosed. According to the British news agency PA, the message was in line with a conversation between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Trump.
17:01 Ex-Classmates Label 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, said that the 20-year-old had tried to join the rifle team in his first year at Bethel Park High School but was rejected during tryouts. "He didn't even make it in," Myers said. "He was asked not to return because he was such a terrible marksman. His participation was considered a danger." After that, Crooks did not show up for further practice sessions. A member of the rifle team who wished to remain anonymous told ABC News that the Trump attacker "wasn't really suitable for the team." He added, "He also shot terribly."
16:41 Local Sharpshooters Allegedly Supposed to Secure Attacker's Building
One of the two local anti-sniper teams was supposed to secure the building used by the shooter, according to CNN, 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 right before the assassination
Trump assassination attempt suspect Thomas Matthew Crooks bought new ammunition just before the attack, according to CNN, citing sources from the security apparatus. The shooter reportedly bought only a few hours before the act 50 rounds of ammunition at a local gun shop.
15:53 Secret Service reinforces security measures for Republican convention
Following the assassination attempt on US Presidential candidate Donald Trump, security measures for the upcoming Republican convention have been strengthened, according to Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle. She stated that her organization has revised and fortified the plans for protecting the convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is now confident they are prepared for all scenarios.
15:27 Ex-agent: Trump assassination attempt could devastate Secret Service
Criticism of Donald Trump's personal security detail has grown louder following the assassination attempt. Former Secret Service Agent Tim McCarthy also sees it as a failure of the security forces. The investigation into the incident is now underway, and McCarthy considers it an existential threat for the Secret Service.
15:04 Government spokesperson: Biden not to be written off in US election
The German government still sees a chance for Amtsinhaber Joe Biden to win the US election, despite the assassination attempt on Donald Trump. Government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit emphasized that Biden's campaign skills should not be underestimated. "It's still too early to believe that the American presidential election is decided," he said. Other politicians, such as Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder, had called on Biden to withdraw, believing him to be hopeless against Trump. Hebestreit stressed that it's natural for democracies to have the possibility of a government change. "That's what makes them attractive to voters, to citizens," he said.
14:41 No direct contact between Scholz and Trump after assassination
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has not sought direct contact with Republican US Presidential candidate Donald Trump following the assassination attempt. However, there have been "contact channels" with both Democrats and Republicans, according to Government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit. Scholz had met with representatives of both parties during his recent trip to the US. The German government condemns the attack on Trump clearly. "That was a despicable crime," Hebestreit said.
14:18 Expert: Secret Service shows "monstrous failure"
The Secret Service is facing intense criticism following the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. "The shooter was outside the Secret Service zone. What is that, then?" asks Richard Painter, a former White House employee under former President George W. Bush and now a law professor at the University of Minnesota. He sees a "monstrous security failure" and calls for a detailed investigation. If a roof is within the range of a rifle targeting a President or Presidential candidate, "then it's the Secret Service's job to be on that roof," Painter said. "Have they ever heard of the Texas Book Depository?" This is the building in Dallas, Texas, from which Lee Harvey Oswald shot and killed President John F. Kennedy in 1963 with a rifle.
13:58 Trump Appearance in Milwaukee: Thousands of Additional Police in ActionAt the Republican Party convention in Milwaukee, security measures will be particularly strict. According to the local newspaper "Milwaukee Journal Sentinel," up to 4500 additional police officers from the surrounding area will be deployed in addition to the city police forces securing the RNC. The area around the Fiserv Forum is also declared a no-fly zone for drones during the duration of the convention. Outside the area, where the Secret Service is responsible for personal protection, carrying weapons is allowed during the RNC in the vicinity of the RNC - in accordance with the laws of the state of Wisconsin. The Secret Service assures, "we are fully prepared." The RNC-responsible Secret-Service coordinator Audrey Gibson-Cicchino states, "I trust that the event will be protected on the highest security level."
13:35 Trump Attack Boosts Chinese Firm's Stock Market PlusFollowing the attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump, a Chinese technology firm shone on the stock exchange - all because of its name. The shares of software provider Wisesoft soared by ten percent at the Shenzhen Stock Exchange today. The company name in Mandarin sounds similar to the Chinese translation of the sentence "Trump wins big." In China, stock market speculation related to current events is widespread. This often leads to price surges in all directions that have nothing to do with the numbers and performance of the respective company.
