FBI, Secret Service Issue Stunning Statements Following Trump Attack
The FBI has officially classified the shooting attack on former President Donald Trump shortly after his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, began on Saturday afternoon as an “assassination attempt.” However, the bureau has yet to determine the motive behind the attack.
In their statement, the FBI confirmed the incident as an “assassination attempt,” but the motive remains unknown. At a press conference, Pennsylvania State Police mentioned that one shooter has been “tentatively identified,” according to Axios.
Anthony Guglielmi, the chief of communications for the U.S. Secret Service, issued a statement on Saturday evening.
“During former President Trump’s campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on the evening of July 13th at approximately 6:15 p.m., a suspected shooter fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside of the rally venue,” he said. “US Secret Service personnel neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased. US Secret Service quickly responded with protective measures and the former president is safe and being evaluated. One spectator was killed, two spectators were critically injured. The incident is currently under investigation, and the Secret Service has formally notified the Federal Bureau of Investigation.”
Trump’s senior advisers, Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita, confirmed that Trump still plans to attend the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, which begins on Monday.
“As was communicated earlier this evening, President Trump is doing well and grateful to law enforcement and first responders for their fast action,” they said. “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.”
They added: “As our party’s nominee, President Trump will continue to share his vision to Make America Great Again.”
A video of former President Donald Trump following what reports describe as an “assassination attempt” shortly after he began a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday quickly went viral on social media.
The footage shows Trump disembarking “Trump Force One,” his campaign plane, at night, hours after the failed attempt on his life.
During the descent from the plane’s steps, he can be seen waving as vigilant Secret Service agents stay on high alert, with a heavily armed police officer standing guard.
WATCH:
Initial reports on Sunday indicated that the FBI had identified the deceased shooter, but details about the alleged assassin remain scant.
In comments after the attack, Trump confirmed he was “shot with a bullet” that “pierced” the upper part of his right ear, according to Fox News.
“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,” Trump stated on his Truth Social platform Saturday evening. “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. It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country.”
He provided another update shortly afterward: “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. 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.”
4o