Washington: The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is leading the investigation into a shooting incident at former US President Donald Trump's rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday. The FBI Pittsburgh Field Office responded immediately, deploying crisis response team members and evidence response technicians. The agency is committed to utilizing all its resources in support of this probe and has urged anyone with information to come forward.
In a statement on X, the FBI said, "The FBI has assumed the role of the lead federal law enforcement agency in the investigation of the incident involving former President Donald Trump that occurred earlier today in Butler, Pennsylvania. Special agents of the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office responded immediately, to include crisis response team members and evidence response technicians. We will continue to support this investigation with the full resources of the FBI, alongside our partners at the US Secret Service and state and local law enforcement. Anyone with information that may assist with the investigation is asked to call our tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI."
During the rally, gunshots rang out, and Secret Service agents stormed the stage, surrounding Trump and escorting him off. The Hill reported that blood was visible on Trump's face as he raised his fist towards the crowd while being escorted away. The US Secret Service later confirmed that one spectator was killed and another critically injured in the incident. The shooter, who was neutralized by Secret Service personnel, is also dead. Hours after the shooting, Trump revealed that the bullet had pierced the upper part of his ear.
Senior advisers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles assured that Trump is "doing well" and looking forward to attending the Republican convention in Milwaukee. The convention is set to begin on Monday, where Trump will formally accept his party's nomination on Thursday night. "As was communicated earlier this evening, President Trump is doing well and grateful to law enforcement and first responders for their fast action. President Trump looks forward to joining you all in Milwaukee as we proceed with our convention to nominate him to serve as the 47th President of the United States. As our party's nominee, President Trump will continue to share his vision to Make America Great Again," they stated.
In his first account of the incident, Trump expressed gratitude to the US Secret Service and law enforcement for their rapid response. He offered condolences to the families of the deceased and injured. On Truth Social, Trump posted, "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. Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured. It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA."
Law enforcement sources told CBS News that the suspect used an AR-style rifle from a distance of 200-300 feet, shooting from atop a shed outside the security perimeter. US Representative Mike Kelley of Pennsylvania, who was backstage during the rally, reported that several people, including a woman next to him, were hit.
President Joe Biden condemned the attack, calling it "sick" and emphasizing the need for unity. Speaking from Delaware, Biden stated, "There is no place in America for this kind of violence. It's sick; it's one of the reasons we have to unite this country. We cannot allow for this to be happening. We cannot be like this; we cannot condone this."
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