Elected officials are reacting to an assassination attempt of former Republican U.S. President Donald J. Trump on Saturday evening, July 13, during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. CBS News footage showed the former president hold his hand up to his ear before he dropped to the stage floor and U.S. Secret Service rushed to the stage and immediately surrounded him.

 

Trump was seen with some trickles of blood on his right cheek and a bloodied right ear but did not appear to be very seriously injured as he raised his fist in the air twice before being ushered into a waiting vehicle and escorted to a nearby hospital. The shooter, who it was later reported was shot by secret service, has since been identified by the FBI as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Pennsylvania.

 

FBI officials said a person with the same name is registered in the same general area of Pennsylvannia as a Republican, but there was also a past $15 donation made to a Democratic progressive action committee by the same person. A motive has not yet been established. FBI said the shooter was not carrying identification on him on Saturday night.

 

One male attendee at the rally, later identified by multiple media outlets as Corey Comperatore, a beloved firefighter, was shot in the head and died according to multiple media reports. According to some media reports, the shooter was allegedly wearing army fatigues, used a semi-automatic rifle, and was reportedly positioned on a nearby roof. Several media organizations reported that between 6 and 8 shots were fired.

 

The U.S. Secret Service later issued a statement saying that at approximately 6.15 p.m. in Pennsylvania multiple shots were fired towards the stage from an elevated position outside of the rally venue. “The secret service personnel neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased,” they said.

 

The statement continued, “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 F.B.I.” The victims were all later confirmed as male by law enforcement.

 

The former president later issued a statement, saying, “I want to thank the United States Secret Service and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that took place in Bulter, 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.”

 

He continued, “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.”

 

Steven Cheung, a Trump spokesperson, had earlier issued a statement saying, “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.”

 

The Trump campaign announced that the planned Trump election campaign activities would go ahead as planned for the remainder of the weekend, later announcing, “As was communicated earlier this evening, President Trump is doing well and grateful to law enforcement and first responders for their fast action. President Trump looks forward to joining you all in Milwaukee as we proceed with our convention to nominate him to serve as the 47th President of the United States.”

 

The statement continued, “As our party’s nominee, President Trump will continue to share his vision to Make America Great Again.” The statement was signed by Donald J. Trump for President 2024 Senior Advisors Susie Wiles & Chris LaCivita and Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley and Co-Chairman Lara Trump.

 

As reported in our previous story on the Bronx Trump rally held in Crotona Park East in May, the stage on which the former president appeared seemed surprisingly low and close to the crowd. Those who entered the restricted area of the rally (closest to the stage) on that occasion were required to pass through a metal detector, and representatives of the media also had sniffer dogs check all equipment and bags separately. It is unclear where exactly secret service snipers were located.

 

The FBI issued an initial statement on Saturday evening, writing, “FBI personnel are on the scene in Butler, Pennsylvania, and the FBI will continue to work jointly with the U.S. Secret Service as the investigation moves forward,” and later on Saturday night added, “The FBI has assumed the role of the lead federal law enforcement agency in the investigation of the incident involving former President Donald Trump that occurred earlier today in Butler, Pennsylvania.”

It continued, “Special agents of the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office responded immediately, to include crisis response team members and evidence response technicians. We will continue to support this investigation with the full resources of the FBI, alongside our partners at the U.S. Secret Service and state and local law enforcement. Anyone with information that may assist with the investigation is asked to call our tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI.”

 

Law enforcement later said that the shots went out in different directions and were not all in the same direction of those attendees who were hit.

U.S. President Joe Biden, a Democrat, who was reportedly attending mass while campaigning in Delaware on Saturday night, issued a statement following the shooting, saying, “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.”

 

CBS News reported that Biden suspended his campaign spending activity on Saturday evening. The president also said, “We cannot be like this. We cannot condone this.” He thanked the secret service and all of the federal and state agencies who responded to the incident. He said he didn’t have all the information about other injuries and would likely issue a further statement once more information was made available. The incident was later described by law enforcement as an attempted assassination.

 

“The bottom line is that the Trump rally… the rally that he should have been able…. conducted peacefully without any problem,” Biden said. “The idea, the idea that there’s political violence or violence in America like this is just unheard of. It’s not appropriate. Everybody, everybody must condemn it, everybody. I’ll keep you informed and if I manage to speak to Donald, I’ll let you know that as well but so far, he’s doing well.”

 

Asked if the incident was considered an assassination attempt, Biden said he was waiting on more specifics before commenting further. The incident was later described by law enforcement as an attempted assassination. CBS News later reported that Biden announced that he would be heading back to Washington D.C. from Delaware on Saturday night and that he did manage to speak to Trump on Saturday night finally.

