PENNSYLVANIA (WVDN) – In a moment that shocked a nation, bullets flew at a rally held by former president and presumptive GOP candidate Donald Trump on Saturday, July 13. According to reports, Trump was struck in the upper part of his right ear, while other rounds hit bystanders attending the rally. One individual sadly did not survive, while two others were taken to the hospital in critical condition. On July 14, the status of the two injured victims was upgraded to “stable.”
The shooter, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, fired multiple rounds. According to local media, Crooks was killed moments after opening fire by law enforcement.
The family of the shooter is reportedly cooperating with law enforcement. Allegedly, Crooks had no known history of mental illness and was described as “lonely” and “quiet.” The gun used in the shooting was registered to Crooks’ father and was legally purchased. No motive has been reported.
Lt. Col. George Bivens with the Pennsylvania State Police is quoted as saying, “Law enforcement, I believe, acted heroically, quickly identifying and neutralizing the threat as well as responding to assist the various victims.”
After being treated at an area medical facility, Donald Trump issued his first statement regarding the assassination attempt. He said, “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!”
President Biden addressed the nation on July 14 calling on all Americans to “take a step back.” He stated, “We can’t allow this violence to be normalized. The political rhetoric in this country has gotten very heated. It’s time to cool it down. We have a responsibilty to do this.”
Since the shooting, the internet has been ablaze with comments from all sides of the political landscape. From conspiracies to well wishes for Trump’s health, the topic continues to center around this frightening event days later. Many are also offering sympathy on the tragic loss of one rally-goer who reportedly shielded his family and gave his life protecting his wife and daughter from the bullets. In a screenshot of a post from the victim’s daughter that has been circulating social media, the young woman describes her father as “the best dad a girl could ever ask for.”
Several West Virginia politicians have released statements on the assassination attempt. Governor Jim Justice said, “All of my prayers go out to President Trump and his family. We should draw strength from his courage. I REFUSE to let these actions make me feel afraid.”
Congresswoman Carol Miller stated, “My heart breaks for Corey Comperatore’s family who are mourning the loss of their father, husband, son, and hero. Political violence has no place in America, and we will never surrender to hateful fear tactics. I thank God that President Trump survived this assassination attempt and I’m more confident than ever that he is the leader America needs. While I am thankful for the secret service who acted quickly to take down the shooter, I’m hopeful that we will learn answers to the many questions surrounding the attack to prevent anything like it from happening again. God bless President Trump and God bless America.”
West Virginia Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with Donald Trump, his family, and the other victims of this despicable and cowardly act that took place in Butler, Pennsylvania today. Such acts of violence are not only an assault on an individual but an act of violence against our entire country and our democratic system of government. In the United States, we decide our elections with ballots, not with bullets. I encourage all West Virginians and all Americans to recommit ourselves to democratic principles and to the noble ideals that have made our country a beacon of hope around the world.
In times like this, that are marked with so much division and acrimony, we do well to remember the words of President Lincoln who reminded us, ‘We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.’”
Several others also made statements.
With opinions divided on the incident, it is difficult to predict how the November election may be impacted by this horrific event.
The West Virginia Daily News will continue to follow this story and provide the community with up-to-date information.
