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Live Blog: Assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump

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July 14, 2024 6:06 PM
Published 6:07 PM

Update (6:05 PM): President Biden calls for unity as Trump recovers from the assassination attempt and the investigation continues. He said investigators are still looking into the shooter's motive.

Update (6:00 PM): Biden is about to address the country. Watch live below:

Update (4:10 PM): David Dutch and James Copenhaver, the two victims injured during the shooting, have been upgraded to stable condition, according to the Pennsylvania State Police.

Update (4:00 PM): Thomas Matthew Crooks, the man law enforcement says fired the shots that killed one man and wounded three others including former President Donald Trump, was a dietary aide at a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center. In a statement by the center's administrator, Crooks passed a background check and performed his job.

“This morning, Bethel Park Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation became aware that Thomas Matthew Crooks, a dietary aide at the Center, was the alleged shooter in the assassination attempt on Former President Trump. We are shocked and saddened to learn of his involvement as Thomas Matthew Crooks performed his job without concern and his background check was clean. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement officials at this time. Due to the ongoing investigation, we cannot comment further on any specifics. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Former President Trump and the victims impacted by this terrible tragedy. We condemn all acts of violence.”

Marcie Grimm, Bethel Park Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Administrator

Update (3:35 PM): The Secret Service's coordinator for the Republican National Convention, Audrey Gibson-Cicchino, says "we are fully prepared and have a comprehensive security plan in place and are ready to go." The RNC starts Monday. Gibson-Cicchino said there are no planned changes for security at the RNC during a briefing Sunday.

Update (3:00 PM): "An attempt to assassinate a presidential candidate can only be described as absolutely despicable and will not be tolerated in this country," said FBI Director Christopher Wray. He added the investigation "will leave no stone unturned" during a briefing Sunday.

Update (2:25 PM): The names of the three rally attendees who were shot on Saturday have been release by the Pennsylvania State Police. Corey Comperatore, 50, a former volunteer fire chief was shot and killed. David Dutch, 47, of New Kensington, PA is listed in stable condition at an area hospital. James Copenhaver, 74, of Moon Township, PA is also listed in stable condition.

The governor ordered all facilities to fly the flag at half-staff in honor of Comperatore, and extended the "prayers of all Pennsylvanians to the two victims who are hospitalized and their families."

Update (1:09 PM): The Associated Press reports a local police officer climbed to the roof where Thomas Matthew Crooks was situated. Crooks pointed his rifle at the officer, according to sources who spoke with the AP. The officer retreated and that is when Crooks fired his weapon and Secrete Service snipers shot him. Rally attendees noticed the officer on the roof and alerted local law enforcement, according to the AP.

Update (12:10 PM): "There is no place in America for this kind of violence."

"I directed the head of the Secret Service to review all security measure for the Republican National Convention going forward."

"Independent review to access the security measures during the rally Saturday."

"We must unite as one nation." -- President Biden

Update (12:05 PM): "Unity is the most elusive goal of all," President Biden said.

Update (11:48 AM): Anthony Guglielmi, Chief of Communications for the United States Secret Service addressed questions on security.

"There's an untrue assertion that a member of the former President’s team requested additional security resources & that those were rebuffed. This is absolutely false. In fact, we added protective resources & technology & capabilities as part of the increased campaign travel tempo."

Anthony Guglielmi

Update (11:10 AM): Former first lady Melania Trump issues statement:

