Rapid Response and Condolences
Trump praised the US Secret Service and law enforcement for their swift and decisive action. He also extended heartfelt condolences to the family of a rally attendee who died and another who sustained critical injuries. In a poignant post on Truth Social, Trump said, “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.”
“I Knew Something Was Wrong”: Trump
Trump detailed the moment of the attack with stark clarity: “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.”
Chaos and Heroism of Trump
The gunfire erupted just months before the 2024 US presidential elections, plunging Trump’s rally in Butler into chaos. Secret Service agents swiftly escorted Trump off stage and rushed him away in a motorcade. Disturbing videos that circulated on social media showed Trump bleeding from his ear. His motorcade left Butler Memorial Hospital shortly before 9:30 pm (local time), but his subsequent destination remained unclear. Trump had planned to travel to his estate in Bedminster, New Jersey, and then to Milwaukee for the Republican National Convention, scheduled to start on Monday.
Secret Service Statement: A Deadly Confrontation
In an official statement, the US Secret Service disclosed that a suspected shooter had fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside the rally venue. Secret Service personnel neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased. The attack left one spectator dead and another critically injured, prompting an ongoing investigation.
Official Response: Thoughts and Prayers
Anthony Guglielmi, Chief of Communications for the United States Secret Service, shared the agency’s statement on X. They stated,
“Here is the latest information from our investigation. We are grateful to the Secret Service team and our law enforcement partners for their swift action. Our thoughts go out to the families affected by this tragedy.”
The Shooter’s Perch: Details Emerge
Law enforcement sources told CBS News that the suspect had been shooting with an AR-style rifle from a distance of 200-300 feet. The gunman had taken up a position on top of a shed outside the security perimeter established by the Secret Service. The tragic event remains under intense investigation by both the Secret Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.