13:06 USA after the Attack: Now it's "Time for Revenge" for Trump and RepublicansThe interpretation battle over 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 continue to fuel political hatred:
12:37 Trump Photos T-Shirts Become New Sales HitFollowing the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, the online sale of T-shirts with images of the bleeding ex-president has gone through the roof within a short time. On the T-Shirts, which cost between nine and forty dollars, Trump is shown with a bloody face, raising his fist defiantly. Printed on them are slogans like "Bulletproof," "Legends never die," and "Shooting makes me stronger." The 25-year-old Li Jinwei, who sells products on the Chinese platform Taobao from Alibaba, immediately designed T-Shirts when she heard about the attack. "We had more than 2000 orders from China and the US within three hours," the businesswoman told media in Hong Kong.
11:55 Many Years Before Trump: The Man "Who Destroyed American Politics"The shots at Donald Trump during a campaign event mark the provisional low point of the polarizing struggle between political factions in the USA. The Republican Party's accusations against the Democrats are "hypocritical," says historian Annika Brockschmidt, and explains how political adversaries became enemies:
11:19 "The example that political leaders will give in the coming days is decisive"
According to the "Los Angeles Times," the attempted assassination on Ex-President Donald Trump and the beginning of the Republican Party convention, where he is set to be officially named the presidential candidate, is crucial in determining how the rest of the campaign season will unfold. (...) Trump and the top Republicans gathering in Milwaukee this week carry a significant responsibility in not using the attack as a tool to inflame their base. They must recognize that the US is on the brink and that heated rhetoric could spark sparks. For the moment, they must acknowledge that violence, once ignited, is non-partisan. Previously, President Biden had already urged US citizens to renounce violence.
10:42 After Shots on Trump: "The divide in the USA is getting deeper"
Could the attempted assassination on Donald Trump lead to a moment of inner political reconciliation for the American society? Political scientist Thomas Jaeger sees no signs of it. Instead, the rift in the country may worsen.
10:13 Initial Analyses: Chances of a Victory in the Election for Trump Increase
Analyst Ipek Ozkardeskaya of Swissquote Bank believes that the attempted assassination on former US President Donald Trump at a campaign rally over the weekend has increased his chances of winning the November election. The chances for a victory by Trump, who is positively valued by the market according to the analyst, rose to 67 percent, compared to 61 percent before the attack. "Although the attack fuels concerns about a deeply divided America where political violence is gaining ground, it has increased the chances that Trump will win the presidential elections in November," the analyst explains.
09:54 The Attack as a Campaign Push? 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. Many in political Berlin recall the first term unfavorably, as ntv correspondent Heike Boese summarizes:
09:25 "Heated Moments Could Now Become Extremely Dangerous"
German SPD party chair Saskia Esken, in an RTL/ntv "Morgenmagazin" interview, answers a question about 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 fan the flames. We have also experienced such situations in the past that ended up at the Capitol. Such heated moments could now become extremely dangerous, not only in terms of a victory in the election." When asked how Germany and the German government should react if Trump wins the presidential elections, the SPD chair states: "It's long been clear that the German government, along with other European governments, realizes that we need to draw closer together."
08:48 "Have we overlooked something?" - Secret Service under scrutiny after Trump shooting
Following the shooting of Donald Trump, the Secret Service is under scrutiny for not providing adequate protection. "The Congress will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the previous incident to determine where security lapses occurred and what else the American people need to know," says Mike Johnson, a Republican and Trump ally, speaking to 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 criticism: Shots fired at Trump: "Officer may have followed the assassin"
In the aftermath of the planned shooting of Donald Trump, the Secret Service must answer many questions. Trump himself has so far only commented on Truth Social about the incident, and the Republican convention is approaching. ntv-correspondent Christopher Wittich summarizes the latest developments.
07:34 After shooting: Biden doesn't want a "battlefield"
US President Biden speaks out again on the shooting of his political rival Donald Trump, both in a speech and on social media. The 81-year-old writes on X: "Political differences are inevitable in the American democracy. They are part of human nature. But politics should never be a literal battlefield, God forbid, a deadly battlefield."
