It's surprising that someone showed up here to shoot.
The attack on Trump in Pennsylvania has completely disrupted the campaign, pushing Biden into a role that crosses his original plans, says political scientist Thomas Jäger. Trump's peace offering is not to be taken seriously. Regarding the circumstances of the attack, Jäger sees many open questions.
19:36 Trump calls for Secret-Service protection for Kennedy
Former President Donald Trump has called for Secret-Service protection for independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on his own social network Truth Social. Kennedy should "immediately" receive protection, Trump writes. Given the history of the Kennedy family, this is "obviously the right thing to do," Trump adds. Both Robert F. Kennedy'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 Home Security Minister: Attack on Trump was a failure
The attack on US presidential candidate Donald Trump was described as a failure by US Home Security Minister Alejandro Mayorkas in an interview with CNN. "An incident like this should not happen," Mayorkas said. "When I say that something like this should not happen, we're talking about a failure." Mayorkas was explicitly asked if he held the Secret Service responsible for the failure that led to the attack. The agency is responsible for the protection of the sitting and former presidents and falls under Mayorkas' ministry. Mayorkas promised an independent and thorough investigation to determine how the attack on Trump at a campaign rally in the US state of Pennsylvania on Saturday occurred. Based on the findings, recommendations for security measures will be made, he added.
18:43 Trump to announce VP pick Monday
Donald Trump is expected to announce his vice presidential pick on Monday, according to a report by Fox News. Moderator Bret Baier said he had spoken with Trump and that the announcement would take place that day. Additionally, there will be other surprises, Baier added.
18:19 Democratic Senator hopes for signal from Trump
Senator Chris Coons (D-DE), co-chair of the Biden-Harris campaign, hopes that former President Donald Trump will use his platform at the Republican National Convention to follow President Biden's example. Speaking to CNN, Coons cited Biden's earlier statements, including his inaugural address, in which he called for unity among the American people. His comments come after Trump told the "Washington Examiner" on Sunday that he would revise his original speech, as it could "bring the whole country, if not the whole world, together."
17:49 Secret Service to support independent investigation
The director of the Secret Service, Kimberly Cheatle, has stated that the agency will fully cooperate with an independent review of the security arrangements at the site of the attack on Donald Trump during his campaign rally on Saturday. According to the "Washington Post," Cheatle said, "We are aware of the significance of the independent review announced by President Biden and will fully participate. We will also work with the relevant congressional committees on all oversight matters." Biden had announced on Sunday that the results of the investigation would be made public.
17:23 King Charles sends personal message to Donald TrumpBritish King Charles III sent a personal message to former US President Donald Trump following the attack, according to the PA news agency, citing palace sources. The exact content of the message was not disclosed. It was reportedly in line with a conversation between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Trump.
17:01 Ex-classmates label attacker Crooks as miserable marksmanThomas Matthew Crooks, the Trump attacker, was reportedly a poor handler of firearms 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 Bethel Park High School rifle team in his first year but was rejected during preseason training. "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 dangerous." After that, Crooks didn't show up for further practice sessions. An anonymous member of the rifle team told the sender that the Trump attacker "wasn't really suitable for the team." He added, "He also shot terribly."
16:41 Local sharpshooters were supposedly securing attacker's buildingOne 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 Butler County Police have not commented.
16:18 Shooter bought 50 rounds of ammunition shortly before attackThomas Matthew Crooks, the Trump attacker, bought new ammunition shortly before the attack, according to CNN, citing sources from the security apparatus. The shooter reportedly purchased 50 rounds of ammunition at a local gun shop just a few hours before the incident.
15:53 Secret Service intensifies security measures for Republican party conventionFollowing the attack on US Presidential candidate Donald Trump, security measures for the upcoming Republican party convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, have been intensified by the Secret Service, according to Kimberly Cheatle, the organization's director. Cheatle stated that their plans for protecting the convention have been revised and strengthened in light of the attack. She is now confident that they are well-prepared for all contingencies.
15:27 Ex-agent: Trump attack could shatter Secret ServiceThe criticism of Donald Trump's security detail following the attack has grown louder. Former Secret Service agent Tim McCarthy also sees it as a failure of the security forces. The incident is now being investigated - for the Secret Service, this is an existential threat, McCarthy stated.
