In a shocking turn of events, a 20-year-old Pennsylvania man, Thomas Matthew Crooks, has been identified as the shooter who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.
According to the FBI, the shooter was neutralized, and Anthony Guglielmi, the chief of communications for the Secret Service, confirmed the information.
The incident occurred when Trump was giving a speech at the gathering, and he suddenly clutched his ear and looked like he was about to collapse.
He was instantly surrounded by armed guards and remained down for about a minute before standing up, pumping his fist in the air, and shouting “fight” before being led off stage and into a vehicle.
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As he was being driven away from the site, footage appeared to show blood gushing from his ear.
The US Secret Service stated that Trump is now “safe” and that precautionary precautions have been put around the former president. An investigation has been initiated, but no further details have been released.
“This is now an active Secret Service investigation, and further information will be released when available,” Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said in a post on X.
Trump’s campaign said he was “fine” following the incident. “President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act,” spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement.
“He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow.”
The incident has sent shockwaves across the nation, and politicians from both parties have condemned the violence.
As one witness described the scene, “They got him in the ear, and he ducked down.”
