Donald Trump Survives Assassination Attempt at Pennsylvania Rally
Former President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination during a political rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The presidential candidate of the Republican Party, after leaving the hospital, described hearing a “whizzing sound” and feeling a “bullet ripping through skin” as he addressed a crowd of supporters at his rally on Saturday, July 15.
According to Secret Service reports, a male attacker opened fire during the rally, striking Trump in the ear. The quick response of a Secret Service agent resulted in the attacker being shot and killed on the scene.
In the immediate aftermath, the Secret Service called the incident an assassination attempt on the life of the former president.
FBI field officer Kevin Rojek addressed the media in a press conference, affirming the gravity of the situation.
“This evening we had what we’re calling an assassination attempt on our former president Donald J Trump,” he announced.
Officer Rojek assured the public that a thorough investigation was underway, stating, “It’s still an active crime scene,” and highlighted the deployment of multiple agents to the area to gather evidence and ascertain the full details of the attack.
Reactions to Trump Assassination Attempt
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the U.S. Speaker of the House of Representatives said that the House will conduct a full investigation into the tragic events.
“The American people deserve to know the truth. We will have Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle and other appropriate officials from DHS and the FBI appear for a hearing before our committees ASAP,” he said.
President Joe Biden, who is Trump’s major opponent, said he’s grateful that Trump is safe.
“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,” he said.
Former President Barack Obama also condemned the incident.
“There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy. Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics. Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery,” he said.