 

The chairman of the New York State Young Republicans, Peter Giunta, said, “As we await additional details regarding the incident in Butler, PA, we are praying for the safety of President Trump, those in law enforcement, and all who were in attendance at his rally tonight.” He added, “Make no mistake – this was an assassination attempt on the 45th President of the United States and the leading opposition candidate for the presidency.”

 

He concluded, “This is a product of the hate and vitriol for President Trump that has been manufactured by the divisive rhetoric of Joe Biden and the radical left.” As above, a person with the same name as the shooter from the same general area of Pennsylvania is registered as a Republican, according to the FBI. The president later delivered a follow-up address on political violence on Sunday, July 14, from the White House.

 

Former Republican U.S. President George W. Bush also issued a statement on the shooting attached below.

Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., reportedly later said his father was doing fine and was reportedly in “great spirits.” He later tweeted, “He’ll never stop fighting to Save America.” Fomer Republican Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy said, “I’m praying for President Trump. I hope everyone will join me.”

 

The former president’s daughter, Ivanka Trump, said, “Thank you for your love and prayers for my father and for the other victims of today’s senseless violence in Butler, Pennsylvania. I am grateful to the Secret Service and all the other law enforcement officers for their quick and decisive actions today. I continue to pray for our country. I love you Dad, today and always.”

 

Former Democratic U.S. President Barack Obama, said, “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.”

 

Former Democratic U.S. President Bill Clinton said, “Violence has no place in America, especially in our political process. Hillary and I are thankful that President Trump is safe, heartbroken for all those affected by the attack at today’s rally in Pennsylvania, and grateful for the swift action of the U.S. Secret Service.”

 

Republican Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Mike Johnson said, “Kelly and I are praying for President Trump and all the attendees of the campaign rally today in Pennsylvania, and we send our gratitude to the law enforcement who responded at the scene.   I have been briefed by law enforcement and am continuing to monitor the developments. This horrific act of political violence at a peaceful campaign rally has no place in this country and should be unanimously and forcefully condemned.”

 

Former Democratic U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, said, “As one whose family has been the victim of political violence, I know firsthand that political violence of any kind has no place in our society. I thank God that former President Trump is safe. As we learn more details about this horrifying incident, let us pray that all those in attendance at the former President’s rally today are unharmed.”

 

Democratic U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said, “I am horrified by what happened at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania and relieved that former President Trump is safe. Political violence has no place in our country.”

 

Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said, “Any violence against a fellow American is disgusting and unacceptable. We must express political disagreements peacefully, civilly and respectfully. I am praying for the safety and health of former President Trump and all who are attending this event in Pennsylvania.”

 

Democratic New York City Mayor Eric Adams, said, “The events that unfolded at today’s rally in Pennsylvania are horrific. Sending my prayers to former President Trump, his family, and everyone who was at today’s event. Political violence has no place in this country. Out of an abundance of caution, the NYPD is surging officers to certain sites across the five boroughs.”

 

Independent U.S. Sen. from Vermont Bernie Sanders said, “Political violence is absolutely unacceptable. I wish Donald Trump, and anyone else who may have been hurt, a speedy recovery.”

 

Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres (NY-15), who represents a large section of The Bronx stretching from the northwest to the South, said, “Democracy has no greater enemy than political violence. It has no place in the United States of America. We must never revert back to a period of political assassinations in America.”

He later added, “The security failures surrounding the attempted assassination of a presidential candidate demand an investigation. The federal government must constantly learn from security failures in order to avoid repeating them—especially when those failures have implications for the Nation.”

 

He issued a futher statement on Sunday, writing, “Last night’s attempted assassination of former President Trump was a dark moment in our nation’s history. As reports continue to emerge, it’s clear that more protection is needed for all major candidates for president. That’s why we’re planning on introducing bipartisan legislation providing President Joe Biden, former President Donald Trump, and presidential candidate Robert Kennedy Jr. with enhanced Secret Service protection. Anything less would be a disservice to our democracy.”

 

One rally attendee later told CBS News that attendees had alerted secret service to a person located in an elevated position, though he said it appeared as though they seemed to be on the lookout for someone or something prior to them doing so.

 

Democratic Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson retweeted a story about the shooting, along with the comments by the mayor, and later added, “Let’s see if House and Senate Republicans will advocate for responsible gun control. It will be radio silence as usual. We’ll wait…….”

 

Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), who represents parts of The Bronx and Queens, said of the shooting, “There is no place for political violence, including the horrific incident we just witnessed in Pennsylvania. It is absolutely unacceptable and must be denounced in the strongest terms. My heart goes out to all the victims and I wish the former President a speedy recovery.”