15:04 Government Spokesperson: Biden not to be written off in US Election Campaign
The German government still sees a chance that Joe Biden could win the US presidential election in November, despite the attack on Donald Trump. "Joe Biden's campaign skills should not be underestimated," says Government Spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit. "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 due to his now hopeless chances 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 attractive for voters, for citizens," he says.
14:41 No direct contact between Scholz and Trump after the attack
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has not sought direct contact with the Republican US presidential candidate Donald Trump since the attack. However, there have been "dialogues" with both Democrats and Republicans, according to Government Spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit. Scholz met with 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 accuses Secret Service of "monstrous failure"
After the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, the Secret Service is under heavy criticism. "The protector was outside the Secret Service zone. What is that, then?" asks Richard Painter, a White House employee under the former President George W. Bush and now a law professor at the University of Minnesota. He sees a "monstrous failure of security" and demands a detailed investigation. "If a roof is within the range of a rifle to a President or presidential candidate, then it is the responsibility of the Secret Service to be on that roof," says Painter. "Have they ever heard of the Texas Book Depository?" That is 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 4500 additional police officers from the surrounding area will be deployed, according to the local Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The area around the Fiserv Forum will also be declared a no-fly zone for drones for the duration of the convention. Outside the area, where the personal protectors of the Secret Service are responsible, weapons may be carried during the convention in accordance with Wisconsin state laws. The Secret Service promises to be "fully prepared." The responsible Secret-Service coordinator for the convention, Audrey Gibson-Cicchino, declares that she trusts that the event will be protected at the "highest level of security."
13:35 Trump Attack Brings Chinese Firm's Stocks Soaring
After the attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump, a Chinese technology firm's stocks shone at the exchange - all because of its name. The shares of software maker Wisesoft surged today at the Shenzhen Stock Exchange by the daily maximum of ten percent. The company name in Mandarin is Chuan Da Zhi Sheng, which sounds remarkably similar to the Chinese translation of the sentence "Trump wins big." In China, stock market speculation connected to current events is widespread. This often leads to price jumps in all directions that have nothing to do with the numbers and performance of the respective company.
13:06 USA after the Attack: "Time for Revenge" for Trump and Republicans
The interpretation 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 martyr role and fan the political hatred further:
12:37 T-Shirts with Trump Photos Become Top Seller
Following the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, online sales of T-shirts featuring images of the bloodied ex-president have skyrocketed in a short time. On the T-shirts, priced between nine and forty dollars, Trump is shown with a bloody face, raising his fist defiantly. Slogans like "Bulletproof," "Legends never die," and "Shooting makes me stronger" are printed on them. The 25-year-old Li Jinwei, who sells products on the Chinese platform Taobao from Alibaba, immediately designed T-shirts when she heard about the incident. "We had over 2,000 orders from China and the US within three hours," the businesswoman told the media in Hong Kong.
11:55 Many Years Ago: The Man "Who Destroyed American Politics"
The shots at Donald Trump during a campaign rally mark the lowest point of the polarizing struggle between political factions in the US. The Republican Party's accusations against the Democrats are "hypocritical," says historian Annika Brockschmidt and explains how political opponents became enemies:
11:19 "The Example the Political Leaders Will Set in the Next Few Days is Crucial"
Regarding the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump and the start of the Republican Party convention, where the 78-year-old is to be officially declared the presidential candidate, the "Los Angeles Times" writes: "The example the political leaders will set 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 that inflammatory rhetoric should be toned down before sparks fly. For the time being, they must recognize that violence, once unleashed, is nonpartisan." Previously, President Biden had already called on US citizens to renounce violence.
10:42 After Shots on Trump: "The Divide in the USA Will Get Deeper"
Could the 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 split in the country could worsen.
10:13 Initial Analysis: Chances of a Victory for Trump in the Election Increase
First Analysis: Chances of a Victory for Trump in the November Election Are Rising, According to Ipek Ozkardeskaya, Analyst at Swissquote Bank. The chances for a victory by Trump, who is positively evaluated by the market according to the analyst, rose to 67 percent based on data from the online tool PredictIt after the attack, compared to 61 percent before the attack. "Although the attack fuels concerns about 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," explains the analyst.