06:57 The attack has turned everything upside down
The Australian newspaper "Sydney Morning Herald" writes about the shooting of Donald Trump: "US President Joe Biden faces a tricky balancing act as America continues to reel from the shooting of his biggest political rival. After weeks of discussions in the wake of the TV debate, Biden had planned to intensify his attacks on Donald Trump in the coming weeks to prove to Democrats that he has the mental and physical stamina to beat the disruptive Republicans in the November election. The strategy was simple: present the strengths of his accomplishments in his first term, present a bold vision for the future, and go on the offensive against Trump by portraying him as the greatest threat to democracy in the US. But the shooting of the former president on Saturday has turned everything upside down. Facing the fear of escalating violence, Biden knows he cannot afford to further fuel the simmering tensions of a country teeming with hostility, anger, and fear."
06:38 A grand show is coming: Trump has arrived in Milwaukee
After the primary elections in the individual states, both the Democrats and the Republicans must officially confirm their overall results on a national level. This happens at the respective nomination conventions. The Democrats are meeting for this purpose in mid-August in Chicago in the state of Illinois. The Republican nomination convention, on the other hand, is taking 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 assassination attempt affects the stock market
Asian stock markets react with uncertainty to the attempted assassination of US Presidential candidate Donald Trump. Investors are concerned about possible implications for future US economic policy. Bond yields for government bonds rose, which experts attribute to the expectation of a potentially inflationary and debt-intensive economic policy under a Trump presidency. In addition, stricter immigration laws could worsen the labor market and drive wages up. "The market reaction to a Trump presidency was previously characterized by a stronger dollar and a steeper curve of US government bonds," says Rong Ren Goh, Portfolio Manager at Eastspring Investments in Singapore. "We may observe some of these developments in the coming week if the chances of this incident improve further."
05:56 Trump: I'm only thinking about that small head movement now
After the assassination attempt at a campaign rally, 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 what happened ("Reality is just setting in"). Trump survived the attack because he turned away from the crowd at the crucial moment. "I rarely turn away from the crowd. If I hadn't done that in this moment, we wouldn't be having this conversation, or?"
05:22 NYT: Explosives found in Trump assassination suspect's house
More information is coming to light about the Trump assassination suspect. In addition to the rudimentary explosives found in Thomas Matthew Crooks' car, the 20-year-old reportedly had possible explosives in his house. The "New York Times" reports this based on sources familiar with the investigation.
04:46 Trump assassination suspect was a member of a shooting range
According to US media, the Trump assassination suspect was a member of a shooting range. "The Clairton Sportsmen's Club can confirm that Thomas Matthew Crooks was a member," the club's lawyer, Robert Bootay, said in a statement. "Beyond that, the club cannot provide any further comment on this matter due to ongoing police investigations." The Clairton Sportsmen's Club operates a wooded facility in the southern hills of Pittsburgh with a 200-yard shooting range.
03:31 German government preparing for potential second presidency of Trump
The German government is preparing for a possible second presidency of Donald Trump, according to its Transatlantic Coordinator Michael Link. "Besides the intensive preparations of the German government, which are running very intensively and naturally confidential behind the scenes, we also need a consensus of the democratic parties, factions, and political foundations," Link told the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). "I am regularly seeking this consensus and have been networking intensively with the competent colleagues in the CDU and CSU on the topic of preparation for a possible scenario Trump 2.0," says the FDP politician. Previously, Jens Spahn, the deputy chairman of the CDU, and Anton Hofreiter, the green chairman of the Bundestag European Affairs Committee, had called on Germany to better prepare for a potential victory by Trump.
02:25 Biden calls for de-escalation in campaign
US President Joe Biden urged for de-escalation in the US campaign after the attack on his predecessor and rival Donald Trump. "We settle our differences at the ballot box. That's how it works - at the ballot box, not with bullets," Biden said in a rare address to the nation from the Oval Office in the White House. "We need to lower the heated rhetoric in politics." He reminded Americans that they were "neighbors and friends, not enemies." Biden expressed relief that Trump was not seriously injured in the incident. He acknowledged that the campaign had been marked by highly heated political rhetoric but emphasized the high stakes of the upcoming presidential elections.
