Trump urges Americans to stand united after assassination bid; motive still unknown.
On Sunday, former President Donald Trump called for national unity after being targeted in an assassination attempt, a grim new chapter in the U.S. presidential race that has left an already tense nation on edge.
The 78-year-old ex-president was struck in the ear during a campaign rally in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania. The shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Robbers, and an observer were killed, while two other bystanders were seriously injured in what is considered the most severe act of political violence in the U.S. in decades.
As Trump was rushed away by Secret Service agents, bleeding from his ear, reports emerged that the shooter had explosives in his vehicle. In response to the attack, Trump issued a statement on his Truth Social platform, emphasizing the need for Americans to remain united and not let "Evil win." He also expressed gratitude, stating it was "God alone who prevented the unimaginable from happening" and vowed not to "Fear."
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Trump's wife, Melania, described the shooter as a "monster" who tried to silence her husband's "laughter, creativity, love of music, and inspiration."
President Joe Biden condemned the attack as "sickening" and reached out to Trump afterward. Biden is expected to make further remarks at the White House on Sunday, following briefings from top security officials, including the heads of the FBI and Secret Service.
Security Concerns
Questions are swirling about the motives of the shooter, whose body was found on a rooftop near the scene, along with an AR-15 style semi-automatic rifle. Investigators discovered explosive materials in his vehicle and have also searched his home. The shooter, reportedly a registered conservative, is believed to have acted alone.
His father, Matthew Robbers, expressed confusion over the events, stating he was trying to understand "what on earth is happening."
The shooter had a presence on the online platform Discord, but a spokesperson said it was "rarely used" and found no evidence that it was used to plan the attack, promote violence, or discuss political views.
The incident has sparked criticism of the security at the rally, especially regarding how a shooter could target a presidential candidate from about 150 meters away despite a significant Secret Service presence. Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmo dismissed "absolutely false" claims that extra security had been denied for Trump before the event.
A local investigator described it as "remarkable" that a shooter was able to position himself on a nearby rooftop.
Global Reaction
The assassination attempt has sent shockwaves around the world, but the impact on a closely contested U.S. presidential race in a deeply divided country will take time to unfold.
Trump's family has shared images of the former president raising a defiant fist to the crowd after the shooting. Trump reported being "shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear" and hearing a "zooming sound."
The attack has fueled conspiracy theories and finger-pointing among conservatives. Potential Trump vice-presidential pick J.D. Vance suggested that Biden's campaign "rhetoric" had "directly led" to the attack.
Political tensions in the U.S. have escalated, with Trump’s provocative rhetoric and many liberals expressing outrage over his rise. World leaders have condemned the attack, with the Kremlin stating that there is no place for violence in politics, and the Vatican denouncing it as an "assault on democracy."
The deceased bystander was identified as Corey Comparator. His sister told the media, "The hatred for one man ended the life of the one we all loved the most. We watched him die on the news."
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