The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) says that the attack on the former US President Donald Trump was an attempt on his life.
Kevin Rojek, the special agent-in-charge of the FBI's Pittsburgh field office, provided further insights into the situation. He emphasized that the investigation is still in progress, with the FBI dedicating significant resources to uncover all details surrounding the attack. Rojek assured the public that the FBI is collaborating closely with local law enforcement agencies, ensuring a comprehensive and coordinated response to this serious security breach.
“This evening, we had what we're calling an assassination attempt against our former president, Donald Trump. It's still an active crime scene. As I mentioned, we have a number of agents on scene. We also are working closely with other federal agencies, our state partners and our local police partners as well,” Kevin Rojek said.
In Pennsylvania, during his campaign, former US President Donald Trump was attacked.
After the attack, Donald Trump reassured about his health in a statement, saying he felt a bullet graze the upper part of his ear.
Donald Trump was seen walking down from his airplane after arriving in New Jersey following his assassination attempt in a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
Margo Martin, Trump's Deputy Director of Communications, posted the video on X early on Sunday, along with a message reading; "Strong and resilient. He will never stop fighting for America," Reuters reported.
US President Joe Biden, along with the Secretaries of State and Defense, condemned the attack on Donald Trump.
Joe Biden stated that there is no place for violence in America.
In this year’s US presidential election, Trump’s rival wrote: " The idea — the idea that there’s political violence or violence in America like this is just unheard of. It was just not appropriate. And we — everybody — everybody must condemn it. Everybody."
Joe Biden also had a phone conversation with Trump, but he did not disclose the details.
The attack on Trump has also sparked global reactions.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell condemned the attack on Trump.
Narendra Modi has said: "Deeply concerned by the attack on my friend, former President Donald Trump. Strongly condemn the incident. Violence has no place in politics and democracies."
“I’m sickened by the shooting at former President Trump. It cannot be overstated — political violence is never acceptable,” the Canadian Prime Minister also wrote.
Reuters, quoting the FBI, reported that the attack was carried out by a 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, who was immediately killed by the police.
In a video posted on social media, the shooter said, "I hate Republicans."
In addition to Crooks, a campaign attendee was also killed, and another person was injured in the attack.