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FBI Investigates Possible Assassination Attempt After Shooting Near Trump’s Florida Golf Course

September 16, 2024, 9:43 am

Following gunfire near his West Palm Beach golf club, former President Donald Trump was declared “safe” by his campaign. The FBI announced on Sunday that it is investigating what appears to be an attempted assassination, according to CNN.

Two months before this incident at Trump International Golf Club in Florida, an attempted assassination was reported at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, raising concerns about the U.S. Secret Service.

During a Sunday press conference, West Palm Beach Sheriff Ric Bradshaw stated that the Secret Service had fired shots around 1:30 p.m. ET. A Secret Service agent engaged with a suspect after spotting a rifle barrel. The individual, later arrested, was positioned 300-500 yards away from Trump, according to CNN.

“We were able to catch a witness who told us they saw the suspect running out of the bushes, jumping into a black Nissan. The witness also took a picture of the vehicle and its license plate, which was very helpful,” Bradshaw said. The Martin County Sheriff’s Office took custody of the suspect.

After the incident, Trump reassured supporters of his safety. “There were gunshots in my vicinity, but before rumors start spiraling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL!” Trump wrote in a fundraising email.

Ohio Sen. JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, later confirmed on social media that Trump was in “good spirits” after the incident. “I’m glad President Trump is safe. I spoke to him before the news went public, and he was, amazingly, in good spirits,” Vance wrote.

Trump also reiterated his resilience, saying in the email, “Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER! I will always love you for supporting me.”

The shooting occurred while Trump was playing golf at Trump International Golf Club, and the course was secured immediately after the gunshots. Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a Trump ally, spoke with him after the incident, confirming that Trump was in “good spirits” and more determined than ever to “save the country.”

This comes after a previous assassination attempt on Trump in Pennsylvania on July 13, when shots were fired at a rally in Butler. Trump was on stage when Secret Service agents intervened. The former president was injured, with a bullet grazing the upper part of his ear. One attendee was killed, and two others critically injured. The gunman, identified by the FBI as Thomas Matthew Crooks, was killed by Secret Service agents.

Trump Reflects On Assassination Attempt: Believes God Saved Him

September 3, 2024, 12:34 am

Former President Donald Trump shared his thoughts on surviving an assassination attempt during a recent appearance on Fox News’ Life, Liberty & Levin. The incident occurred at a Pennsylvania campaign rally in July, where a shooter opened fire, leaving one spectator dead and two others seriously injured. Trump walked away with only minor injuries, an experience that deepened his belief in divine intervention.

Trump’s Reflection on Divine Protection
In his conversation with host Mark Levin, Trump expressed his belief that God had a purpose in saving him. “I think you think, like, if you believed in God, you believe in God more,” said the 78-year-old. “Our country is so sick and broken. Maybe that was the reason, I don’t know.”

This is not the first time Trump has attributed his survival to divine intervention. Shortly after the shooting, he told reporters, “By luck or by God, many people are saying it’s by God I’m still here.”

Expert Opinions and Secret Service Response
Trump also highlighted the improbability of the gunman missing from such a close distance, suggesting that the shooter was rushed when people began noticing him. He praised the Secret Service’s quick response, comparing the situation to the tragic Las Vegas shooting in 2017, where a gunman fired into a crowd from a high-rise building.

Trump’s reflections have sparked conversations about his faith and his belief that he has a mission to “straighten out” America. As he continues his campaign, these remarks are likely to resonate with his supporters who view his survival as a sign of his divine purpose.

Trump Holds First Outdoor Rally with Bulletproof Glass After Recent Assassination-Attempt

August 22, 2024, 4:57 am

At an outdoor rally in Asheboro, North Carolina, Donald Trump appeared in a bulletproof glass enclosure for his first public event since being injured in a shooting at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, last month. The shooting, which resulted in Trump having a bloodied ear, injured two attendees and killed one person, led the Secret Service to recommend that Trump hold only indoor events temporarily. Recently, the agency decided to use bulletproof glass to ensure his safety at outdoor rallies.

Trump’s North Carolina event was a strategic counter to the Democratic National Convention’s star-studded week in Chicago. The rally began with brief remarks from JD Vance, the Republican vice-presidential candidate, and included appearances by North Carolina Republican gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson, whom Trump noted had “lost a lot of weight.”

