Donald Trump, former President of the United States, was slightly injured during an assassination attempt on July 13, 2024, at 6:11 PM (UTC−04:00) during a campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania.
The shooter, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, opened fire. Trump urged Americans to stay united after this tragic incident.
Republican lawmakers quickly blamed the Secret Service. They accused Joe Biden of inciting violence. According to them, Biden’s recent statements had exacerbated political tensions.
The Vatican expressed its concern over this attack. They condemned all forms of political violence.
For its part, Moscow firmly denounced the use of violence in politics. It also refuted the idea of any involvement by the American government.
The investigation is ongoing, and the Secret Service denied having refused additional resources to protect Trump. James Comer, chairman of the House Oversight Committee, summoned the director of the Secret Service to clarify the facts.
This attack revives the debate on the security of political figures. It raises questions about the impact of violent rhetoric in American political discourse. The incident marks a turning point in the American presidential campaign. It reinforces the already existing polarization and poses new challenges for the candidates in the race.
The shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old man from Bethel Park, was shot dead by Secret Service agents. He fired several shots from an elevated position outside the rally.
This disturbing act recalls the dark memories of the fatal attack on President Kennedy in 1963. It also evokes the assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan by a psychopath in love with actress Jodie Foster.
These events shock the entire world, even though it is well known that many American citizens remain armed.