Assassination Attempt on Donald Trump Disrupts Campaign Rally
Former US President Donald Trump was abruptly evacuated from the stage during a campaign rally after an assassination attempt.
Chaos erupted at the Pennsylvania event when gunshots rang out as Trump addressed the crowd. Trump, who appeared with a bloodied ear and was later seen defiantly pumping his fist, claimed he was shot in the ear.
The incident occurred at the Butler Farm Show Grounds, located approximately 30 miles (50 km) north of Pittsburgh, on Saturday. Loud gunshots interrupted the rally, causing widespread panic.
Map Showing Layout of Butler Farm Show Grounds
The alleged shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was one of two individuals killed in the incident. Two others sustained critical injuries.
According to the US Secret Service, Crooks fired “multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position” before being fatally shot by agents. Video footage from the rally shows law enforcement snipers positioned on a rooftop behind Trump’s speaking area, though it remains unclear if they fired the fatal shots.
Reuters Image: Law Enforcement Snipers Positioned on a Rooftop Behind the Stage
The shooter had taken position on a rooftop approximately 130 meters (430 feet) from Trump’s location. A witness informed the BBC that the gunman might have been concealed by the roof’s slope, making him difficult for authorities to spot.
Image Showing Proximity of the Gunman to Trump and the Scene Post-Shooting
When the shots were fired, Trump instinctively reached for his face before ducking as Secret Service agents quickly surrounded him. As they escorted him to his motorcade, Trump turned towards the crowd. With blood streaming from his right ear, he repeatedly pumped his fist in the air in a show of resilience.
