Donald Trump - hurt by shots
Ex-US-President Donald Trump (78) was shot during a campaign appearance in Pennsylvania on Saturday (13. July). Bleeding from the ear, he was escorted off the stage by security personnel.
The District Attorney of Butler County, where the event took place, told "People" magazine that Trump had been "brush-pasted" with bullets. Richard Goldinger also confirmed that both the shooter and an event attendee were dead. Two other people were injured according to the Secret Service.
"I thought it was fireworks"
Trump gave a statement on Truth Social after the incident, saying: "I was hit by a bullet that went through the upper part of my right ear. I immediately knew something was wrong when I heard a ringing noise and gunshots, and felt the bullet pierce through my skin. It was bleeding heavily, and that's when I realized what had happened."
During his speech, there were loud, firecracker-like sounds that could be heard. Recordings taken at the event and shared on social media show Trump turning towards the noise and touching his ear before Secret Service agents stormed the stage and surrounded him. An attendee described the situation to "Sky News": "I thought it was fireworks. Pop Pop Pop. That's what it sounded like." An analysis by the "New York Times" revealed that the shooter had fired eight shots.
Trump was then pushed off the stage as people noticed blood dripping down the side of his face. Leaving the stage, he raised his fist in a defiant gesture.
Donald Trump is safe
In a statement from Trump's campaign team, obtained by "People", it is stated: Trump thanks the police and first responders for their quick action "during this heinous act. He is okay and will be receiving medical attention at a local medical facility. Further details will follow." A high-ranking government official confirmed to "CBS News" that "The former president is safe. We have taken security measures. The investigation is ongoing."
Donald Trump's daughter, Ivanka Trump (42), thanked Instagram for "love and prayers for my father and for the other victims of this senseless violence". She expressed gratitude for the "quick response" of the first responders.
"I love you Dad, today and always", she closed her post, which was commented on by the French star producer David Guetta (56) with numerous red hearts.
FBI classifies it as an "Assassination Attempt"
The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) classifies the incident as an "Assassination Attempt" against Trump. FBI agent Kevin Rojek made the announcement at a press conference at the scene.
"This evening there was an assassination attempt on our former President Donald Trump", said the FBI agent.
According to the "New York Times" report, the Trump campaign and the Republican National Committee have announced that Trump will attend the Republican Party convention in Milwaukee, which begins on Monday.
- Despite the attempted murder, Donald Trump's campaign team confirmed that he would be receiving medical attention and would continue to attend important events, such as the Republican Party convention in Milwaukee.
- Ivanka Trump, expressing her gratitude for the quick response of the first responders, took to Instagram to share her love and prayers for her father and the other victims of the senseless violence at her father's campaign event in Pennsylvania.
- Following the incident, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) classified the shooting as an assassination attempt against the former US-President, Donald Trump.
- During the campaign appearance, an attendee erroneously believed the loud, firecracker-like sounds were fireworks, unaware of the attempted murder that was about to unfold.
