On Saturday, July 13, a shocking assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump took place at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, causing a stir across the nation. The incident unfolded rapidly, with authorities swiftly neutralizing the assailant, leading to a federal investigation into the shooting targeting the former president. Here’s a detailed timeline of the events that transpired on that fateful day:
July 13, 6 p.m.
As Trump took to the stage at the Butler Farm Show just after 6 p.m. and began addressing the crowd, chaos erupted when rally attendees noticed someone on a nearby rooftop brandishing a rifle. A local law enforcement officer spotted Thomas Crooks with a rifle and when confronted, Crooks pointed the gun at the officer, prompting a swift response.
July 13, 6:11 p.m.
Shortly after Trump commenced his speech, gunshots rang out from the direction of the rooftop where the armed individual was located. Amidst the confusion and panic, Secret Service agents quickly surrounded the former president on stage, shielding him from potential harm. Despite initial confusion among attendees mistaking the shots for fireworks, the gravity of the situation soon became apparent.
July 13, 6:12 p.m.
In a tense moment captured live, Secret Service agents sprang into action to neutralize the shooter, who was positioned on a rooftop approximately 160 yards away from Trump. The assailant, Crooks, was swiftly taken down by agents, averting further danger. Tragically, amidst the chaos, 50-year-old Corey Comperatore heroically shielded his family from harm but was fatally shot in the process, while two others sustained critical injuries.
July 13, 6:13 p.m. to 6:20 p.m.
Following the swift response by Secret Service agents, Trump was safely evacuated from the stage and transferred to a secure vehicle as the rally attendees, still reeling from the ordeal, began to evacuate the venue. Meanwhile, residents in the vicinity hearing the gunfire took precautions, unsure of the unfolding situation.
July 13, 6:40 p.m. to 6:50 p.m.
Official statements from Secret Service Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi and the Trump campaign reassured the public of the former president’s safety and expressed gratitude to law enforcement for their rapid response. Trump’s hospitalization and subsequent confirmation of his well-being by Donald Trump Jr. provided some relief amidst the chaos.
July 13, 7:40 p.m. to 8:50 p.m.
As Trump received medical attention, former President Obama and President Biden issued statements condemning the violence and expressing well wishes for Trump’s recovery. Investigations were swiftly launched, and security measures were heightened in the aftermath of the attempt on Trump’s life.
July 14
The FBI identified the shooter as Crooks, a 20-year-old with ties to both political affiliations, shedding light on the assailant’s background. Trump, reflecting on the harrowing incident, credited what he deemed as divine intervention for his survival, calling for unity in the face of adversity.
July 15
Further details emerged regarding the shooter’s motives and the presence of explosives, underscoring the gravity of the situation. The FBI’s ongoing investigation involved interviewing numerous witnesses and law enforcement personnel, seeking to unravel the complexities of the assassination attempt.
The fallout from the assassination attempt reverberated across the political landscape, prompting calls for unity and civility in national discourse. As investigations continue, the nation grapples with the implications of such a brazen attack on a former president, underscoring the need for heightened security measures and vigilance in an increasingly polarized climate.