Former President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where shots were fired by a gunman from an elevated position outside the venue. The Secret Service, responsible for Trump’s security, confirmed the incident, stating that the 78-year-old Republican leader took cover behind the podium as bullets flew.
According to reports, Donald Trump disclosed on his Truth Social platform that he heard a “whizzing sound” before feeling a bullet graze his right ear. A photograph capturing the moment, taken by a New York Times photographer, showed a bullet passing just behind Trump’s head. Despite the close call, Trump sustained minor injuries and managed to evade serious harm.
Photo by New York Times photographer Doug Mills shows bullet flying just behind Trump’s head. pic.twitter.com/0ncIBC0i1v
— The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) July 14, 2024
Tragically, one bystander was killed and two others critically injured in the shooting. Law enforcement officials indicated that the suspected shooter, who fired from a rooftop shed using an AR-style rifle approximately 200 to 300 feet away, was swiftly neutralized. The identity of the assailant remains undisclosed pending further investigation.
Eyewitnesses reported attempting to alert authorities about a suspicious individual armed with a rifle on a nearby roof moments before the gunfire erupted. Social media circulated images purportedly showing a man with a sniper rifle on the elevated platform.
Here is the latest information from our investigation. We are grateful to the Secret Service team and our law enforcement partners for their swift action. Our thoughts go out to the families affected by this tragedy. pic.twitter.com/E8FazqtUVZ
— Anthony Guglielmi (@SecretSvcSpox) July 14, 2024
In response to the incident, Trump’s campaign reassured the public of his well-being, stating, “President Donald Trump is doing well and grateful to law enforcement and first responders for their swift response.” The assassination attempt occurred just days before the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where Trump is set to be formally nominated as the party’s candidate for the upcoming presidential election on November 5.