BUTLER, Pa — During a July 13 rally, former President Donald J. Trump was shot at in an attempted assassination.
Only a few short minutes into Trump’s rally speech, around 6 pm, at least five shots rang out.
Trump reportedly clutched his ear as dark-suited Secret Service agents dashed toward him. He dropped to the ground as the agents yelled, “Get down!” Thousands of rallygoers also dropped down.
Moments later, Trump stood as the Secret Service agents crowded around him, covering his body with their own. They tried to usher the former president offstage to his left as blood trickled from his ear. “Wait, wait, wait,” Trump said. He pumped his fist as the crowd cheered, and seemed to mouth the word “fight” before agents hustled him down the stairs and to a waiting black SUV. Trump pumped his fist one more time before getting inside.
The FBI quickly identified the shooter as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks.
The suspect, a resident of Bethel Park in Pennsylvania, was shot and killed by the Secret Service seconds after he allegedly fired shots toward the stage where Trump was speaking.
After the incident, Trump turned to social media, saying that a bullet “pierced the upper part” of his right ear before agents whisked him off stage. He also offered his condolences to the family of the rally attendee who was killed by the suspect.
In a new statement, Trump thanked people for their messages of support. “Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers yesterday, as it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening.”
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued the following statement in response to the attempted assassination:
”“I’m horrified by today’s shooting in Butler, Pa. that resulted in the death of a spectator at a political rally and injuries to others, including former President Donald Trump,” she said. “I condemn in the strongest possible terms political violence of any kind. I extend my deepest condolences to the family of the victim who lost their life today, and I pray for the full recovery of former President Trump and others who were hurt by this reprehensible act of gun violence."
Lujan Grisham also took the opportunity to condemn anyone who tries to solve political differences with violence.
“Americans must reject and denounce any attempt to resolve our political differences with bloodshed instead of democracy,” she said. “With a presidential election looming, we must redouble our commitment to respectful and constructive discourse, regardless of political affiliation. New Mexico will do its part to ensure the safety and security of all and to uphold the values of democracy, justice, and civility.”
New Mexico Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández also released a statement, stating she hoped Trump made a “speedy recovery.”
“I wish former President Trump a speedy recovery and send my prayers to him, his family, and anyone else who was affected by this cowardly act,” she said. “No matter how much we disagree, violence never has a place in our democracy.”
