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Donald Trump rally shooting updates — Video shows RNC security as former president to speak after assassination attempt
SECURITY is ramped up at the Republican National Convention (RNC) as Donald Trump is set to give his first public speech this week after a gunman attempted to assassinate him at his rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.
Footage of the RNC in Milwaukee shows miles of barricades, steel fencing, and armed cops and checkpoints for the event, which saw Trump announced as the Republican Party's nominee Monday.
Trump's pick for vice president was also revealed to be Senator JD Vance - a decision with added weight as the running mate will step up in case of an emergency like the one that was prevented this weekend.
Gunman Thomas Crooks, 20, fired at least eight shots toward the stage, killing a spectator and wounding Trump and two others in an attempt to assassinate the former president.
Trump suffered an injury to his ear and was seen bloodied as he was rushed off stage but is now doing well and in Milwaukee for the RNC.
While it's unclear if Trump will take the stage more than once, he's expected to speak Thursday on the last day of the convention.
Follow our Donald Trump rally shooting blog for news and updates...
Neighbors of gunman evacuated as cops swarm Crooks' home
The home of Thomas Matthew Crooks in Bethel Park has been surrounded by law enforcement.
Neighbors have reportedly been evacuated from their homes as an investigation into Crooks and the shooting is ongoing, per CBS News.
Cops shut down Milford Drive and woke up neighbors during the night to get them out of their properties.
Kelly Little who lives a few houses down from the three-bed home where Crooks is thought to have lived with his parents has revealed the details of what happened.
"They asked us to leave our house, they told us it was a state of emergency, no warning, just a knock on the door in the middle fo the night," she told the outlet.
"They told us we could come back in a couple of hours, likely."
Bethel Park Police confirmed that a bomb investigation is being carried out at the Crooks's property.
Milford Lane in Bethel Park has been shut down as cops swarm gunman's homeCredit: Google Resilient Trump vows to not 'allow evil to win' as he goes ahead with planned appearances
The former President has taken to Truth Social to confirm he will still be attending the Republican National Convention in Wisconsin this week.
"Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers yesterday, as it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening," he wrote in a post.
"We will FEAR NOT, but instead remain resilient in our Faith and Defiant in the face of Wickedness.
"Our love goes out to the other victims and their families. We pray for the recovery of those who were wounded and hold in our hearts the memory of the citizen who was so horribly killed.
"In this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand United, and show our True Character as Americans, remaining Strong and Determined, and not allowing Evil to Win.
"I truly love our Country and love you all, and look forward to speaking to our Great Nation this week from Wisconsin. DJT."
Former President Donald Trump will appear at the Republican National Convention this week, he has confirmedCredit: AP 'Drastic changes' will take place, former FBI agent says
Crooks was on a rooftop less than 150 meters away from his target when he attempted to assassinate Trump.
As eyewitnesses called it a "security failure" two former FBI agents have also expressed their shock at the situation.
Retired FBI field agent Bobby Chacon told CNN that the gunman was given "the perfect perch" to establish himself and take shots at the former president.
Former FBI agents have spoken out about behind-the-scenes details of the security situation at the rallyCredit: Getty The President's right ear was clipped by a bullet that was intended to end his lifeCredit: Getty "That building...is the closest building with a clear line of sight to where the stage was," he said.
"I'm shocked that they didn't have somebody on that roof."
Steve Moore, another retired FBI agent who was a sniper for two years added that the rooftop should not have been left unguarded.
"The fact that somebody allowed that roof to be unmonitored, unguarded" may have been a planning mishap, he said.
"They could have planned for that roof and maybe something happened in the planning or in the execution of the plan where it was left unguarded," he added.
He noted that agents at the scene may have had a "very obstructed view" of the suspect.
"You can't just say, 'Oh there's somebody over there on a roof' and shoot them," Moore said, adding that agents will have been waiting to see a weapon and that the roof may have been sloped or a wall may have partially blocked him from their view.