09:54 Attack as Campaign Boost? Boese: Germany Prepares for Trump 2.0
The German government has been preparing for the possibility that Donald Trump could return to the White House for some time. As ntv-correspondent Heike Boese summarizes in the RTL/ntv Frühstart:
09:25 "Heated Moments Could Now Become Extremely Dangerous"
German SPD party chair Saskia Esken, in response to a question about whether the attack would increase Trump's chances in the election, said on RTL/ntv Frühstart: "It's to be expected, yes, that he and especially his supporters will use this incident to further fan the flames. We've seen similar situations in the past that have ended up at the Capitol. Such heated moments, they could now become extremely dangerous, not just in terms of a victory." When asked how Germany and the German government should react if Trump wins the Presidential elections, Esken replied: "It's long been the case that the German government, along with other European governments, is aware that we need to draw closer together."
08:48 "Have We Overlooked Something?" - Consequences for the Secret Service
Following the attack on Donald Trump, the Secret Service is under scrutiny for failing to provide adequate protection. "The Congress will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the tragic event of yesterday to determine where there were gaps in security and what else the American people need to know," said Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican and Trump ally, to NBC. Robert E. McDonald, a professor at the University of New Haven who worked for the Secret Service for 20 years, also commented in the "New York Times": "Have we overlooked something? And if we have overlooked something, we must stand up and take responsibility." McDonald wonders why the Secret Service did not secure the building with snipers.
08:05 Secret Service under Scrutiny: Shots Fired at Trump: "Was the Assailant Following the Police Officer?"
Following the planned attack on Donald Trump, the Secret Service faces numerous questions. Trump himself has so far only commented on the incident on Truth Social, and the Republican Party convention is approaching. ntv-correspondent Christopher Wittich summarizes the latest developments.
07:34 After the Attack: Joe Biden will not make "Battlefield"US-President Biden expresses himself again in a speech and on social media regarding 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 deadly battlefield."
06:57 The Attack Has Turned Everything Upside DownRegarding the attack on Donald Trump, the Australian newspaper "Sydney Morning Herald" writes: "US-President Joe Biden faces a delicate balancing act, as America continues to reel from the attack on its largest political rival. After weeks of discussions following 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 strength to defeat the disruptive Republicans in the November election. The strategy was simple: present the voters with 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 attack on the former president on Saturday has thrown everything into disarray. Facing the specter of escalating violence, Biden knows he cannot further inflame the tensions of a country teeming with hostility, anger, and fear."
06:38 A Grand Show is Coming: Trump has Arrived in MilwaukeeAfter the primary elections in each state, both Democrats and 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, Illinois. The Republican nomination convention, on the other hand, takes place this time from July 15 to 18 in Milwaukee, 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 ExchangeThe Asian stock markets react with uncertainty to the attempted attack on US presidential candidate Donald Trump. Investors are concerned about potential implications for future US economic policy. At the bond markets, yields for government bonds rose, which experts attribute to the expectation of a potentially inflationary and debt-intensive economic policy under a Trump presidency. Additionally, 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 yield curve for 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 following this incident."
05:56 Trump: He keeps thinking about the small head movement before the assassination
Donald Trump keeps thinking about the moment before the assassination attempt that possibly saved his life: a small head movement to better see the screen. This likely prevented a bullet from fatally hitting his head and instead scraped his ear. "The most incredible thing is that I not only turned around, but exactly at the right time and to the right extent", 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 brain. The other way goes straight through the skull. The chance that I would make a perfect turn is probably less than one percent, so I shouldn't be here."
05:22 Trump: I'm realizing it now
After the assassination attempt at a campaign event, Donald Trump called 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 shocked him. He now realizes ("Reality is just setting in"). Trump survived the attack because he turned away from the crowd at a crucial moment. "I rarely turn away from the crowd. If I hadn't done that in this moment, we wouldn't be talking about this now, or?"
04:46 NYT: Explosives found in Trump-assassination suspect's house
More information is coming to light about the Trump assassination suspect. Besides the rudimentary explosives found in Thomas Matthew Crooks' car, the 20-year-old may have had explosives in his house. The "New York Times" reports this based on sources involved in the investigation.
