Trump says ‘God alone’ prevented ‘unthinkable’ after assassination attempt
Former President Trump issued a new statement after the attempt on his life Sunday morning, thanking the nation for their prayers.
“Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers yesterday, as it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“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.
“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.”
Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesman for the U.S. Secret Service, on Sunday said claims that the Trump campaign requested stronger security at his Pennsylvania rally and was denied were “absolutely false.”
“The assertion that a member of the former President’s security team requested additional security resources that the U.S. Secret Service or the Department of Homeland Security rebuffed is absolutely false. In fact, recently the U.S. Secret Service added protective resources and capabilities to the former President’s security detail,” Guglielmi said in a statement.
“The former President, and the current President, are commonly subject to threats. The U. S. Secret Service takes threats seriously, and it takes actions based on those threats as warranted. The U.S. Secret Service is constantly evaluating the very dynamic threat environment and responding to it in the fulfillment of its responsibilities.”
In the aftermath of the assassination attempt on former President Trump, a House GOP lawmaker alleged that Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas denied stronger Secret Service protection for the presumptive Republican presidential nominee multiple times.
Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., made the accusation hours after Trump was grazed by a bullet at his rally on Saturday.
“I have very reliable sources telling me there have been repeated requests for stronger secret service protection for President Trump. Denied by Secretary Mayorkas,” Waltz wrote on X.
The House Homeland Security Committee is planning on investigating reports that Trump was denied stronger Secret Service protection before the rally, a source told Fox News Digital.
“The Committee has seen these reports, as well, and are going to be conducting thorough oversight into what happened both leading up to and in the immediate aftermath of the attempted assassination of President Trump. Obviously, such reports are deeply troubling and demand investigation,” the source said.
One rally attendee was killed, and two others were injured after a shooter opened fire at the former president’s campaign rally, according to a Secret Service statement. The shooter was also killed.
Fox News’s David Spunt and Fox News Digital’s Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this update.
An eyewitness to the shooting at former President Trump’s Pennsylvania rally said in an interview he saw the shooter moments before gunfire erupted.
Greg Smith told the BBC he and others saw the man “bear crawling” on the roof of a nearby building just outside the event in Butler.
He said he pointed the suspected shooter out to police.
“We could clearly see him with a rifle,” Smith said.
“I’m thinking to myself, ‘Why is Trump still speaking? Why have they not pulled him off the stage’… the next thing you know, five shots ring out.”
Video from the rally posted to social media shows others spotted the gunman, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, moments before the shots rang out. People could be heard yelling, “He’s got a gun!”
Another eyewitness, Benjamin Shrader, told Fox News Digital that security at the rally was “terrible.”
“I had to give all my information and security in the special guest section and that was great,” he said. “But overall for the event, the security was extremely lax,” he said.
Shrader added that the screening for general admission before the event was lacking.
“There were only metal detectors and then a pat down. That was it,” he said. “There was nobody going around the fences and somebody could have easily thrown a gun in.”
The U.S. Secret Service (USSS) later said, in a news release, that the suspected shooter fired from an “elevated position,” killing at least one person and critically injuring two others.
Fox News Digital’s Sarah Rumpf-Whitten and Matteo Cina contributed to this update.
The assassination attempt, as it is being described by Fox News sources, against former President Trump at his Saturday rally in Pennsylvania is shining light on the security process for those in attendance.
Press and general attendees all go through a rigorous screening process operated by the Secret Service, which includes detailed searches of everyone entering into a rally venue.
The press is screened in a separate que than the public, and are usually told to remove all electronic equipment and metal, similar to the screening process of an airport.
Secret Service, when necessary, relies on Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents from nearby towns to help with screening, but its unclear if that was the case for Trump’s Saturday rally.
When a rally is held outside, as was Saturday’s, the Secret Service still sets up tents, tables and magnetometers common at large events.
Trump, as a former president, still has a significant Secret Service detail, and anyone meeting with the president or in proximity must be cleared. Traditionally, this is done with a social security number, date of birth, and other vital information.
Fox News Digital’s Brandon Gillespie and Fox News’ Mark Meredith contributed to this update.
Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, who is under consideration to be former President Trump’s running mate on the 2024 Republican ticket, accused the Biden campaign of inciting violence against Trump.
Vance wrote in a social media post that the attempt on Trump’s life at a rally in Butler, Penn., on Saturday was “not just some isolated incident.”