"I am thinking of you, now, my fellow Americans. We have always been a unique union. America, the fabric of our gentle nation is tattered, but our courage and common sense must ascend and bring us back together as one. When I watched that violent bullet strike my husband, Donald, I realized my life, and Barron's life, were on the brink of devastating change. I am grateful to the brave secret service agents and law enforcement officials who risked their own lives to protect my husband. To the families of the innocent victims who are now suffering from this heinous act, I humbly offer my sincerest sympathy. Your need to summon your inner strength for such a terrible reason saddens me. A monster who recognized my husband as an inhuman political machine attempted to ring out Donald's passion - his laughter, ingenuity love of music, and inspiration. The core facets of my husband's life - his human side - were buried below the political machine Donald, the generous and caring man who I have been with through the best of times and the worst of times. Let us not forget that differing opinions, policy, and political games are inferior to love. Our person, structural, and life commitment - until death - is at serious risk Political concepts are simple when compared to us, humans beings. We are all humans, and fundamentally, instinctively, we want to help one another. American politics are only one vehicle that can uplift our communities. Love, compassion, kindness and empathy are necessities. And let us remember that when the time comes to look beyond the left and the right, beyond the red and the blue, we all come from families with the passion to fight for a better life together, while we are here, in this earthly realm." - Melania Trump

Update (10:42 AM): The Governor of Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro says Corey Comperatore, a former volunteer fire chief is the man who was killed during the shooting at former President Donald Trump's rally. "Corey died a hero," the governor said. Comperatore served for the Buffalo Township.

Update (11:54 PM): The FBI just identified the shooter as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks.

Update (10:28 PM): Investigators are using biometric measures, including DNA, to identify the shooter. He did not have an identification card on him when he was killed, officials say.

Update (10:15 PM): President Biden touches down on Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, near Washington, D.C.

Update (9:55 PM): In a news conference, an FBI spokesperson said investigators need help from anyone who witnessed the shooting. They are asking for people to reach out to explain what they saw.

The FBI says this was an assassination attempt. They are still considering this an active crime scene.

The FBI says it is close to identifying the shooter. They are still working to identify a motive.

A Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson says the shooting within minutes of former President Trump taking the stage.

Update (9:40PM): El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego issued the following statement about the shooting:

"I am praying for the safety and healing of our Former President, the brave secret service members that acted quickly, and everyone who was in attendance today. El Pasoans know the impact of an event like this better than most, unfortunately. Any such event is devastating and shocking, but also brings a unique opportunity for unity and clarity.

Violence has no place in our democracy nor our communities. I ask everyone to remember that we have far more in common than we often realize. This November’s elections should not be based on the events of today or political parties, but should be focused on how we move our country forward to be the best that we can be.

We have a responsibility to treat each other with respect and kindness, today and everyday. Let us not allow fear and division to overshadow our shared values and aspirations.”

County Judge Ricardo Samaniego

Update (9:30 PM): President Biden is traveling from Delaware to Washington, D.C. after speaking with former President Donald Trump. He is boarding the plane now.

Update (9:15 PM): Officials say the suspected shooter was a single male shooter who was perched on a roof top near the rally. The person was killed by a Secret Service member with a gun.

Update (8:45PM): CNN is reporting that President Biden has spoken to former President Trump following the shooting.

Update (8:25 PM): ABC News is using the image below from Getty Images of what could possibly be the shooter.

Courtesy: ABC News

Update (8:12 PM): El Paso City Representative Art Fierro issued the following statement:

"Praying for the injured and the person who died at today's political rally. Violence is never acceptable."

City Representative Art Fierro

Update (8:10 PM): Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas issued the following statement:

"U.S. Secret Service Director Cheatle and I have briefed President Biden on today’s shooting in Pennsylvania. DHS and the Secret Service are working with law enforcement partners to respond to and investigate the shooting."

Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas

Update (8:03 PM): Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller was at the event and gave the following quote to the Texas Tribune.

“It looked like the first maybe three shots missed him and he was turned looking towards me. And then the one grazed his ear and then he got down," Miller said.

Miller explained he was about 30 feet away from Trump when the shooting occured.

Update (7:58pm): New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham issued the following statement:

"I’m horrified by today’s shooting in Butler, Pa. that resulted in the death of a spectator at a political rally and injuries to others, including former President Donald Trump. I condemn in the strongest possible terms political violence of any kind.