01:46 Biden resumes campaign planning
After a brief campaign pause following the attack on his predecessor and political opponent Donald Trump, US President Joe Biden plans to make public appearances in the coming days. According to the White House, Biden will visit the NAACP convention in Las Vegas on Tuesday. On Wednesday, he is scheduled to attend a local campaign event in the 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 Delaware following the shooting.
01:04 Still and frequently bullied: What is known about the shooter Matthew Crooks
The FBI identified the Trump assassination suspect as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. A driver's license photo of Crooks shows him as a young man with side-parted dark-blond hair, glasses, and a few freckles on his face. Crooks' former classmates described him as a "quiet" student who often seemed "lonely," according to ABC News. One classmate reportedly said Crooks had been socially withdrawn. He could not remember hearing Crooks talk about politics in general or Trump specifically. Jason Kohler, who attended the same high school as the alleged shooter, told reporters that Crooks 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 reportedly mocked for his clothing style.
00:35 "Next time not shoot in the wrong place": US Democrat fires employee for Facebook post
Democratic US Representative Bennie Thompson of Mississippi fired an employee who posted on social media that she wished the Trump assassin had better aim. According to "New York Times," Jacqueline Marsaw wrote on Facebook: "I don't condone violence, but please take shooting lessons, so you don't shoot the wrong person next time. Oops, that wasn't me who spoke." Thompson, who represents Mississippi's second district in the US House of Representatives, writes on X, expresses gratitude that Trump is doing well. He adds that there is no place for political violence in America's democracy.
23:50 No intensification of security measures at Republican Party convention
The Secret Service representative in charge of security for the Republican Party convention shares that the measures for the large event have not been intensified yet. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson does not see the possibility of banning weapons in the outdoor area of the event venue in Wisconsin as an additional precaution. Carrying weapons is protected by state laws, Johnson says. During the Mega-Event, Donald Trump is scheduled to be officially nominated as the party's presidential candidate. Trump is trying to avoid giving the impression of weakness: He announced that he would travel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in the US federal state on Sunday afternoon (local time) for the party convention.
23:21 Biden: Motive of the shooter still unclear
After the shooting at US presidential candidate Donald Trump, the motive of the shooter is still unclear. "We don't have any information about the motive of the shooter," says US President Joe Biden at the White House to journalists. Biden urges the public not to make assumptions and to let the law enforcement agencies do their work.
22:53 Financial markets expect "landslide victory for Trump"
After the attempted assassination of US presidential candidate Donald Trump, financial markets need to re-evaluate. The bullet that hit Trump during a campaign rally could increase his chances of winning - and therefore, investors expect the markets to react strongly, they say. "The election is likely to be a landslide victory. That reduces uncertainty," says Nick Ferres, Chief Investment Manager at Vantage Point Asset Management. Rong Ren Goh, Portfolio Manager of Eastspring Investments in Singapore, expects the dollar to continue its recovery and investors to focus on a steeper yield curve for US Treasury bonds.
22:07 Injured visitors in stable condition
The two people who were seriously injured in the shooting attempt on Donald Trump are in stable condition, according to Pennsylvania police. At the campaign rally, a man from the audience was killed. The alleged shooter was shot by security guards. Trump was lightly injured, and two visitors were seriously injured.
21:57 FBI: The suspect acted alone, no ideology identifiable yet
The FBI issues a warning: The alleged shooter acted alone, there are no further threats to security, an FBI representative says. The incident will be classified as a domestic terror attack and an attempted assassination. The FBI is investigating the social media accounts of the 20-year-old who was killed. However, there have been no indications of an ideology or a mental health issue of the alleged attacker so far. The weapon was legally purchased, presumably by the suspect's father. Bomb experts have secured a suspicious device in the suspect's car, which has been taken to the lab for further investigation.
21:42 Starmer phones Trump
Britain's new Prime Minister Keir Starmer has phoned Trump, according to government sources. He condemned the violence and expressed his condolences for the victims and their families, the British news agency PA reports. Starmer wished Trump and the other injured a quick recovery.
21:16 Soder gives Democrats an outside recommendation
"Violence is certainly not a means of dispute resolution," says CSU chief Markus Söder and wishes Trump a speedy recovery after the attack. He assesses the consequences for the presidential campaign and gives the Democrats a tip.