04:15 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", says a statement from the club's lawyer, Robert Bootay. "Beyond that, the Club, in light 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 planning for Trump's re-election
The German government is preparing for a possible second 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 discreetly behind the scenes, we also need a consensus of the democratic parties, factions, and political foundations", Link told the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). "I am seeking this consensus regularly and have been networking intensively with the competent colleagues in CDU and CSU on the topic of preparing for a possible scenario Trump 2.0", says the FDP politician. Previously, the deputy CDU faction leader Jens Spahn and the green chairman of the Bundestag European Affairs Committee, Anton Hofreiter, urged Germany to better prepare for a possible Trump re-election.
02:25 Biden calls for de-escalation in campaign
US President Joe Biden appeals 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 reminds Americans that they are "neighbors and friends, not enemies." The Democrat expresses relief that Trump was not seriously injured in the incident. Biden acknowledges that the campaign has been marked by highly charged political rhetoric but emphasizes 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's annual 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 has 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 describe him as a "quiet" student who often seemed "lonely," as reported by ABC News. One classmate claims Crooks was "socially withdrawn." He cannot recall hearing Crooks discuss politics in general or Trump specifically. Jason Kohler, who attended the same high school as the alleged shooter, tells reporters that Crooks was 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 in the leg": Democratic congresswoman fires staffer for Facebook post
Democratic Representative Bennie Thompson in the US House of Representatives fires a staffer who posted on social media that she wished the Trump attacker had shot him in a more precise location. According to the "New York Times," Jacqueline Marsaw wrote on Facebook: "I don't condone violence, but please take marksmanship classes so you don't miss next time. Ups, that wasn't me who spoke." Thompson, who represents Mississippi's second district, writes on X, expresses gratitude that Trump is recovering. He adds, "There is no place for political violence in America's democracy."
23:50 No intensification of security measures at Republican Party convention
The security representative for the Republican Party convention, Audrey Gibson-Cichino of the Secret Service, reports that the measures for the large event have not been intensified yet. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson does not plan to ban weapons in the exterior area of the event venue as additional cautionary measures. Carrying firearms is protected by state laws, Johnson says. 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 after the attack: he announced that he will travel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the US state on Sunday afternoon (local time) for the party convention.
23:21 Biden: Motive of the shooter still unclear
Following the shooting of US presidential candidate Donald Trump, the motive of the shooter remains unclear. "We have no information on 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"
After the attempted assassination of US presidential candidate Donald Trump, financial markets must reposition themselves. The bullet that hit Trump at an election rally could increase his chances of winning - and therefore, investors expect that the markets may be volatile, as they prepare for a steeper yield curve for US Treasury bonds. Nick Ferres, Chief Investment Manager at Vantage Point Asset Management, says, "The election is likely to be a landslide. This reduces uncertainty." Rong Ren Goh, Portfolio Manager at Eastspring Investments in Singapore, expects that the dollar will continue to recover and investors will focus on a higher return on US government bonds.
22:07 Injured attendees in stable condition
The two people who were seriously injured in the attempted assassination of Donald Trump are reportedly 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 personnel. Trump was lightly injured, and two attendees were seriously injured.
21:57 FBI: Shooter acted alone, no identifiable ideology or mental illness yet
The FBI has issued a statement: The alleged shooter acted alone, and there is no further danger to security, an FBI representative says. The incident is being classified as a domestic terrorist attack and an attempted assassination. The FBI is investigating the social media accounts of the 20-year-old suspect. However, they have not yet identified any ideology or mental health issues of the alleged shooter. The weapon was legally purchased, presumably 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 his condolences to the victims and their families, reports the British news agency PA. Trump and the other injured were wished a quick recovery.
21:16 They will be waiting for this: Soder gives US Democrats "recommendation from outside"
"Violence is certainly not a means of resolution", says CSU-Chief Markus 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 Sunday evening local time and not change his schedule.
20:39 Biden cancels trip to Texas
US President Joe Biden cancels a planned trip to Texas at short notice. The White House announced this. Biden had originally planned to leave for the southern state on Monday. After the shootings at Trump 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.