I extend my deepest condolences to the family of the victim who lost their life today, and I pray for the full recovery of former President Trump and others who were hurt by this reprehensible act of gun violence.  

Americans must reject and denounce any attempt to resolve our political differences with bloodshed instead of democracy. With a presidential election looming, we must redouble our commitment to respectful and constructive discourse, regardless of political affiliation. New Mexico will do its part to ensure the safety and security of all and to uphold the values of democracy, justice, and civility."

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham

Update (7:51 PM): Former President George W. Bush issued the following statement:

"Laura and I are grateful that President Trump is safe following the cowardly attack on his life. And we commend the men and women of the Secret Service for their speedy response."

George W. Bush

Update (7:44 PM): Representatives for the Republican National Committee and for former President Donald Trump say that Trump still plans to attend the convention scheduled to start Monday.

More reactions are pouring in on social media:

Update (7:27 PM): Texas Congressman Henry Cuellar issued the following statement:

"My thoughts and prayers are with former President Donald Trump, his family, and those who attended the rally. Political violence has no place in our country. Thank you to Secret Service, law enforcement personnel and first responders for their critical work during this difficult time."

Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28)

Department of Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III also issued a statement:

"The entire Department of Defense condemns this violence, which has absolutely no place in our democracy. This is not the way that we resolve our differences in America — and it must never be. I'm relieved that reports indicate former President Trump is safe, and I am praying for him and his family and everyone affected by this appalling incident."

Defense Lloyd J. Austin III

Update (7:17 PM): More reactions are pouring in on social media:

Update (7:13 PM): El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser just released a statement on the rally shooting:

“Senseless acts of violence have no place in our country. We may not all agree ideologically, but this country was founded on that freedom. Whether you support the former President or not, I think all of us can agree that these types of violent acts should be condemned. I am glad to hear that former President Trump is safe, and as we learn more, I encourage our community to pray for anyone affected by the senseless shooting today.”

Oscar Leeser

Update (7:11 PM): Military sources believe the shooter used an AR-15 and got off eight rounds. Secret service members killed the shooter.

Update (7:00 PM): Read the Secret Service's full statement below:

"During former President Trump's campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on the evening of July 13th at approximately 6:15 p.m., a suspected shooter fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside of the rally venue. US Secret Service personnel neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased. US Secret Service quickly responded with protective measures and the former president is safe and being evaluated. One spectator was killed, two spectators were critically injured. The incident is currently under investigation and Secret Service has formally notified the Federal Bureau of Investigation."

US Secret Service

Update (6:56 PM): Secret service confirms that two people were critically injured, another is dead. The shooter is also dead, secret service confirms.

Update (6:55 PM): Read the former president's statement in full below:

"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!"

Former President Donald Trump

Update (6:50 PM): President Donald Trump just put out a statement describing what happened to him at the rally.

"I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something and I heard a whizzing sounds and shots and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin," the former president stated in part.

Update: (6:45 PM): Reactions are pouring in on social media. Here is a selection of posts.

Update (6:40 PM): Donald Trump was seen holding up a fist as he walked off the stage right after the shooting.

The Secret Service said in a statement that former president Donald Trump is “safe” and that the incident is being investigated after Trump was rushed offstage with blood on his ear and face after a shooting during his Saturday evening rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Update (6:30 PM): The District Attorney in Butler, Pennsylvania says the shooter and a bystander are dead, another bystander suffered serious injuries, and former President Donald Trump was injured in the shooting.

The DA added that the suspect was on the roof of a nearby building.

BUTLER, Pennsylvania - The Associated Press reports the shooting at a Trump campaign rally is now being investigated as an assassination attempt.

The Trump campaign released a statement saying the former president is fine and was being checked out at a local medical facility.

The Butler County District attorney reported told the AP the shooter is dead and a bystander at the rally was killed. There are reports there may have been another victim.

President Joe Biden received a primary briefing on the events in Butler according to the White House.

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