Former president, Donald Trump, was speaking at a rally in Pennsylvania. A short time into the rally, it sounded like gunshots rang out, President Trump reached toward his right ear, lowered himself to the floor of the stage, and was surrounded by Secret Service and security personnel. He was able to stand and walk off the stage, raising his right arm multiple times. It appeared that blood was coming from his right ear. He was taken to the hospital.
The Secret Service issued the following statement, "An incident occurred the evening of July 13 at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania. The Secret Service has implemented protective measures, and the former president is safe. This is now an active Secret Service investigation, and further information will be released when available."
The Trump campaign has issued the following statement, "President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act. He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow."
Reports state the shooter is dead. As an update at 2:30 a.m., it has been reported by authorities that Thomas Matthew Crooks, age 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, is the "subject involved." Sadly, a rally attendee was reportedly killed, according to local officials. At least two rally attendees were critically injured. The FBI has categorized this as an assassination attempt.
At 6:57 p.m., President Biden issued the following statement, "I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania.
"I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well. I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information.
"Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it."
At 7:54 p.m. CST, President Trump stated, "I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of law enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania. Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured. It is incredible that such an act can take place in our country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!"