A suspected gunman who opened fire during a Trump rallyon Saturday in Butler, Pennsylvania, wasfatally shot by a Secret Service sniper, authorities confirmed. The incident, which occurred around 6:15 p.m. local time, resulted inthe death of one rally attendee and critical injuries to two others, according to a Secret Service statement.
The suspect, armed with an AR-style rifle, was positioned on top of an elevated structure approximately 200 to 300 feet from the rally area, believed to be a shed, when he opened fire. Multiple shots rang out as former President Donald Trump was speaking on stage. Video footage showed Trump touching his ear and then crouching to the ground as Secret Service agents rushed to his aid. Blood was visible on his face as he stood and raised his fist to the crowd before being quickly escorted to his motorcade. The Secret Service later confirmed that Trump was safe.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump revealed that he had been “shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear.” He described the moment, saying, “I knew immediately that something was wrong as I heard a whizzing sound, felt the shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin.”
Investigation and concerns arise after fatal shooting at Trump rally
Authorities are treating the shooting as an attempted assassination. The FBI is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Secret Service and state and local agencies. Kevin Rojek, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Pittsburgh office, stated in a late-night news conference that officials were close to confirming the shooter’s identity but were not yet prepared to release that information. Rojek declined to speculate on a possible motive.
Disturbingly, images of the alleged shooter’s body have been circulating on social media, with one particularly graphic image showing the individual’s head being held up as if it were a trophy. This has sparked outrage and concern over the ethical implications of sharing such images online.
The Secret Service reported that the suspect was shot and killed by a member of their counter-assault team. The two law enforcement sources who spoke to CBS News confirmed this detail, adding that the suspect’s actions and subsequent fatal shooting by the sniper have prompted a thorough review of the security measures in place at such events.
As the investigation continues, officials are urging the public to refrain from sharing graphic images of the incident out of respect for the victims and their families. The FBI is asking anyone with information about the shooter or the shooting to come forward.