Following the shooting death of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, the suspected shooter’s motive is under investigation. According to officials, explosives were found in the 20-year-old’s car. Trump, who suffered minor injuries in the attack in Butler, Pennsylvania, called for unity.
This live ticker was broadcast on ZIB Spezial, ORF2, July 14, 2024.
A 20-year-old man from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was involved in the shooting, the US Federal Police told the FBI. He recently registered as a Republican and has donated to the Democratic Party at least once in the past. The suspected attacker left no traces on social networks.
The weapon recovered at the scene — an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle — belonged to the 20-year-old father. US media reported that he kept it legally, citing officials.
Trump: “We are not afraid of ourselves”
Hours after the attack, Trump wrote on the Truth Community site he co-founded that “only God prevented the unthinkable.” “We will not be afraid, but we will stand firm in our faith and stand up to evil,” Trump continued. He said it was “more important than ever” for Republicans to stick together and show “our true character as Americans.” He wants to “speak to our great nation” this week in Milwaukee.
The incident happened minutes after Trump began his speech to his supporters in the US state of Pennsylvania. The suspected shooter opened fire from an “elevated position” outside the venue.
Injury to right ear
Trump wrote on Truth Social that a bullet hit him above his right ear. Standing upright, backed by Secret Service security guards, he left the stage with bleeding ears.
He raised his fist in the air. Trump underwent a medical examination. Hours later, his campaign team released a video showing him descending the stairs as his plane arrived in New Jersey.
Biden condemned the attack
US President Joe Biden, who may run against Trump in the US presidential election, has condemned the attack. “There is no place for this kind of violence” in America, he said. The act was condemned internationally across all political camps.
