Assassination Attempt on Former President Trump at Butler Rally: Shooter Killed, One Dead, Two Injured

By Janell Williams

An assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump occurred during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024. The assailant, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, fired multiple shots from an elevated position outside the rally venue. Trump was grazed by a bullet that pierced the upper part of his right ear. Tragically, one attendee was killed, and two others were critically injured before the shooter was neutralized by Secret Service agents.

Crooks, who had no previous criminal history, used an AR-style rifle purchased by his father. The motive behind the attack is still under investigation by the FBI.

The incident has sparked discussions about rally security and political rhetoric, with some pointing fingers at the heightened political climate as a contributing factor to the violence.

More updates to follow as this story develops.