Shooting at Donald Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania: What we know

The former American president targeted by gunfire. On Saturday, July 13, during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, former U.S. President Donald Trump was targeted by gunfire. The shooting took place just as he had begun his speech. Trump was wounded in the right ear, but quickly stabilized. One bystander was killed and two others were wounded. The assailant, who was firing from a rooftop, was neutralized by the police. The incident disrupted the event and sent shockwaves through the fans in attendance.

Historic images. The images of the shooting are striking and will go down in history. When the shots were fired, cries of horror rang out among the crowd, and the Secret Service immediately pulled Donald Trump to safety. Despite his wound, Trump got to his feet, bloodied but determined, and left the stage to the cheers of his supporters. He was escorted back to his car, raising his fist several times, demonstrating his resilience in the face of the attack.

Fatal attack on spectator. The shooting claimed the life of one spectator and seriously injured two others. According to witnesses, the spectator was shot in the head and died instantly. A woman was wounded in the arm and hand. The identity of the victims has not yet been revealed, but eyewitness accounts describe a scene of chaos and panic, with people seeking to protect themselves and get away from danger.

Identity of shooter revealed. The FBI identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. He fired from an elevated position outside the meeting venue. Crooks was shot dead by law enforcement shortly after he began firing. An AR-15 semi-automatic rifle was found near his body. Investigations revealed that he had complex political connections, being registered as a Republican but having donated to a Democratic initiative.

Donald Trump’s reaction. Donald Trump quickly reacted to the incident via his social network, describing how he had been shot through the right ear. He expressed his outrage at such an act occurring in the United States and affirmed his determination to continue his campaign. Trump also called for national unity and stressed the importance of remaining strong in the face of such events, attributing his survival to divine intervention.

International condemnation and support. President Joe Biden expressed relief that Trump was alive and well. He strongly condemned political violence. Many political leaders, both in the U.S. and internationally, expressed their support for Trump and their horror at the attack. French President Emmanuel Macron called the incident “a tragedy for our democracies”. Figures such as Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and international leaders also reacted, calling for peace and stability.