Former President Donald Trump was shot in the ear and rushed off the stage during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in an assassination attempt on Saturday.
After shots rang out, the former President grasped his ear and ducked down. The Secret Service rushed to the stage to shield Trump from further fire. Before being escorted away, the President raised his fist to the crowd with the left side of his face dripping in blood.
Eyewitness Rep. Dan Meuser stated that he heard as many as 8-10 shots, which were fired shortly after Trump began his speech, adding that the 45th President is lucky to be alive.
Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi stated, “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.”
Watching the footage of the assassination attempt, Fox News host Bill Hemmer stated that President Trump is “likely alive by mere centimeters.”
President Trump issued a statement on Truth Social less than three hours after the shooting: “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,” he continued. “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!”
The Secret Service, in a statement Saturday evening, detailed the events: “During Former President Trump’s campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on the evening of July 13 at approximately 6:15 p.m., a suspected shooter fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside of the rally venue.”
“U.S. Secret Service personnel neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased. U.S. Secret Service quickly responded with protective measures and Former President Trump is safe,” they confirmed. “One spectator was killed, and two spectators were critically injured. This incident is currently under investigation. and the Secret Service has notified the FBI.”
According to the New York Post, “The gunman who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump Saturday was identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks.”
“Sources said Crooks was planted on a roof of a manufacturing plant more than 130 yards away from the stage at Butler Farm Show grounds,” the report described. “He was killed by Secret Service snipers. An AR-style rifle was later recovered. Bethel Park is a village 40 miles south of where the Butler rally was held. Why Crooks fired on the presumptive Republican presidential nominee is unclear.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacted to the news, stating on X, “Sara and I were shocked by the apparent attack on President Trump. We pray for his safety and speedy recovery.”
Congressman Steve Scalise, who was shot in 2017 at a congressional baseball game, responded to the shocking event, saying, “It was difficult to watch, it brings back a lot of emotions. My first thoughts were to pray for president Trump. From the [early] reports you really weren’t sure what happened. You saw blood coming from his ear. But as you see now it was a clear assassination attempt, I think maybe there was some divine intervention preventing that from being much worse than what it could have been.”
President Trump on Sunday credited “God alone” for his survival of the attack.
“Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers yesterday, as it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening,” Trump highlighted. “We will FEAR NOT, but instead remain resilient in our Faith and Defiant in the face of Wickedness.”
“Our love goes out to the other victims and their families. We pray for the recovery of those who were wounded, and hold in our hearts the memory of the citizen who was so horribly killed,” he lamented. “In this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand United, and show our True Character as Americans, remaining Strong and Determined, and not allowing Evil to Win. I truly love our Country, and love you all, and look forward to speaking to our Great Nation this week from Wisconsin.”
Christian Leaders Call For Prayer
Evangelist Franklin Graham immediately called for prayer, writing on Facebook, “Join me in praying for former President Donald J. Trump as it appears gunfire erupted at his Pennsylvania rally and he had to be rushed off the stage. Photos show blood on his ear and face, so it is clear that he was injured.”
His daughter, Cissie Graham Lynch, host of the Fearless Podcast, wrote, “Praying and thanking the Lord for His protection over Donald Trump today. He is a FIGHTER! What a sad day for this country that an American was murdered today at a political rally. Let’s be fighting on our knees. Pray without ceasing. Continue to pray for this nation, President Trump, and the family who lost a loved one.”
Pastor Greg Laurie also urged Christians to unite in prayer, “Let’s all be praying for President Trump’s complete recovery. God protected him today. Lets all be praying for the future of our country as well.”
“This was an assassination attempt on the 45th president of the United States,” Laurie stressed. Tragically, at least one person attending this rally was shot and killed, and two others were critically injured. The shooter was also killed. It’s time for us as a nation to pray, regardless of our political affiliation. God spared Donald Trump today.”
Pastor Skip Heitzig further wrote, “President Donald Trump was just shot at a rally in Pennsylvania as multiple shots rang out. Thankful for law enforcement’s quick response. We pray for a speedy recovery.”
This is a developing story…