Trump’s speech centered on national security, repeating familiar MAGA talking points about NATO, Afghanistan, and Russia, and attacking his Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris, whom he referred to as “Comrade Kamala.” He reiterated his long-standing claim that NATO allies have not paid their fair share, despite there being no legal obligation to meet the 2% GDP defence target outlined by the alliance.

He also claimed, without evidence, that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine would not have occurred under his presidency and cited Hungarian leader Viktor Orbán’s supposed endorsement of his return to office. Trump continued to propagate unfounded election fraud claims and expressed frustration with the media and Democratic criticism.

On the topic of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2022, Trump promised to “fire” responsible military officials and described the ordeal in graphic terms. Despite campaign efforts to focus on policy issues, Trump frequently deviated into personal grievances, particularly in response to Barack Obama’s remarks at the convention. Trump’s speech ultimately included a tangent about whether Hillary Clinton should be imprisoned, reflecting his difficulty sticking to his campaign’s message.

Trump’s Social Media Following Skyrockets After Pennsylvania Assassination Attempt

July 21, 2024, 3:09 pm

In the aftermath of a recent assassination attempt in Pennsylvania, former President Donald Trump has seen a remarkable surge in his social media followers. The attack, which resulted in a minor injury to Trump’s ear, has sparked a massive increase in his online presence, with millions of new followers joining his platforms within a week.

Trump’s Instagram following has increased by 51% compared to President Joe Biden’s, now standing at 25.9 million—up from 24.9 million prior to the attack on July 13. This marks a significant growth, reflecting heightened public interest and support following the shooting.

On Truth Social, Trump reported his harrowing experience with the shooting, describing feeling the bullet “ripping through [his] skin.” This post led to an additional 220,000 followers, boosting his total from 7.11 million to 7.33 million in just a week. His TikTok presence also saw a notable increase, growing from 7.6 million followers on the day of the incident to 8.8 million by Friday.

The hashtag #Trump has gained considerable traction across social media platforms. Analysis by Thomas Moore, director of Viralyft, indicates that the hashtag #Trump amassed 668 million views on TikTok, while #DonaldTrump attracted 282 million views and #Trump2024 trended with 157 million views. Additionally, searches for “How to register to vote” spiked by 500% nationwide within three days of the attack.

Moore suggests that the surge in Trump’s followers is likely due to the extensive media coverage surrounding the assassination attempt, which has resonated strongly with his supporters online.

Ronald Reagan’s Reaction To Balloon Popping Post-Assassination Attempt

July 18, 2024, 2:43 pm

In March 1981, Ronald Reagan, then serving as the President of the United States, narrowly survived an assassination attempt. While exiting the Washington Hilton Hotel, John Hinckley Jr., aged 25, fired shots at Reagan, injuring his staff and hitting Reagan himself, with a bullet lodging in his lung. Following emergency surgery for a broken rib, punctured lung, and internal bleeding, Reagan recovered.

Six years later, during a speech in West Berlin, a balloon popping, reminiscent of gunfire, startled the audience. Reagan, displaying remarkable composure, paused briefly before humorously remarking, “Missed me,” which elicited enthusiastic applause.

The incident, captured on video from 1987, recently resurfaced online, garnering millions of views. Commentators praised Reagan’s unflappable demeanor, contrasting it with contemporary political reactions.

See Post:

Ronald Reagan survived an assassination attempt in 1981.

6 years later, a balloon popped while he was giving a speech.

Here’s how he reacted. pic.twitter.com/3WQOMidPr3

— Jon Erlichman (@JonErlichman) July 14, 2024

The resurgence of this footage coincided with public interest following a recent assassination attempt on Donald Trump, where a shot narrowly missed him at a Pennsylvania rally, causing injuries to bystanders.

American Convicted For Stabbing Of Italian Officer Granted House Arrest

July 16, 2024, 2:02 pm

One of the two Americans convicted in the 2019 stabbing death of an Italian plainclothes police officer has been granted house arrest after an appeals court significantly reduced his original life sentence. Gabriel Natale-Hjorth, who was initially sentenced to life imprisonment, can now serve his 11-year, four-month sentence at the home of a grandparent in the seaside town of Fregene, west of Rome, according to state-run RAI and LaPresse news agencies.

