Former US President, Donald Trump was shot in the ear during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, an incident that has significantly intensified the 2024 presidential race.
The FBI identified the suspect as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. Crooks was killed by law enforcement after the attack, which also resulted in the death of one rally attendee and injuries to two others.
Trump was quickly escorted off the stage by Secret Service agents, his face streaked with blood. “I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear,” Trump later posted on his Truth Social platform. “Much bleeding took place.”
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from global leaders. President Joe Biden stated, “There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy added, “Such violence has no justification and no place anywhere in the world. Never should violence prevail.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her shock, saying, “Political violence has no place in a democracy,” while offering her condolences to the family of the deceased spectator.
The attack has raised serious questions about security protocols at political events. A former Secret Service agent, Joseph LaSorsa, commented, “There will be an intensive review of the incident and a massive realignment of security measures. This cannot happen.”
In response to the shooting, a House panel has summoned U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle for a hearing scheduled for July 22. “Americans demand answers about the assassination attempt of President Trump,” the panel stated.
As the investigation continues, Trump remains under increased protection, with security measures akin to those for a sitting president.