“The central premise of the Biden campaign is that President Donald Trump is an authoritarian fascist who must be stopped at all costs,” Vance posted on X.
“That rhetoric led directly to President Trump’s attempted assassination.”
Another potential Trump vice presidential candidate, Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., likewise said rhetoric from the left was to blame for the shooting.
“Let’s be clear: This was an assassination attempt aided and abetted by the radical Left and corporate media incessantly calling Trump a threat to democracy, fascists, or worse,” he wrote on social media.
The FBI is investigating the assassination attempt and has not yet revealed a potential motive.
The chief of communications for the U.S. Secret Service, Anthony Guglielmi, put out a statement on the shooting incident at Trump’s rally Saturday evening.
“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,” he said. “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 the Secret Service has formally notified the Federal Bureau of investigation.”
The House Oversight Committee
has called on Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to testify to Congress about the security failure at Trump’s rally as part of an investigation into the attempt on Trump’s life.
Fox News Digital’s Brooke Singman and Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this update.
Former President Trump confirmed he was “shot with a bullet” that “pierced” the upper part of his right ear at his rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.
Gunfire broke out at the Trump rally shortly after the former president began speaking at the Butler Farm Show grounds.
The attack on the former president is being investigated as an assassination attempt, according to Fox News sources.
Trump put out a statement on his Truth Social account Saturday evening.
“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,” Trump said. “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.”
“I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear,” the former president said. “I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin.”
The former president added that “much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening.”
“GOD BLESS AMERICA!” he said.
Fox News Digital’s Brooke Singman contributed to this update.
The FBI has
identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old man from western Pennsylvania, as the person who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday.
Crooks reportedly shot Trump during a rally in the small town, striking the upper part of Trump’s right ear while the former president was speaking to rallygoers ahead of next week’s Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
One attendee was killed and two others were injured during the incident, the agency said, and Crooks was shot dead. The victims have not been identified yet.
“The FBI has identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the subject involved in the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump on July 13, in Butler, Pennsylvania,” the FBI said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “This remains an active and ongoing investigation.”
Crooks, 20, was from Bethel Park, which is a Pittsburgh suburb about an hour south from where the assassination attempt took place.
Crooks reportedly graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022. He was one of nearly two dozen students from the school to earn a $500 “star award” from the National Math and Science Initiative.
A search by Fox News Digital revealed Crooks would have turned 21 years old this September. He had no reported criminal or traffic citations and no reported bankruptcies, liens or foreclosures.
Crooks was a registered Republican, according to voting records, but had only participated in the Nov. 8, 2022, state election due to his age. Voting records also don’t detail who a person votes for.
The FBI says it will continue its investigation into Crooks and any other information it can obtain.
Fox News Digital’s Scott McDonald and Landon Mion contributed to this update.
Biden changes tune after Trump survives assassination attempt at Pennsylvania rally
President Biden spoke with former President Trump Saturday night after a shooting at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, a White House spokesperson told Fox News.
The former president suffered injuries to his ear after the shooting, appearing with blood on his face. He was discharged from Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh late Saturday night.
Biden also spoke with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Butler Mayor Bob Dandoy.
A briefing was given to Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Saturday night from Secret Service Director Kim Cheatle, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, Attorney General Merrick Garland, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and FBI Director Christopher Wray.
BIDEN CAMPAIGN PULLING ADS IN WAKE OF TRUMP RALLY SHOOTING
The spokesperson said the president is returning to the White House from his home in Delaware. On Sunday, he will receive an updated briefing from Homeland Security and law enforcement officials.
“I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania,” Biden said in a statement. “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.”
The FBI is leading the investigation into the shooting.
The Secret Service confirms one spectator was killed, and two others were injured in the shooting. The shooter was also killed.
“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,” the Secret Service said in a statement.
“U.S. Secret Service personnel neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased,” the statement added. “U.S. Secret Service quickly responded with protective measures and Former President Trump is safe. One spectator was killed, and two spectators were critically injured. This incident is currently under investigation. and the Secret Service has notified the FBI.”
TRUMP SAYS HE WAS ‘SHOT WITH A BULLET’ IN ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT AT PENNSYLVANIA RALLY
Politicians from all sides have condemned the shooting.
Trump thanked law enforcement after the incident for their quick response, and expressed condolences to the spectator who was killed.