20:47 Trump to travel to Republican Party convention soon
Just a day after the attack on him, former US President Donald Trump plans to travel to the Republican Party convention in the state of Wisconsin. The Republican presidential candidate announced on the Truth Social platform that he would leave for Milwaukee on Sunday afternoon local time and would not change his schedule.
20:39 Biden cancels trip to Texas
US President Joe Biden cancels a planned trip to Texas. The White House announced this. Biden had originally planned to leave for the southern state on Monday. After the shootings at Trump on Saturday evening local time in the state of Pennsylvania, Biden had already cut short a weekend stay in Delaware and returned to the government headquarters in Washington.
20:11 Biden announces heightened security measures for Republican Party convention and calls for national unity
US President Joe Biden announces a speech to the nation and calls for unity as a nation. "We must come 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 to Tuesday). For the Republican Party convention, which begins on Monday, Biden announces increased security measures. He also announces that an independent investigation into the background of the attack will be conducted. In the morning, Biden and his deputy Kamala Harris were briefed by law enforcement and security agencies on the latest investigation status.
20:07 Live on ntv: Biden speaks on Trump assassination attempt
US President Joe Biden speaks out on the attempted assassination of his rival Donald Trump. Biden had already expressed his views on the incident just a few hours after it happened on Saturday and stated, "There's no place for this kind of violence in America." He then phoned Trump. Biden was briefed on the status of the investigations by the heads of the FBI and the Secret Service, the security service for presidents and former presidents.
19:43 Firefighter threw himself in front of family and died "as a hero"
The man killed during a campaign rally of former US President Donald Trump in the state of Pennsylvania was a firefighter and a family man. This was announced by Democratic Governor of Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro, and he said he had spoken with his wife and daughters. The man died "as a hero" and threw himself over his family to protect them when the shots rang out at the Trump rally. He was a "passionate supporter" of Trump. Besides the one man in the crowd who lost his life, two other spectators were injured. Shapiro said their condition was critical.
19:13 Many Republicans see blame with Biden and the Democrats
The majority of Republicans in Congress offer prayers and support for former President Donald Trump in the hours following the attack on a campaign event in Butler. According to the "Washington Post," approximately 30 of them directly blame US President Joe Biden, the Democratic Party, or journalists for the alleged instigation of the attack - despite Biden's clear condemnation of the violence and his statement that "everyone must condemn political violence."
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. He tells the "Tagesspiegel" that "copycats - against Trump - or avengers - against Joe Biden - are more likely." This is all the more true, he adds, because "multiple conspiracy theories are confusing the already unsettled 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. That's what President Joe Biden did with his call to 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, says 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 their "right reaction."
17:37 "He will never stop fighting for the salvation of America" - Trump's children express themselves
Donald Trump's children pay tribute to their father and thank the agents who protected him. "He will never stop fighting for the salvation of America", writes Donald Trump Jr. on X about a photo of his father raising his fist with a bloodied face. Eric Trump shares the same photo on Instagram with a similar message in capital letters. In an Instagram story, Tiffany Trump thanks God for her father's life. "Political violence is never the answer", she writes, 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 assassin also had explosives in his car
The Trump assassin had also had explosives in his car, according to the "Wall Street Journal". The car was secured near the crime scene, reports the newspaper, citing unidentified sources. The weapon used in the attack was purchased by the father of the alleged assassin, reports the newspaper and ABC News further. It is said to be an AR-15 rifle. The AR-15 was developed in the 1950s, initially for the military. The rifle is externally almost identical to the M16 rifle that Colt sold to the military. The AR-15 is the civilian version. Technically speaking, it is not possible to fire continuously with this weapon. Skilled shooters can, however, fire many shots in very short time.
16:59 Now Melania Trump speaks out
After the attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump, Melania Trump also speaks out. The man who was killed in the attack was a "Monster" who had tried to "extinguish Donald's passion, his laughter, his inventiveness, his love of music, and his enthusiasm", explains the former First Lady of the USA on 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 personal protectors of her husband.
16:26 "You are not behind me, you are behind each other" - Trump campaign launches fundraising appeal
In the opinion of 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 belief of his voters that something fundamental is wrong in this country." Trump's appearances at the four-day Republican nominating 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 are not behind me, you are behind each other", reads the message to voters.
