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Trump Rally Shooting Investigated as Assassination Attempt
The shooting at former President Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, is being investigated as an attempted assassination of the ex-president.
During a late-night press conference on Saturday, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced that the incident is being treated as “an assassination attempt” against former President Donald Trump.
Kevin Rojek, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Pittsburgh field office, stated that the area remains an active crime scene. “We have a number of agents on the scene. We are also working closely with other federal agencies, our state partners, and local police,” Rojek added.
The FBI has not yet identified the shooter. Rojek noted that the FBI had no prior specific threat information related to Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania.
Although the Secret Service was not available for the press conference, questions have been raised about the security measures in place at the rally.
Earlier reports from The Associated Press and CNN, citing law enforcement officials, confirmed that the shooting is being investigated as an assassination attempt. The AP reported that two officials spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Anthony Guglielmi, the U.S. Secret Service chief of communications, stated that the incident is now an “active Secret Service investigation,” and reassured that “Secret Service has implemented protective measures and the former President is safe.” In an updated statement at 8:50 p.m. EDT, Guglielmi added that the shooter fired multiple shots from an elevated position outside the rally venue and was subsequently neutralized by the Secret Service.
The spokesperson for the ATF confirmed that the agency is assisting the Secret Service and other law enforcement partners, emphasizing the priority of the investigation.
The FBI stated that its personnel are on the scene and will continue to work closely with the U.S. Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies. In a follow-up statement, the FBI indicated that it has taken the lead role in the federal investigation, with special agents, crisis response team members, and evidence response technicians actively involved.
The Trump campaign confirmed that the former president is “fine” following the shooting. “President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act,” campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement.
According to the Butler County District Attorney, the suspected shooter and at least one attendee have died as a result of the incident at the rally.