“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,” Trump said in a statement. “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.”
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“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!”
Mayorkas denied ‘repeated requests’ for more protection for Trump, GOP lawmaker says
A House Republican lawmaker is alleging that Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas denied stronger Secret Service protection for former President Trump multiple times.
Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., made the accusation hours after Trump was grazed by a bullet at his Saturday Pennsylvania rally.
“I have very reliable sources telling me there have been repeated requests for stronger secret service protection for President Trump. Denied by Secretary Mayorkas,” Waltz wrote on X.
The House Homeland Security Committee is planning on investigating reports that Trump was denied stronger Secret Service protection before the rally, a source told Fox News Digital.
TRUMP RETURNS TO PENNSYLVANIA FOR PRE-CONVENTION RALLY IN SWING STATE
“The Committee has seen these reports, as well, and are going to be conducting thorough oversight into what happened both leading up to and in the immediate aftermath of the attempted assassination of President Trump. Obviously, such reports are deeply troubling and demand investigation,” the source said.
One rally attendee was killed, and two others were injured after a shooter opened fire at the former president’s campaign rally, according to a Secret Service statement. The shooter was also killed.
Waltz, a member of the House Intelligence Committee, would not elaborate on his comments when Fox News Digital reached out to his office.
Fox News Digital also reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for comment.
That’s in addition to House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., who publicly called on Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheadle to publicly testify before his panel.
“The Oversight Committee will send a formal invitation soon,” he wrote on X.
Trump released a statement hours after the shooting thanking law enforcement and expressing condolences for the person who died.
SOFTENED ABORTION LANGUAGE IN TRUMP-APPROVED GOP PLATFORM IRKS SOME SOCIAL CONSERVATIVES
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“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,” Trump wrote.
“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.”
Former DOJ chief says Democrats had a hand in spurring Trump’s shooting
Former Attorney General William Barr told Fox News that “the Democrats have to stop their grossly irresponsible talk about Trump being an existential threat to democracy. He is not.”
The statement came just hours after a would-be assassin shot at former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Republicans lost no time tying the attack to rhetoric from Democrats accusing Trump of being authoritarian, a dictator or anti-democracy.
LIVE UPDATES ON DEADLY SHOOTING AT TRUMP RALLY
Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, a contender for Trump’s vice president position, after the attack posted on X, “Today is not just some isolated incident. The central premise of the Biden campaign is that President Donald Trump is an authoritarian fascist who must be stopped at all costs. That rhetoric led directly to President Trump’s attempted assassination.”
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President Biden came under scrutiny after the shooting for remarks he made to donors on July 8, in which he said “it’s time to put Trump in a bullseye,” Politico reported.
CNN host scolds Trump for his words moments after suspect tried to kill him
A CNN correspondent criticized former President Trump for yelling “fight!” to his supporters in the immediate aftermath of Saturday’s stunning assassination attempt in Pennsylvania.
Trump could be seen bleeding from his ear as he was hustled off stage Saturday evening, shortly after a gunman opened fire at his rally. As Secret Service agents moved him away once the shooter had been killed, Trump raised his fist and yelled “fight!” repeatedly, to roars of appreciation from his supporters.
CNN special correspondent Jamie Gangel suggested the presumptive Republican nominee was sending the wrong message.
“I do want to say there was one thing that when I watched the tape, I found odd because of all of the heated rhetoric, and that is after he was hit, former President Trump got up and said, ‘fight, fight, fight,’” Gangel said.
“I think what we’re hearing from people is that’s not the message that we want to be sending right now. We want to tamp it down,” she said.
SHOOTING AT TRUMP RALLY BEING INVESTIGATED AS POSSIBLE ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT
Gangel’s remarks drew criticism from some conservatives, many of whom were elated at Trump’s defiance at the moment. The perpetrator killed at least one attendee and critically injured two others, according to reports.
CBS host Margaret Brennan similarly chided Trump on Saturday for not urging his supporters to lower the political “temperature” in his social media statement, where he expressed condolences for the other victims and thanked law enforcement for their swift response.
Trump was discharged from a Pittsburgh-area hospital late Saturday and is now safe.
After addressing the nation and condemning the “sick” attack, President Biden spoke to Trump on the phone. Other former presidents and bipartisan voices have also condemned the shooting and wished Trump a speedy recovery.
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