Donald Trump was rushed offstage after shots were fired at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday evening. Trump reported on social media that he was injured when a bullet pierced the upper part of his right ear.
The U.S. Secret Service confirmed that Trump is now safe. He was checked at a local hospital and released a few hours later. Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., informed CBS News’ Robert Costa that his father is “doing fine.”
The Secret Service reported that two people, including the gunman and an audience member, are dead, and two spectators were critically injured. State police stated that the victims were all men, but their names have not been released.
“U.S. Secret Service personnel neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased,” the agency stated.
Reporters on the scene heard numerous shots, and Secret Service agents rushed the stage. Video footage captured by CBS News shows Trump touching his ear before crouching to the ground, with some blood visible on his face.
Trump was quickly taken away in a motorcade.
In an early Sunday morning statement, the FBI identified the shooter as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, located just outside Pittsburgh.
At a late-night news conference on Saturday, Kevin Rojek, special agent in charge of the FBI Pittsburgh office, declined to speculate on a motive but said authorities are investigating the shooting as an “attempted assassination.” The FBI is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Secret Service and state and local agencies.
Law enforcement sources told CBS News that the suspect was using an AR-style rifle from 200-300 feet away, shooting from the top of a shed outside the security perimeter set up by the Secret Service.
Rojek remarked that it was “surprising” the gunman was able to fire multiple shots. When pressed by reporters, he refused to provide further details on the shooting or the investigation. He disclosed that suspicious packages were identified near where the shooter was positioned, prompting the deployment of bomb assets as a precaution.
He did not confirm whether any such packages were found.
“Right now, we’re tracking down all leads, conducting interviews, and following up on any related suspicious locations and vehicles,” Rojek stated.
Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens commented on the challenges of securing an open public venue against determined attackers, praising the Secret Service’s efforts.
Earlier, Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement, “The Secret Service has implemented protective measures, and the former President is safe.” The agency released more details in a second statement:
“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. U.S. Secret Service personnel neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased. 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.”
The Trump campaign issued a statement, “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.” Trump was released from the hospital later that night.
