Former President Donald Trump survived a brazen assassination attempt Saturday evening as a 20-year-old gunman opened fire on a campaign rally, injuring Trump’s right ear and killing a spectator, officials said.
Trump was rushed off stage with blood dripping on his face after gunshots rang out at the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and the sniper, identified by the FBI as Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was killed by Secret Service agents. Two spectators were in serious condition.
Trump said he was shot in the ear and an email sent out late Saturday night from his campaign team quoted him saying “I will never surrender.”
Law enforcement authorities have identified the man who made an assassination attempt on Trump.
He is Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, according to the FBI.
A motive remains under investigation.
An FBI official said it’s “surprising” someone could find a location to fire shots against Trump.
FBI Special Agent Kevin Rojek, who runs the Pittsburgh office, pleaded for patience, saying answered questions are “really days, weeks and months of investigation” away from being answered.
Pressed about how a shooter could have reached a rooftop spot, Rojek said: “It is surprising, but again to get all the details of that will come out later in the investigation.”
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said on X that Trump left the Butler area “under the protection of US Secret Service and with the assistance of the Pennsylvania State Police.”
“Lori and I are thankful that his team reports that he is fine and we continue to wish him a full and speedy recovery,” he added.