In July 2019, Natale-Hjorth and Finnegan Lee Elder, both from California, were found guilty of killing Carabinieri Vice Brigadier Mario Cerciello Rega in a botched sting operation following a failed drug deal in Rome. The initial trial resulted in life sentences for both men, Italy’s harshest penalty.

However, Italy’s highest court, the Cassation Court, ordered a new trial last year. The court ruled that it hadn’t been proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the Americans, with limited Italian-language skills, understood they were dealing with police officers when they went to meet the alleged drug dealer. Earlier this month, an appeals court upheld their convictions but greatly reduced their original sentences.

Finnegan Lee Elder, who wielded the knife during the attack, is now serving a 15-year, two-month prison sentence. The two former schoolmates from the San Francisco Bay area were teenagers at the time of the killing and had met up in Rome for a few days of vacation. The fatal confrontation occurred after they arranged to meet a small-time drug dealer, who turned out to be a police informant, to recover money lost in a bad drug deal. Instead, they were confronted by two officers.

During the altercation, Cerciello Rega was stabbed 11 times with a knife brought from the hotel room. The case has drawn significant attention and controversy, highlighting issues around language barriers and legal procedures in international cases.

WATCH: How a Head-Tilt Saved Donald Trump From Assassination-Attempt During Campaign Rally

July 15, 2024, 1:16 am

Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. As Trump began his speech, shots rang out, and one bullet grazed his ear. Video footage shows Trump tilting his head just seconds before the shot, which ultimately saved him. The Secret Service agents quickly swarmed and covered Trump moments after the shooting.

https://twitter.com/davidgokhshtein/status/1812337903692919201

Behind the stage, two agents rushed to Trump’s rescue. He grabbed his right ear, noticed the blood, and dropped to his knees behind the podium before re-emerging with his face streaked with blood. Rally attendees were urged to “Fight! Fight! Fight!” by Trump, who pumped his fist in the air. The attack resulted in one fatality and two critically wounded spectators among the attendees.

Another new video POV from behind the stage moments BEFORE & after shots rang out at the Trump rally. pic.twitter.com/eO8njBARhH

— Moshe Schwartz (@YWNReporter) July 14, 2024

Following the incident, Trump was taken under Secret Service protection to his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey. The Trump campaign reported that he was “doing well” and had suffered no major injuries other than a wound on his upper right ear.

The FBI identified 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks as the shooter, a registered Republican who was killed by Secret Service agents after opening fire from a rooftop about 140 meters from the stage. An AR-15-style semiautomatic rifle was found near his body.

Trump later described the incident on his Truth Social platform, stating that the bullet pierced the upper part of his right ear, causing significant bleeding. This attack marks the first shooting of a US president or major party candidate since the 1981 attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan. The incident occurred less than four months before the November 5 election, where Trump faces a rematch with Democratic President Joe Biden.

Trump Rally Shooting: Russia Blames Biden Administration for Assassination Attempt

July 14, 2024, 4:49 pm

Donald Trump was hit in the ear in an apparent assassination attempt by a gunman at a campaign rally on July 13. The incident occurred in Butler, Pennsylvania, and will likely raise concerns about stability ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

The Assassination Attempt

The FBI identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. Crooks was named by the FBI as the subject involved in the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

Trump’s Response and Injuries

Trump, the 78-year-old former president, was rushed off stage with blood smeared across his face after the shooting. He later said, “I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear.” Despite the chaos, Trump raised a defiant fist to the crowd as he was escorted to safety.

Casualties and Injuries

The gunman and a bystander were killed in the incident, and two spectators were critically injured.

International Reaction

Russia blamed the Biden administration for creating an atmosphere that led to the assassination attempt.

Ivanka Trump’s Emotional Message After Assassination Attempt on Donald Trump

July 14, 2024, 12:44 pm

Ivanka Trump expressed her love and gratitude on social media after an assassination attempt on her father, former President Donald Trump, during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. She wrote on X, “Thank you for your love and prayers for my father and for the other victims of today’s senseless violence in Butler, Pennsylvania. I am grateful to the Secret Service and all the other law enforcement officers for their quick and decisive actions today. I continue to pray for our country. I love you Dad, today and always.”

