US President Joe Biden condemned the violent attack on Donald Trump, saying that “there is no place in America for this kind of violence.”
Trump Assassination Bid: US President Joe Biden spoke with his Republican rival Donald Trump following an assassination bid at the latter at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. A CNN report, citing White House sources said Biden decided to cut short his weekend visit to his Delaware home and will be returning to Washington DC.
Biden, who was originally scheduled to stay in Delaware until Monday and travel directly to Texas for events, also spoke to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Butler Mayor Bob Dandoy, the White House said.
“Tonight, the President is returning to Washington, DC. Tomorrow morning at the White House, he will receive an updated briefing from homeland security and law enforcement officials,” a White House official said in a statement.
Trump assassination bid
Republican candidate and former US President Donald Trump was on stage at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania when gunshots rang out and Secret Service agents stormed the stage and escorted him from the scene, The Hill reported.
A defiant Trump, with blood smeared on his face from the bullet which pierced his ear, raised his fist towards the crowd as he was escorted off the stage by law enforcement personnel. Trump later said that the bullet pierced the upper part of his ear.
In a statement, the US Secret Service said a spectator was killed and another critically injured in the shooting and the incident is being investigated.
Earlier, Biden condemned the violent attack on Trump, saying that “there is no place in America for this kind of violence.” Speaking from Delaware, Biden described the attack as “sick” and emphasised the need for unity to prevent such incidents.
“It’s sick; it’s one of the reasons we have to unite this country,” he continued, adding, “We cannot allow for this to be happening. We cannot be like this; we cannot condone this.”
Shooted identified
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has identified the gunman involved in the assassination attempt against Donald Trump as Thomas Matthew Crooks. It further said that an investigation is underway into the shooting incident.
“The FBI has identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20 of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the subject involved in the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania,” the FBI said.
“This remains an active and ongoing investigation, and anyone with information that may assist with the investigation is encouraged to submit photos or videos online at FBI.gov/butler or call 1-800-CALL-FBI,” it added.
‘Surprising’ how gunman fired multiple shots: FBI
Addressing a news conference, FBI special agent in charge of the Pittsburgh office, Kevin Rojek, said that it was “surprising” that the gunman was able to fire multiple shots during the rally in Butler.
On being asked whether law enforcement only knew (the gunman was on the roof) when shots were fired, is that what you’re hearing, Rojek responded, “That is the assessment at this time,” CNN reported.
He further said, “We’re still working through the security apparatus that the Secret Service had in place, what potentially happened.”
He said that there would be a long investigation conducted on what exactly happened, how the individual was able to get access to the location, and what type of weapon he had.
Lt Col George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police stated that the investigation would allow authorities to “take a look at where any failures occurred and what can be done better in the future,” CNN reported.
While addressing a news conference in Butler, Pennsylvania, authorities said the victims of the shooting have been identified. However, details regarding the incident have not been publicly shared.
One of the rally attendees was killed, while two more were critically injured. The gunman was also killed by Secret Service agents.
Bivens said that all three were adult men. He said, “We have notified a number of family members, but they have not had an opportunity to notify extended family.” He further said that gunshots had been “scattered,” and weren’t hitting just one location in the crowd, according to CNN report.
Meanwhile, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said former Trump left the Butler area immediately after the shooting incident.
“Under the protection of the US Secret Service and with the assistance of the Pennsylvania State Police, former President Trump has now left the Butler area. Lori and I are thankful that his team reports that he is fine and we continue to wish him a full and speedy recovery. We mourn the loss of life and pray for the two victims who are being treated at this time,” Shapiro posted on X.
(With inputs from agencies)