 

Democratic Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), who represents parts of The Bronx and northern Manhattan, said, “Political violence is unacceptable and should never be tolerated. I extend my prayers to former President Donald Trump and his family at this time.”

 

Democratic District 15 City Council Member Oswald Feliz, who represents parts of the Bronx, said, “I’m beyond disturbed by the violence against former President Trump. Our country is the leading democracy in the world. Violence anywhere, and especially in politics, is never justified. Shame on anyone who tries to bring politics and elections to such a low point.”

 

Republican District 13 City Council Member Kristy Marmorato, who represents parts of the East Bronx, said, “As someone who has dealt with threats throughout my campaign, no violence is acceptable. Tonight my prayers go out to former President Trump, his family and the other victims involved. I look forward to seeing the former President on Thursday at the convention and onward to victory in November.”

 

On Sunday morning, July 14, Trump issued a follow-up statement, writing, “Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers yesterday, as it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening. 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.”

 

He added, “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.”

On Sunday, on behalf of the Republican National Hispanic Assembly, Chairwoman Elisa Slider extended her deepest condolences to Trump and the families affected by the shooting. “The attempted assassination is a stark reminder of the violence that has no place in our society,” Slider said.

 

“In these trying times, we must remember the core values upon which our country was built: freedom, democracy, and unity,” she said. “We call on all Americans, regardless of political affiliation, to come together and uphold these principles. Our strength lies in our ability to respect and understand one another despite our differences. Let us honor those affected by committing to a more united nation. Together, we can overcome adversity and build a brighter future for all.”

The American Federation of Government Employees National President Everett Kelley also released a statement, saying, “There is no place for political violence in our democracy. Period. We condemn today’s attack against former President Trump in the strongest possible terms and urge calm as law enforcement completes its investigation.”

 

Former First Lady Melania Trump issued a statement on July 14 on the shooting, which is attached in full above.

 

The former president later wrote on Sunday, “Based on yesterday’s terrible events, I was going to delay my trip to Wisconsin, and The Republican National Convention, by two days, but have just decided that I cannot allow a “shooter” or potential assassin to force change to scheduling, or anything else. Therefore, I will be leaving for Milwaukee, as scheduled, at 3.30 p.m. TODAY. Thank you! DJT.”

 

On Sunday evening, the FBI said it was investigating the shooting incident “as an assassination attempt and potential domestic terrorism.”  They added, “While the investigation to date indicates the shooter acted alone, the FBI continues to conduct logical investigative activity to determine if there were any co-conspirators associated with this attack. At this time, there are no current public safety concerns.”

 

The statement continued, “The FBI has not identified a motive for the shooter’s actions, but we are working to determine the sequence of events and the shooter’s movements prior to the shooting, collecting and reviewing evidence, conducting interviews, and following up on all leads. We have also obtained the shooter’s telephone for examination.”

 

The FBI said the agency had searched the shooter’s home and vehicle to collect additional evidence, and that suspicious devices found at both locations have been rendered safe by bomb technicians and are being evaluated at the FBI Laboratory.

 

The statement continued, “The firearm used in the shooting was purchased legally. The shooter was not known to the FBI prior to this incident. The FBI investigation is being led by the FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office in coordination with our local, state, and federal partners. Anyone with information that may assist with the ongoing investigation is encouraged to submit it online at tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.”

 

Presidential candidate, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. whose father and uncle were both assassinated in the 1960s while either in office or running for office, issued the following statement on July 14. “My deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Corey Comperatore, a former fire chief who was tragically killed at yesterday’s Trump rally in Pennsylvania. This morning, his daughter Allyson shared a deeply moving tribute to her father on Facebook, describing how he died shielding Allyson and her mother from the bullets that came at them.”

The statment continued, “‘We lost a selfless, loving, husband, father, brother, uncle, son, and friend…the best dad a girl could ever ask for,’ she wrote. ‘He died a real-life superhero.’ The impact of the rampant vitriol and divisiveness in today’s political and media landscape – and, increasingly, political violence – isn’t isolated to presidential candidates or political parties. As this tragedy shows, it also takes an unimaginable toll on our country’s citizens: American families with hearts and hopes, like the Comperatore family.”

 

It continued, “America has fallen off the precipice, but we can still climb back up. As a nation, we can overcome this. But we need to learn how to better understand and empathize with one another, converse with respectful dialogue, and regard differing viewpoints with dignity and respect. A GoFundMe has been set up to support Allyson and her family: http://shorturl.at/7Soe9 My thoughts and prayers are with the Comperatore family.”

 

On Sunday, July 14, the Bronx County Conservative Party also released a statement on the attempted assassination, attached above in full.