- PRAYER ALERT: Shots Fired at Former President Trump
The former president was speaking at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
Image from Evan Vucci/AP.
President Trump has left Pennsylvania and is under the protection of the Secret Service. He is doing well and is recovering at this time.
NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENTIAL PRAYER TEAM
Every day, The Presidential Prayer calls our nation to pray for our leaders. This includes praying for the safety, health, and protection of both current and former presidents and their families. As we witnessed today, even in this action of evil, God has answered our prayers. Let us remember to thank Him and acknowledge His role in protecting former President Donald Trump.UPDATE July 14th, 12:10 AM EDT
The special agent in charge of the FBI’s Pittsburgh field office, Kevin Rojek, announced in a press conference, “This evening, we had what we’re calling an assassination attempt against our former President Donald Trump. It’s still an active crime scene.” He continued by saying that the authorities are “working feverishly to attempt to identify the individual who did this and any motives behind why this was done.”
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro announced that the former president had left Pennsylvania and was “under the protection of US Secret Service and with the assistance of the Pennsylvania State Police.” He added, “Lori and I are thankful that his team reports that he is fine and we continue to wish him a full and speedy recovery.”
UPDATE July 13th, 10:30 PM EDT
The White House announced that President Joe Biden spoke with former President Trump over the phone.
President Biden also spoke with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Butler Mayor Bob Dandoy. Mayor Dandoy said, “He offered anything they can do for us, and I offered the same.”
UPDATE July 13th, 9:30 PM EDT
Former presidents released statements unilaterally condemning the act and calling for prayer.
Former President Barak Obama “There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy. Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics. Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery.”
Former President George W. Bush released a statement saying, “Laura and I are grateful that President Trump is safe following the cowardly attack on his life. And we commend the men and women of the Secret Service for their speedy response.”
Former President Bill Clinton wrote, “Violence has no place in America, especially in our political process. Hillary and I are thankful that President Trump is safe, heartbroken for all those affected by the attack at today’s rally in Pennsylvania, and grateful for the swift action of the U.S. Secret Service.”
UPDATE July 13th, 8:55 PM EDT
Former President Trump confirmed on social media that a bullet grazed his right ear but that he was otherwise unharmed. “I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania,” he added.
President Joe Biden delivered remarks to the press.
“The bottom line is, the Trump rally was a rally that should have been able to be conducted peacefully and without any problem,” President Biden said as part of his address. “But the idea – the idea – that there’s political violence, or violence in America like this, is just unheard of, it’s just not appropriate.” He added, “Everyone must condemn it.”
UPDATE July 13th, 8:50 PM EDT
The United States Secret Service issued a statement detailing the events and confirmed that the shooter was killed.
UPDATE July 13th, 8:00 PM EDT
President Joe Biden said after receiving the news, “I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well. I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally,” He added, “There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it.” He added, “
Vice President Kamala Harris also condemned the shooting and echoed those words, “We are praying for him, and his family.”
UPDATE July 13th, 7:30 PM EDT
Moments after President Trump began speaking at his campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, popping noises that sounded like gunshots were reported. The former president was seen grabbing the side of his face and then ducking behind the podium as Secret Service covered him.
Although bleeding near his ear, President Trump rose to his feet with the assistance of the Secret Service and pumped his fist into the air to cheers from the shocked crowd of nearly 30,000 people. He was defiant as he told the protecting contingent he needed to get his shoes.
There are reports that microphones near the stage picked up an unidentified person saying, “shooter down.” The Secret Service moved him quickly into the motorcade vehicles, and Trump was rushed from the scene.
The Secret Service has reported that there was an “incident” at the rally, and that the president is “safe.”
Trump is being checked out at a local medical facility. The Whitehouse has said that President Biden has been briefed.
This story is still breaking and being developed as new information becomes available.
- For President Trump and those attending to him, as well as his family.
- For the Secret Service and law enforcement officials as they investigate.
- For those in attendance who might have been hurt amidst the chaos.
Sources: CNN, Fox News, ABC News, AP, MSNBC, NBC News, Reuters, White House, Secret Service, Image shared by supporters of the former president on X
We Pray For America!