Nevertheless, he said that "drastic changes" are more than likely to take place including expanding the Secret Service's safety zone around such events.
"There are just too many ways that you can improve that situation," the former FBI agent said.
A satellite image shows the rally location in Butler, PennsylvaniaCredit: Reuters
Footage of shocking moment Crooks was shot by snipers
The moment Trump's would-be assassin was taken out by Secret Service agents was caught on video.
Footage showed snipers on a rooftop firing back at Crooks after he targeted the former President, clipping his ear with a bullet.
Trump can be heard addressing his supporters, starting his impassioned speech as gunshots rang out and the crowd ducked for cover.
Dramatic moment Secret Service snipers shoot dead Trump's would-be assassin from rooftop after he opened fire at rallyPolice snipers quickly returned fire at the gunman, killing him instantlyCredit: AP The former President was protected by his security detail and taken to the floor before he stood up and held a fist in the airCredit: AP Gunman's father speaks out
The father of gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks said he is looking into "what the hell is going on," when he briefly spoke to CNN on Saturday night.
Matthew Crooks refrained from further comment noting that he would "wait until I talk to to law enforcement."
The 2024 election would have been his son's first time having the right to vote.
Thomas Matthew Crooks was identified as the shooter a few hours after the assassination attempt Crooks was a registered Republican per state voter records though he also made a donation to a Democratic PACCredit: AP What to know about gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks
20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks was from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, about an hour's drive away from the site of the Rally.
He was shot and killed by Secret Service snipers and his attack is being investigated as an assassination attempt but a motive is still being sought.
Crooks was reportedly armed with an AR-style rifle, believed to be an AR-15, which he fired multiple times from the roof of a nearby structure.
He was not carrying any identification documents and was later identified with DNA.
Crooks did not have a criminal history, per Pennsylvania’s public court records.
Pennsylvania voter records list Thomas Matthew Crooks with the same personal details including address and date of birth as a registered Republican.
The records also show that he made a single donation of $15 to Democratic Political Action Committee ActBlue on January 20, 2021.
This was the day of President Joe Biden's inauguration.
Little else is known about Crooks other than he graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022 with a "star award" of $500 from the National Math and Science Initiative.
Former White House aid calls for investigation into Secret Service 'security failure'
Richard Painter, the former chief White House ethics lawyer in the George W. Bush administration has called for an investigation into the response of the Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies.
He told the BBC that there are "serious questions to be asked" regarding what happened in terms of security at the rally.
Officials and witnesses have criticized the response of the Secret Service and other law enforcement agenciesCredit: AP Speaking of his own time in the White House, the lawyer said he would have had a Secret Service perimeter enforced "as far as the eye can see."
"They certainly should have had police officers on that rooftop, cleared the area, made absolutely sure that they did not have a shooter up there," Painter said.
"Quite frankly, there really should be metal detectors at these rallies, people shouldn't be bringing guns anywhere near the place.
"There is going to be a lot of discussion about what the Secret Service did or didn't do that they should have done."
Meanwhile, at a press conference, Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi highlighted the swift reaction of agents at the rally.
"U.S. Secret Service quickly responded with protective measures and Former President Trump is safe," he said.
The FBI agent in charge of the Pittsburgh office said it was "surprising" that Crooks was able to fire multiple shots.
He was located 200 to 300 feet away on the roof of a shed outside of the Secret Service perimeter.
"It is incredibly difficult to have a venue open to the public and to secure that against any possible threat, against a very determined attacker," Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens added.
His comments come as eyewitness Greg Smith called the assassination attempt a "security failure" when speaking to the BBC about what happened.
After seeing the gunman and alerting cops, Smith recalled thinking "Why is Trump still speaking, why have they not pulled him off the stage" before five shots were fired from the rooftop.
"Why is there not Secret Service on all of these roofs here?" he asked.
"This is not a big place. "[It's a] security failure, 100% security failure."
