TL/DR –
Former US President Donald Trump was targeted in an alleged assassination attempt during a rally in Pennsylvania. The FBI identified the suspect as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, who was shot dead at the scene by a US Secret Service sniper. Trump, who sustained minor injuries, was quickly secured and has since returned home to New Jersey; he thanked law enforcement officers for their swift response in a statement published on the Republican National Committee website.
Former US President Targeted in Assassination Attempt
In a shocking turn of events, ex-US President Donald Trump was targeted during a rally in Pennsylvania. The FBI has identified the suspected shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania.
During the rally, Secret Service agents rushed to protect Trump after a series of gunshots were heard. The former president was swiftly taken off stage and transported back to New Jersey, where he is reported to be doing well, according to a statement on the Republican National Committee website.
The FBI is treating the incident as an assassination attempt on Trump. On his Truth Social network, Trump described how a bullet had hit his ear. “I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin,” he wrote. Blood was clearly visible on Trump’s ear and face as he was rushed away.
Pennsylvania police have since reported no further threats.
The suspect, Crooks, was killed at the scene by a US Secret Service sniper, confirmed agency spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi. One bystander also died in the shooting and two others were critically injured. Law enforcement sources revealed that Crooks had been armed with an AR-style rifle and had fired from a building outside the venue. The FBI has yet to identify a motive for the assassination attempt.
Trump was addressing his supporters in Butler, Pennsylvania when the shots started. Bystanders described the chaos that ensued, with Trump’s supporters ducking for cover and secret service agents quickly swooping in to protect the former president.
President Biden condemned the attack from his home state of Delaware, calling it “sick”.
“There’s no place in America for this kind of violence,” he said. “Everybody must condemn it.”
Trump’s former vice-president Mike Pence also urged Americans to join him in praying for Trump, while other politicians from both parties joined in condemning the attack. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer led international condemnation, expressing his shock and extending his thoughts to the victims.
Despite the attack, Trump’s campaign managers confirmed that he is still set to accept his party’s nomination for president at the convention in Milwaukee on Monday.
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