Washington, USA: Two people, including the suspected shooter, have been confirmed dead following an attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at his campaign rally in Pennsylvania. The incident occurred around 6:10 p.m. on Saturday as Trump was addressing a crowd of approximately 50,000 people. Shots rang out, causing Trump to react and duck as Secret Service agents shielded him. Amid the chaos, voices commanded attendees to get down, and agents secured the stage.


Trump, who suffered a bullet wound to his right ear, was quickly evacuated. He later posted on Truth Social, confirming his injury and expressing gratitude to law enforcement for their swift response. He also extended condolences to the families of the deceased and injured.


House Speaker Mike Johnson announced a full investigation, emphasizing the need for transparency. The Secret Service agreed to brief the House Oversight Committee, while retired Secret Service Supervisor Bobby McDonald suggested the incident would prompt a review of security protocols.


The FBI identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. Crooks, who was not an attendee, fired from an elevated position outside the venue. Authorities are investigating whether he acted alone. Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger confirmed the shooter’s death and that of one rally attendee, with two others critically injured.


Law enforcement is still determining how the shooter accessed his position and continues to gather details about the incident and the individuals involved.