Trump Campaign establishes donation page for shooting victims and relatives
Trump has authorized a GoFundMe page to raise money for the shooting victims and their families.
In six hours, the fundraiser has already received over $207,000 from its $1 million target with almost 3,000 donors so far.
The page was created by the Trump campaign's national finance director Meredith O'Rourke.
"President Donald Trump has authorized this account as a place for donations to the supporters and families wounded or killed in today’s brutal and horrific assassination attempt," the page states.
"All donations will be directed to these proud Americans as they grieve and recover. May God bless and unite our nation."
Blood-covered doctor's desperate attempt to save life of shooting victim
An emergency room doctor who was attending the rally has spoken out about his attempt to save the life of a victim of the shooting.
The blood-covered man told a CBS News reporter how he initially thought the gunshots were "firecrackers."
An off-duty doctor has detailed how he performed CPR on a gunshot victim as the rally descended into chaosCredit: Jake Rosen/CBS News "Somebody was screaming 'he's been shot, he's been shot' so I made my way over," he recalled.
After identifying himself to shocked bystanders as an emergency department physician, the doctor said, "Let me help you" after noticing that the victim had been "spun around" and was "jammed between the benches."
"He had a head shot...there was lots of blood and he had brain matter there."
As the doctor was speaking he said that a helicopter was arriving to pick up the victim.
He added that bystanders helped him get the man onto the bench where he then performed CPR and chest compressions.
One attendee died and two others were injured in the incident.
Their identities have not yet been released.
Donald Trump Rally Shooting Reaction
Dozens of politicians and celebrities have offered their support for the former president after he was reportedly grazed by gunfire at his Pennsylvania rally on July 13.
President Biden held a brief press conference just after 8 pm ET. He said he was hoping to speak to Trump.
"Look, there's no place in America for this kind of violence. It's sick," the president continued. "We cannot condone this."
Vice President Harris said she was "relieved" Trump was not seriously injured.
"Violence such as this has no place in our nation," she continued.
Former President Obama said on X: "There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy.
"Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics. Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery.
Donald Trump, Jr shared a photo of his father raising a fist moments after he was shot with the caption: "He'll never stop fighting to Save America."
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr said: "Now is the time for every American who loves our country to step back from the division, renounce all violence, and unite in prayer for President Trump and his family."
Tesla CEO Elon Musk said: "I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery."
Britain's new Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer took to X to say: "I am appalled by the shocking scenes at President Trump's rally and we send him and his family our best wishes.
"Political violence in any form has no place in our societies and my thoughts are with all the victims of this attack."
Reform leader and newly elected MP Nigel Farage said it is a "miracle" that his friend is still alive.
Farage told Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips: "I was very upset when I heard the news late last night, Donald Trump survived by a miracle, frankly.
"But one innocent man is dead, two are fighting for their lives in hospital. It's horrible, and yet somehow not surprising."
Former PM Boris Johnson also gave his condolences to Trump and his family as he said it shows "the tragic fragility of democracy in the face of violence and unreason".
Ukrainian PM Volodymyr Zelensky, who has been a target for assassins in the past, also said he was "appalled" by the events in the US.
"Such violence has no justification and no place anywhere in the world. Never should violence prevail," he said on X.
"I extend my wishes for strength to everyone who is horrified by this event. I wish America emerges stronger from this."
'I don't want to die' girl told attendees as bullets flew
Trump supporters Warren and Debbie have spoken out about the heartbreaking moment a young rally attendee feared for her life.
The pair told the BBC how they heard at least four gunshots and immediately got down on the ground.
"We couldn't believe it was happening," Warren told the news outlet.
Debbie recalled the moment a little girl in the crowd feared for her life saying that she did not want to die crying, "How is this happening to us?"
"That broke my heart," Debbie said.
Meanwhile, Greg Smith who was listening to the rally from outside and had seen the gunman, has spoken out about other terrified children.
"There were a lot of kids up there with us who were terrified, they're still terrified," he said.
