TRUMP SURVIVES ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT; 2 DEAD INCLUDING SHOOTER
Update July 14, 2024--The shooter has been identified as Matthew Cook, 20, a registered Republican from Pennsylvania.The rifle, an AR-15, was reportedly legally purchased by Cook's father. Motive for the shooting remains unknown as the investigation continues.
By Miriam Raftery
Photo: Screenshot from NBC video--Secret Agents usher injured former President Trump to safety after shooting.
July 13, 2024 (San Diego) – Gunfire erupted at a Donald Trump rally late today in Pennsylvania, injuring the former President’s ear. One audience member was killed and two others seriously injured, according to the U.S. Secret Service, which killed the gunman.
Video on multiple TV networks showed the presumptive Republican presidential nominee clutching his ear, blood on his face, moments after several shots were heard.Trump dropped to the ground below the podium as the crowd erupted in panic, many ducking for cover.
Secret Service agents huddled around Trump, who raised a fist in the air as agents hustled him our of the open-air venue. He was later treated at a hospital for what his campaign described as a minor injury, assuring that he plans to attend the Republican National Convention which begins Monday.
A Trump spokesperson, Steven Cheung, said Trump “thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act,” adding that the former president is “fine” and being checked out at a medical facility.
The identity of the gunman, who was atop a nearby building, has not been released. Nor has the identity of the audience member killed or those injured been disclosed.
Trump posted on his Truth Social platform after the shooting, “I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear,” adding, “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.”
President Joe Biden, briefed on the assassination attempt, issued a statement. “There’s no place in America for this kind of violence. It’s sick,” said Biden, who added that he tried to reach Trump but that Trump was with his doctors.
Locally, San Diego Congressional members spoke out after the shooting. Republican Darrell Issa posted on X, “Pray for President Trump.”
Democrat Mike Levin wished Trump a speedy recovery and stated,”Political violence has no place in our democracy and should never be the answer to settle our differences.” Democrats Scott Peters and Johan Vargas also denounced political violence, with Peters thanking the Secret Service for their actions and Vargas offering thoughts and prayers for Trump and others who were injured.
San Diego’s Catholic Bishop Cornelius Bowser Sr. called for action to reduce gun violence.
“Even the most powerful government in the world can’t shield a former president from gun violence,” he posted on X. “If our leaders can’t keep a presumptive nominee safe, what chance do ordinary Americans have? We must address our nation’s devastating gun violence epidemic NOW.”