New details from the US Secret Service
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa.
Evan Vucci | AP
The U.S. Secret Service released an new statement on the shooting at the Trump rally:
“During former President Trump’s campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on the evening of July 13th at approximately 6:15 p.m., a suspected shooter fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside of the rally venue.
“US Secret Service personnel neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased. US Secret Service quickly responded with protective measures and the former president is safe and being evaluated. One spectator was killed, two spectators were critically injured.
“The incident is currently under investigation and the Secret Service has formally notified the Federal Bureau of Investigation.”
– Josephine Rozzelle
Ivanka Trump thanks law enforcement, says ‘I love you Dad, today and always’
Ivanka Trump, the former president’s eldest daughter, in a social media post thanked those who have shared “love and prayers for my father and for the other victims of today’s senseless violence in Butler, Pennsylvania.”
“I continue to pray for our country,” her post read. “I love you Dad, today and always.”
— Kevin Breuninger
Trump on Truth Social says he felt a ‘bullet ripping through the skin’
Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump gestures as he is assisted by security personnel after gunfire rang out during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pennsylvania, U.S., July 13, 2024.
Brendan Mcdermid | Reuters
Several hours after the shooting, Donald Trump took to Truth Social to send condolences to the families of the members of the crowd who were killed and injured.
He also relayed his memory of the experience: “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.”
He thanked the Secret Service and law enforcement officials who rapidly responded at the scene and reiterated that the shooter was dead, though he said he did not have further information.
“It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country,” Trump added.
— Rebecca Picciotto
Secret Service requests FBI’s assistance in investigation
The U.S. Secret Service has requested the FBI’s assistance in investigating the shooting at former President Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.
“FBI personnel are on the scene in Butler, Pennsylvania and the FBI will continue to work jointly with the U.S. Secret Service as the investigation moves forward,” the FBI said in a statement.
The Secret Service also requested the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office ,two senior U.S. law enforcement officials told NBC.
– Josephine Rozzelle
Trump campaign is in a ‘communications lockdown’
A statement by Trump Campaign spokesman Steven Cheung is seen on an email circulated by his campaign after gunfire rang out at the Butler Farm Show where Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump was holding a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, U.S., July 13, 2024.
Trump Campaign | Via Reuters
The Trump campaign went into “a complete communications lockdown,” according to a message to staff obtained by NBC News.
“Everything is OK,” wrote James Blair, Trump campaign and Republican National Committee political director. “Anyone who speaks with the press, even on background or off the record, will be found and terminated immediately.”
“Refrain from commenting, speculating, posting on social media, etc. Complete and total lockdown,” Blair added. “Your personal safety is of the utmost importance. Please exercise extreme caution during this time.”
— Rebecca Picciotto
