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Photo via X- Blaire White @MsBlaireWhite
Former US President Donald Trump was the target of an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Shots were fired while Trump was speaking, causing him to clutch his ear, which was bleeding. Secret Service agents immediately formed a protective barrier around Trump and quickly escorted him off the stage.
The shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park, was positioned on a rooftop of a manufacturing plant approximately 130 yards from the stage. Law enforcement officials confirmed that Crooks fired multiple shots before being killed by the Secret Service. The FBI has not yet identified a motive for the attack.
This incident marks the first assassination attempt on a president or presidential candidate since Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981. The attack has heightened concerns in the already polarized political atmosphere, just months before the presidential elections and shortly before Trump is set to be officially named the Republican nominee.
Witnesses reported hearing a pop sound as Trump was speaking, followed by Trump clutching his ear. Two more shots were heard as Trump crouched down. Secret Service agents quickly surrounded him, following their training protocol to shield him with their bodies and locate the threat. Trump was then placed in a waiting SUV and taken to safety. He later confirmed that he was doing “fine” after the incident.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with authorities working to uncover any possible motives behind Crooks’ actions.