The father added that his child was "crying and begging me to take him home" after the incident.
Children at the event were left 'terrified' and begging not to die during shootingCredit: AP 'We can see him!' - Witnesses recall seeing gunman minutes before shooting
An attendee called Greg Smith has recalled the moments leading up to the assassination attempt as he listened to the rally from outside.
He saw a person wearing "tan, tight clothing" "bear crawling" on the roof of a raised structure just five minutes before Trump took to the stage, he told the BBC.
"He had a rifle, we could clearly see him with a rifle," Smith said, adding that he immediately informed cops.
"We’re pointing at him, the police are down there running around on the ground – we’re like ‘hey man there’s a guy on the roof with a rifle’ and the police did not know what was going on."
"We're like, 'we can see him right here. We can see him!"
"The next thing you know I'm like why is Trump still speaking? Why have they not pulled him off the stage?"
Greg claimed he was pointing at the gunman for "two or three minutes" while the Secret Service was looking at him and fellow attendees.
"Next thing you know five shots rang out," he said.
In response, "Secret Service blew his head off," Smith added.
"They crawled up on the roof, they had their guns pointed at him to make sure he was dead. And that's it. It was over."
The gunman was taken out by snipers, officials confirmed.
A witness has spoken out about seeing the gunman crawling onto the roof before opening fireCredit: BBC The shooter was swiftly taken out by members of the Secret ServiceCredit: Pixel8000 Donald Trump Rally Shooting Timeline
Donald Trump was shot at during his Pennsylvania rally on July 13.
1pm: Doors open at the Butler Farm Show grounds where Trump was expected to speak at 5pm.
4:11pm: Sean Parnell gave the opening speech.
4:35pm: David McCormick rallied the crowd.
5:10pm: Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, later identified as the shooter, was first identified as a person of interest.
5:30pm: Crooks was spotted with a rangefinder.
5:30pm: Crowds were still waiting for Trump.
5:52pm: Crooks was spotted on the roof by Secret Service.
6:02pm: Trump takes the stage.
6:09pm: Two sniper teams posted on buildings to the north and south behind the rally stage repositioned and were locked on Crooks.
6:12pm: Gunshots were fired toward the stage as Trump delivered remarks.
6:12pm: Secret Service returns fire, confirming the shooter is dead.
6:12pm: Trump was ushered off stage by Secret Service agents.
6:42pm: Secret Service confirmed Trump is safe.
7:24pm: The shooter and one rally attendee are confirmed dead by law enforcement officials.
8:42pm: Trump confirms he was shot in the ear, sharing a statement on Truth Social.
8:49pm: The Secret Service confirms the shooter and a rally attendee are dead. Two others remain critically injured.
Shooter named as Thomas Matthew Crooks
The identity of the gunman has been confirmed as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania.
Bethel Park is around 40 miles south of the site of the rally.
Crooks was "neutralized" by Secret Service agents at the scene, the FBI's Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi confirmed.
The gunman was reportedly armed with an AR-style rifle which he fired from the roof of an elevated structure less than 150 metres away from the former President.
Crooks was not carrying any identification documents and was later identified with his DNA, Special Agent Kevin Rojek said.
The FBI is still investigating a motive.
Pennsylvania voter records list Thomas Matthew Crooks with the same personal details including address and date of birth as a registered Republican.
However, according to NBC News, it is unclear how up-to-date these records are.
Crooks did not have a criminal history, per Pennsylvania’s public court records.
Trump Speaks Out
The former President took to Truth Social just hours after being shot at to thank the response of the Secret Service and to pay his respects to the rally attendee who died.
"I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania," he said.
"Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured.
"It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country.
"Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead.
"I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear," he continued.
"I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin.
"Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening.
"GOD BLESS AMERICA!"
Trump Rally Security
Donald Trump was shot at during his Pennsylvania rally on Saturday, June 13.
There were 8-10 metal detectors at the Butler Farm Grounds, according to Former USUN Ambassador Kip Tom.