20:11 Biden announces heightened security measures for Republican Party convention
US President Joe Biden announces a speech to the nation and calls for unity. "We must stand together as a nation", Biden says at the White House and announces that he will address the American people in an official statement from the Oval Office on Monday evening (German night). For the Republican Party convention, which begins on Monday, security measures will 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 informed of the latest investigation status by law enforcement and security agencies in the morning.
20:07 Live on ntv: Biden speaks about Trump attack
US President Joe Biden speaks about the attempted assassination on his rival Donald Trump. Biden had already spoken a few hours after the attack on Saturday and said, "There is no place for this kind of violence in America". He then called Trump. Biden was briefed on the investigation status 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 family and died "as a hero"
The man killed at a campaign rally for former US President Donald Trump in the state of Pennsylvania was a firefighter and family man. This was announced by the democratic governor of Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro, and he said he had spoken to 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. In addition to the man who died, two other spectators were injured. Shapiro said their condition was critical.
19:13 Some Republicans hold Biden and Democrats accountable
Many Republicans in 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 crime 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. He tells the "Tagesspiegel" that "imitators - against Trump -, or avengers - against Joe Biden - are more likely." This is all the more true because "multiple conspiracy theories will only further confuse the already uncertain American electorate." The Transatlantic Coordinator of the German government, Michael Link, also fears further political polarization in the US. "This must not happen. It's important now to maintain calm and respect. President Joe Biden did this 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 presidency election, explains Frank Umbach. The security expert finds it "incomprehensible" that there were no follow-ups 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 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 for her father's survival. "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 not technically possible 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," explained the former First Lady of the United States at X. When she saw that a bullet had grazed her husband, she realized that her life and that of her son Barron were "on the verge 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
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 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," 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. "They're not behind me, they're behind you," reads the message to voters.
16:08 Concerns before the convention: Republicans working with 40 security agencies
Republican Party Chairman Michael Whatley assures that the authorities are working intensively to ensure security at the upcoming convention in Milwaukee. They are working with 40 different security agencies, according to Whatley in the Fox News channel.
15:44 Top advisors from Trump's campaign team: "Please report anything suspicious to us immediately"
Top advisors from Donald Trump's campaign team advise caution. "We are reinforcing the armed security presence 24/7 with officers on site. Additional security checks are being conducted. Our top priority is to ensure the safety of all staff," quotes the "Washington Post" the Trump campaign advisors Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles from a joint memo. "We also urge you to recognize the political polarization in this heated election. If anything suspicious happens, please report it immediately to the leadership or the security team on site," it continues.
15:24 Witnesses describe chaotic scenes at Trump assassination attemptDuring Trump's campaign speech in Pennsylvania, shots were fired, causing chaos and panic. Witnesses speak of speculations about fireworks, the sound of gunshots, 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 speech 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 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 was taking 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-Spokesperson 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 services protection for President Trump". Waltz provided no evidence.
11:16 Steinmeier wishes Trump swift recoveryBundespresident Frank-Walter Steinmeier condemns the attack and expresses 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 should have no place in our democracy - not in America, not here. We all can contribute: Let us respect violence in political disputes! Let us push back hatred and incitement from campaigning and debates! Democracy tolerates sharp controversies - but violence destroys democracy. Donald J. Trump and the injured deserve swift recovery. My deepest condolences go to the victim's family."
10:32 Expert: "Trump produced that image directly, instinctively"Seconds after the shots were fired, Donald Trump is seen raising his fist towards Secret Service agents, covered in blood. Political scientist Thomas 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 first shotsA video posted on X shows a sharpshooter at the Trump rally in exactly the moment the shots were fired. Sharpshooters are deployed at such events by the Secret Service to secure the area - which apparently did not go well in this case. The sharpshooter seems to be observing something or someone through his telescopic sight. He recoils, just before the shots can be heard, suggesting that he became aware of the shooter as a threat in that moment. The shooter was soon shot dead.
