Donald Trump surrounded by Secret Service agents after gunfire erupted at a campaign rally, Butler, Pennsylvania, US, July 13, 2024. BRENDAN MCDERMID / REUTERS

Donald Trump escaped an assassination attempt on Saturday, July 13, at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, a town north of Pittsburgh. The former president was not seriously harmed, while the gunman was shot dead by security services. One bystander also died, and two others are in critical condition. According to the New York Times, an AR-15 assault rifle was recovered. The FBI early on Sunday identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania.

Trump had begun his speech shortly after 6 pm in front of his supporters under intense sunshine. It was his last rally before the start of the Republican convention, which kicks off on July 15 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Suddenly, a loud bang was heard. A short blast. The former president put his hand to his right ear. Two more similar bangs sounded, and Trump went to the ground, immediately surrounded by several Secret Service agents charged with his protection. In the stands behind the podium, participants also crouched down to protect themselves, not understanding what was happening. The ex-president remained on the ground for about a minute, with three Secret Service agents surrounding him. “Shooter’s down, let’s move,” one of them finally called out.

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