The grounds can hold tens of thousands of people.
Tom told CNN that anyone within a certain distance of the president was required to enter through those metal detectors.
Despite being held at an open fairground, the rally was fenced-in, meaning a perimeter was set up.
In addition to metal detectors for the public, plus local and state police, the Secret Service is assigned to protect the president.
Secret Service agents immediately jumped to cover Trump after he appeared to be shot.
"We have practiced for these situations thousands of times," Jonathan Wackrow, former agent, told CNN.
CNN also reported that the Secret Service shot and killed the reported shooter.
The Secret Service has the lead on the investigation at this time.
The FBI will assume the larger investigation, working in tandem with the Secret Service.
Inside look of Trump on the ground after shooting
Below is a picture of Donald Trump after being tackled on the ground by Secret Service members after his ear was grazed by a bullet at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Secret Service tends to Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump onstage at rally in Butler, PACredit: Getty How should Biden's campaign react to shooting
Despite the shooting having an obvious impact on the Trump campaign, Brett explained how President Joe Biden's administration also has to react at this time.
"I think on the Biden campaign side, it's clear they have to take a step back. They hold off their external communications, pulling down their ads.
"And they too will have to determine how best to proceed in what is a fairly unprecedented political environment in which you have one candidate that has survived an assassination attempt, who will be continuing their campaign, and another who is under enormous pressure to drop out.
"Whether or not the effect of this is that Trump ends up moving ahead in the polls and that leads more Democrats to realize that a change is needed at the top of the ticket remains to be seen but it definitely is in the realm of possibility at this point."
Former White House official comments on ‘assassination attempt,’ part two
"This ought to be a pivotal point where Americans recognize that our politics is geared into a really dangerous spot.
"The combustible style of communications that we employ both on the Left and the Right is what unfortunately leads individuals to act out, in some cases, in violent ways."
Following the apparent shooting, Trump was rushed off the stage and sent to a local hospital, where his team confirmed that he was doing okay.
One member of the audience was killed and the shooter is dead, according to Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger.
Trump has since been released from the hospital and is in "good spirits," according to his son Donald Trump Jr.
Former White House official comments on 'assassination attempt'
The alleged assassination attempt on Donald Trump could spark retaliatory attacks, a former Barack Obama aide has told The U.S. Sun.
The 45th president was seen with blood running down his face after his ear was grazed with a bullet at his rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday evening.
Former White House Director of Global Engagement during the Obama administration, Brett Bruen, spoke to The U.S. Sun about how the alleged attack could impact the upcoming election and the state of the country as a whole.
"Both from a sympathetic standpoint, from a symbolic standpoint of strength, it will have benefits for former President Trump," he explained.
"I think we've already seen just in the last hour or so how those associated with the campaign, including Don Jr, have accused the "radical Left" of being behind the attack.
"I think there is a real danger here that we could see retaliatory acts of violence and then the Trump campaign, those in the MAGA movement, really ought to reflect and reassess their rhetoric so as not to incite more attacks or violence.
Donald Trump shouts for shoes
Donald Trump could be heard shouting for his shoes as he was rushed from the stage after a suspected assassination attempt earlier today.
The former president was left bloodied but kept his composure and raised a fist to his supporters as he was led away from a reported sniper at his rally in Pennsylvania.
Trump could be heard stopping his Secret Service agents and saying "Let me get my shoes" before he was hurried to his car.
He continued putting on a brave face by defiantly putting up a fist in the air and shouting "fight fight" as he left the stage to signal he was okay to the crowd.
FBI was 'monitoring'
FBI said they were "monitoring" Saturday's rally but only took over once the incident occurred.
The press conference has now ended.
Call FBI with any information
Investigators are looking for any information regarding Saturday's attempted assassination.
Anyone with information can call the tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
FBI names greatest priority
The FBI says their greatest priority is "identifying the motive and whether or not there was anyone else involved."
Agents said it's unclear if the shooter was a "lone wolf."