16:08 Concerns before the Party: Republicans working with 40 law enforcement agenciesRepublican Party Chairman Michael Whatley assures that the agencies are working intensely to ensure security at the upcoming Republican Party convention in Milwaukee. They are working with 40 different law enforcement agencies, as Whatley tells Fox News, but he does not specify the exact preparations.
15:44 Top Trump Campaign Advisors: "Please report anything suspicious immediately"Top advisors of Donald Trump's campaign team advise caution. "We are increasing armed security presence 24/7 with officers on site. Additional security checks are being conducted. Our top priority is to ensure the safety of all staff," quotes the "Washington Post" Trump campaign advisors Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles from a joint memo. "We urge you to recognize the political polarization in this heated election. Please report anything suspicious immediately to the leadership or the on-site security team," it continues.
15:24 Witnesses describe chaotic scenes at Trump assassination attemptDuring Trump's campaign speech in Pennsylvania, shots were fired, causing chaos and panic. Witnesses speak of speculation 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 working to calm tempers. "We need to tone down the rhetoric," he says on MSNBC. "We need to lower the temperature in this country."
14:30 Expert: Trump assassination attempt is an opportunity for Biden
14:03 Trump calls for unity"It's more important than ever that we come together," writes Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform. He is already looking forward to speaking in Wisconsin "to our great country" this week. The Republican Party convention is taking place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from Monday to Thursday. Trump writes further, "I pray for the wounded, and we hold the memory of the fallen citizen in our hearts." Trump had already called for unity in his inaugural address as US President in January 2017.
12:58 NATO Secretary-General Stoltenberg shocked by assassination attemptNATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is shocked by the attack on Trump. "I am shocked by the attempted assassination of former President Trump," Stoltenberg writes on X. He wishes Trump a 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 the shooter's shots and the Secret Service's shotsThe American gossip news site TMZ shows a video in which it appears that both the shooter's shots and the shots that likely saved Trump's life can be heard. The attack 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 refutes Republican's allegationThe Secret Service has refuted the allegation that they had denied additional security resources to Trump in the last few months. "The claim that a member of the former President's security team requested additional security resources which were denied by the Secret Service or the Home Security Ministry is absolutely false", said Secret-Service-Spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi. In fact, the Secret Service had recently increased security measures.
Few hours after the attack, Republican Representative Michael Waltz stated that he had "reliable sources" who said that there had been repeated requests for stronger secret service protection for President Trump. Waltz did not provide any evidence.
11:16 Steinmeier wishes Trump swift recoveryFederal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier condemned the attack and expressed his condolences to the family of the victim's family: "I condemn the assassination attempt on the 45th US President, Donald J. Trump", Steinmeier wrote in a statement. "Violence has no place in our democracy - not in America, not with us. We all can contribute: Let us respect violence in political disputes! Let us push back hatred and hate speech from election campaigns and debates! Democracy tolerates sharp controversies - but violence destroys democracy. Donald J. Trump and the injured deserve swift recovery. My deepest condolences go to the family of the victim of the attack."
10:32 Expert: "Trump produced that image directly, instinctively"Seconds after the shots were fired, Donald Trump is seen raising his fist and shouting at Secret Service agents. Political scientist Thomas Jäger 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 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 surroundings - which apparently did not go well in this case. The sharpshooter seems to be observing something or someone through his telescopic sight. He recoils, just before the shots are heard, suggesting that he became aware of the shooter as a threat in that moment. Shortly thereafter, the assassin was shot.
09:23 Participant warned security 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. The response was: "Ha, what?", as if the security personnel 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 attempted attack on Trump as despicableFederal Chancellor Olaf Scholz comments on the attack attempt against Trump: "The attack on US Presidential candidate Donald Trump is despicable. I wish him a quick recovery. My thoughts are also with the people affected by the attack. Such acts threaten democracy."
08:28 Photographer captures image of possible projectileNew York Times photographer Doug Mills apparently took a photo at the exact moment a bullet narrowly missed Trump. Michael Harrigan, a retired FBI agent, told the newspaper that "the photo could very well show the air displacement from a 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 images per second. The photo was taken with a shutter speed of 1/8000 seconds.
