On July 13, 2024, a devastating event shook the United States as former President Donald Trump was shot and wounded during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The attempted assassination sent shockwaves across the nation, sparking widespread condemnation and a thorough investigation into the incident.
The rally, held at the Butler Farm Show Grounds, was part of Trump’s presidential campaign. As he took the stage, a gunman, later identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, opened fire from the roof of a nearby building. Trump was struck in the upper right ear and suffered minor injuries ¹.
The Secret Service sprang into action, shielding Trump and escorting him off the stage. The gunman, Crooks, was shot and killed by a Secret Service counter-sniper team. The incident resulted in two fatalities, including Crooks, and seven injuries, three of whom were wounded by gunfire ¹.
The investigation into the shooting revealed that Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, had purchased the rifle used in the attack from his father. He had also practiced with the rifle at a shooting range just days before the incident ¹.
The security arrangements at the rally have come under scrutiny, with questions raised about how Crooks was able to access the roof of the building without being detected. The Secret Service has faced criticism for its handling of the incident, with some calling for increased security measures to protect major candidates ¹.
In the aftermath of the shooting, President Joe Biden ordered an independent review of the security arrangements and condemned the violence. Trump, meanwhile, made his first public appearance after the shooting at the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he wore a bandage on his ear ¹.
The incident has sparked a national conversation about the safety of public figures and the need for increased security measures. As the investigation into the shooting continues, one thing is clear: the attempted assassination of Donald Trump was a shocking and disturbing event that has left the nation reeling.
Timeline of Events
- July 7, 2024: Thomas Matthew Crooks visits the Butler Farm Show grounds, the site of the future campaign rally.
- July 12, 2024: Crooks practices with his rifle at a shooting range.
- July 13, 2024: Crooks buys a ladder and 50 rounds of ammunition before driving to the rally site.
- 6:03 p.m.: Trump arrives onstage at the rally.
- 6:05 p.m.: Trump begins speaking.
- 6:11 p.m.: Crooks opens fire from the roof of a nearby building, striking Trump and three others.
- 6:11:49 p.m.: A Secret Service counter-sniper team kills Crooks.
Investigation and Aftermath
- The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) launches an investigation into the shooting.
- The Secret Service faces criticism for its handling of the incident.
- President Joe Biden orders an independent review of the security arrangements.
- Trump makes his first public appearance after the shooting at the 2024 Republican National Convention.