09:23 Participant warned security about the assassin before the attackBefore the shots were fired at Trump's campaign rally in Butler, participants had noticed a man with a rifle on a roof nearby. One of them, Greg Smith, alerted 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 abhorrentBundeskanzler Olaf Scholz speaks out on X about the assassination attempt against Trump: "The assassination attempt on US presidential candidate Donald Trump is abhorrent. I wish him a swift recovery. My thoughts are also with the people affected by the attack. Such acts of violence 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 added. 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 RepublicanThe FBI has identified the suspect. It is a man named Thomas Matthew Crooks. The 20-year-old victim who was killed during the shooting attempt is from the small town of Bethel Park in the US state of Pennsylvania, an hour south of Butler, where the Trump rally took place. Crooks is a registered Republican. According to reports he donated $15 to a Democratic donation organization on the day of Biden's inauguration in January 2021.
The "New York Post" points out that Crooks was 17 years old at the time of the donation. He registered as a 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 precautions at all campaign events, as Obama's former campaign advisor Julius van de Laar reports. It is now necessary to find out how it was possible that a shooter could attack, despite these measures.
07:38 World Leaders React ShockedWorld leaders reacted shocked 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", writes von der Leyen. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also expresses similar sentiments. "My thoughts are with the former President Trump, the participants of the event, and all Americans."
The United Nations also condemns the attack on Trump. "The Secretary-General condemns this act of political violence in the strongest terms", explains the spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres. "He wishes President Trump a quick recovery." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shares that he is "appalled" by the news of the attack. "Such violence has no justification and no place in the world. Never should violence prevail." Zelensky also wishes Trump a quick recovery.
Biden had already stated on Saturday evening (local time) that he was grateful that Trump was safe and doing well. In the USA, "there is no place for this kind of violence".
07:21 Open Questions to the Secret ServiceFBI agent Kevin Rojek speaks at a press conference and finds it "surprising" that the shooter was able to fire several shots. In response to a question about security measures, he says that such questions must be answered by the Secret Service. Although the name suggests otherwise, the Secret Service is not an intelligence agency, but (among other things) responsible for the security of US Presidents and former US Presidents.
"They conduct the initial security assessments and determine where the various security locations should be located", Rojek says. "And they are responsible for securing the crime scene." A representative of the Secret Service was 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 proceed as planned; the Convention takes 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 roof near the rallyAnthony Guglielmi, a spokesperson for the Secret Service, stated that the shooter had "fired several shots at the stage" and was on "an elevated position" outside the event venue. This likely means there was a roof near the rally.
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 of 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 Trump assassination attempt at rallyFollowing the shooting at a campaign rally in the US state of Pennsylvania, the FBI has classified the incident as an "assassination attempt" against former President Donald Trump. FBI Agent Kevin Rojek in Butler, the location of the rally, stated, "This is an assassination attempt against our former President Donald Trump." According to authorities, Trump was injured in the ear, and besides the alleged 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 by law enforcement agencies about the status of the investigation, it was further stated.
03:58 Republicans to hold Convention despite Trump attackThe US Republicans plan to hold the Nominating Convention in Milwaukee this week as scheduled, despite the attack on their Presidential candidate Donald Trump. The party and Trump's campaign team made this announcement in a joint statement. The Republicans will gather in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, starting Monday to officially nominate the 78-year-old as their Presidential candidate.
03:54 Authorities: Shooter fired from an elevated positionDuring the attack on Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump, the alleged shooter opened fire from an "elevated position" outside the event venue. One bystander was killed, and two others were seriously injured, according to the Secret Service. Initially, there was talk of a seriously injured person.
02:55 Trump: I was hit by a bullet in the earThe former US President Donald Trump, according to his own statements, was injured by a bullet at a campaign event. "I was hit by a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear," Trump writes on his Truth Social platform.
00:33 Shots fired at Trump: Security guards escort ex-President off stageThe former US President Donald Trump was escorted off the 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 current political landscape, it's important to discuss the potential impact of the US Presidential Election 2024 on the political arena. With prominent figures like Joe Biden and Donald Trump still having significant influence, their positions in the 2024 election could shape the political landscape significantly.
Given the ongoing scrutiny of the Secret Service following the attack on Donald Trump, questions about the adequacy of protection provided to presidential candidates, including Joe Biden and Donald Trump, have arisen. The responsibility of ensuring the safety of these figures lies heavily on the Secret Service, and any failings could have far-reaching consequences in the political sphere.