08:00 Alleged shooter registered as RepublicanThe FBI has identified the suspect. He is a man named Thomas Matthew Crooks. The 20-year-old, who was killed in 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 donated at the age of 17. He registered as a Republican member in September 2021, when he turned 18.
07:46 Expert: "Secret Service needs to answer some questions"Donald Trump stands as an ex-President and candidate 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 was able to attack, despite these precautions.
07:38 World leaders react in shockWorld leaders reacted in shock to the attack on Ex-President Trump. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen writes on X, she is deeply shocked, wishes Trump a quick recovery, and expresses her condolences to the innocent victim's family. "Political violence has no place in a democracy", she writes. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expresses similar sentiments. "My thoughts are with former President Trump, the participants of the event, and all Americans."
The United Nations also condemns the attack on Trump. "The Secretary-General strongly condemns this act of political violence," the spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres says. "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.
Already on Saturday evening (local time), Biden stated that he was grateful that Trump was safe and in good health. In the US, "there is no place for this kind of violence."
07:21 Open Questions to the Secret ServiceFBI Agent Kevin Rojek states at a press conference that it was "surprising" that the protectee was able to fire multiple shots. In response to questions about security measures, he states that such questions should be answered by the Secret Service. Although the name suggests otherwise, the Secret Service is not a secret service, but rather responsible for the security of US Presidents and former US Presidents.
"They conduct the initial security assessments and determine where the various security sites should be located", Rojek says. "And they are the ones responsible for securing the crime scene." A representative of the Secret Service is not present at the press conference. "Nobody was available", Rojek states.
07:04 Trump in New Jersey, apparently unharmedA Trump spokesperson posts a video that shows Trump leaving an airport in New Jersey without assistance. His injured ear is not visible in the video. The Republicans have announced that the nomination convention will take place as planned; the convention takes place from Monday to Thursday in Milwaukee. There, Trump will be officially nominated as the Republican presidential candidate. US President Biden stated that the Democrats would stop all campaign ads as soon as possible.
06:50 Shooter fired from a roof near the rallyAnthony Guglielmi, a spokesperson for the Secret Service, states that the suspect fired "multiple shots towards the stage" and was located "on an elevated position outside of the event perimeter." 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 Trump is a 20-year-old man from Pennsylvania, according to a source familiar with the investigation of the "Washington Post." The FBI officially states that they have not yet identified the shooter, but are "close" to doing so. The shooter is deceased. According to the Pennsylvania police, it is too early to determine if it was a lone gunman. However, there is also 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 the news agency Bloomberg.
06:01 FBI confirms attempted assassination of Ex-President Trump at rallyThe US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has classified the incident at a campaign rally in the US state of Pennsylvania as an "attempted assassination" against former President Donald Trump. FBI Agent Kevin Rojek stated at the scene of the incident in Butler, "This is an attempt to assassinate our former President Donald Trump." According to official reports, Trump was injured in the ear, and in addition to the alleged shooter, a bystander was killed and two others were seriously injured.
03:58 Republicans plan to hold convention despite Trump attackThe US Republicans plan to hold their nomination convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as scheduled this week, according to a joint statement from the party and Trump's campaign team. The Republicans are set to gather in Milwaukee starting on Monday to officially nominate the 78-year-old Trump as their presidential candidate.
03:54 Shooter fired from "elevated position"During the attack on Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, the alleged shooter opened fire from an "elevated position" outside the event venue. One person was killed and two others were severely injured, according to the Secret Service. Initially, it was reported that one person was critically injured.
02:55 Trump: I was hit by a bullet in the earFormer US President Donald Trump has revealed in a post on his Truth Social platform that he was hit by a bullet during the attack at a campaign event in Pennsylvania. "I was hit by a bullet in the ear, which went through the upper part of the right ear," Trump wrote.
00:33 Shots fired at Trump: Secret Service agents escort ex-President off stageFormer US President Donald Trump was escorted off the stage during a campaign event in Pennsylvania after shots were fired. Prior to this, images showed Trump with a bloody ear and raised fist.
At the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, some Democrats are questioning if Joe Biden should still be their candidate for the 2024 US Presidency Election, given Donald Trump's mental instability and the possibility of a Republican victory.
In light of the increased security concerns following the attack on Donald Trump, it is expected that the Secret Service will reinforce security measures for the upcoming Republican convention in Milwaukee.
