Hitman, Bystander Killed: What we know so far about the Donald Trump assassination attempt

An assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump occurred during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024.

The incident unfolded as Trump was delivering a speech to a large crowd of supporters.

What happened

Gunshots rang out, causing panic and chaos.

Secret Service agents swiftly moved to shield Trump and escort him off the stage.

Trump was reportedly shot in the ear.

Fatalities recorded

The shooter, who fired from an elevated position outside the venue, was shot dead by Secret Service agents.

Tragically, one bystander was killed, and two others were critically injured during the incident.

Trump escapes

Donald Trump was later reported to be "fine" after receiving treatment at a local medical facility.

Joe Biden reacts

President Joe Biden condemned the assassination attempt, calling on all Americans to denounce such "sick" violence.

He emphasized the need for unity and expressed relief that Trump was safe, stating, "We cannot allow this to be happening. We cannot condone this."

Biden also mentioned that he had spoken to Trump after the incident and was grateful for the swift action of the Secret Service.

Investigations and attacker’s identity

The FBI is leading the investigation into the attack, which is being treated as an assassination attempt.

The shooter has been tentatively identified as a Chinese sniper who fired from a rooftop outside the rally venue. Authorities are working to uncover the motive behind the attack and any potential connections the shooter may have had.

I just landed and missed an assignation attempt. Holy shit. What a bad ass reaction from Trump. The election is over. He's the next president. The Dems should give up. They can't beat him now. pic.twitter.com/omtbue191d

— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) July 13, 2024

I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery pic.twitter.com/ZdxkF63EqF

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 13, 2024

this BBC interview with a guy outside the security perimeter who claims he saw the shooter before he fired is absolutely wild pic.twitter.com/vJpKZTxSAe

— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) July 13, 2024

🚨 BREAKING: Donald Trump walks down the stairs of Trump Force One after surviving an assassination attempt

pic.twitter.com/E5g5wAJWmd

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) July 14, 2024