Thank you for your love and prayers for my father and for the other victims of today’s senseless violence in Butler, Pennsylvania. I am grateful to the Secret Service and all the other law enforcement officers for their quick and decisive actions today. I continue to pray for our…

— Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) July 14, 2024

Incident Details

During the rally, one attendee was killed, and another was seriously injured. The shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was killed by Secret Service snipers. An AR-style rifle was recovered at the scene. The FBI is still investigating the motive behind the attack.

GOP Chairman Ed Cox’s Comments

New York State GOP chairman Ed Cox praised Trump’s response to the attack, stating that it will win him respect. “Americans saw what Donald Trump was made of. It’s going to energize us,” said Cox. He compared the incident to former President Theodore Roosevelt being shot during a speech in 1912, highlighting Trump’s toughness and resilience.

President Biden’s Response

In an official White House statement, it was revealed that President Joe Biden spoke to Trump after the incident. Biden also spoke with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Butler Mayor Bob Dandoy. To address the situation, Biden is returning to Washington, D.C., cutting his beach weekend short. He will receive an updated briefing from homeland security and law enforcement officials the following morning.

Donald Trump Survives Assassination Attempt at Pennsylvania Rally

July 14, 2024, 11:11 am

Former President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt during his rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday. The shooter, who was not a rally attendee, fired from an elevated position, leading to the deaths of a spectator and the shooter, and serious injuries to two other rallygoers.

Details of the Shooting

The attacker, positioned on the roof of a building linked to AGR International, targeted Trump from a distance of less than 150 meters from the dais. The U.S. Secret Service responded swiftly, neutralizing the shooter. An AR-style rifle was later recovered at the scene by law enforcement.

Eyewitness Accounts

Eyewitnesses described the chaos that ensued after the gunfire. Dave McCormick, a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania, recounted the immediate panic and confusion at the rally. “Everybody went to their knees or their prone position, because we all knew, everyone becoming aware of the fact this was gunfire,” he said.

Another eyewitness named Joseph told NBC News that the man beside him was killed instantly by a gunshot to the head, while a woman nearby was injured in the forearm or hand.

Secret Service Response

An eyewitness told the BBC about the dramatic response of the Secret Service agents who climbed onto the roof and neutralized the shooter. “Secret Service blew his head off. They crawled up on the roof, they had their guns pointed at him, made sure he was dead, he was dead, and that was it, it was over,” he said.

Reactions and Aftermath

Rico Elmore, the vice chairman of the Beaver County Republican Party, described the incident as “horror”. Despite the initial shock, Trump demonstrated resilience, pumping his fist in the air as a show of strength before being whisked away to safety. He later revealed that a bullet had pierced through his right ear.

Conclusion

The incident highlighted the dangers faced by political figures and underscored the importance of security at such events. The swift action of the Secret Service prevented further casualties and ensured the safety of the former president.

Blinken Wishes Slovakian PM Quick Recovery After Assassination Attempt

May 17, 2024, 4:45 am

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in a telephone discussion with Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar to convey solidarity in the aftermath of the assassination attempt on Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller gave a statement on Thursday. Blinken also expressed his hopes for the swift recovery of the critically injured Slovakian PM and denounced political violence in all its manifestations during the conversation with the Slovakian minister.

“Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar following the assassination attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico. The Secretary expressed solidarity with Slovakia and his wishes for the Prime Minister’s speedy recovery. Secretary Blinken underlined the enduring bonds between the American and Slovak people. He condemned political violence in all its forms,” spokesperson Miller said in a statement.

CNN reported on Thursday that a politically motivated “lone wolf” has been charged in the assassination attempt on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, as stated by the country’s interior minister. Fico’s health remains stable but serious following five close-range shots and surgery, according to his deputy.

The attempted assassination sent shockwaves through the nation in central Europe and sparked global outrage. According to CNN, the 59-year-old populist leader was targeted after an off-site government meeting in the town of Handlova on Wednesday. The leader, who returned to power last year, has faced protests in recent weeks due to his controversial policies.

As the prime minister approached a small group of people awaiting him, a potential shooter in the crowd surged forward and fired five shots at him from the opposite side of a security barrier.

On Thursday, hospital director Miriam Lapunikova stated that Fico was “stabilized but in a very serious condition” and would remain in the intensive care unit. She also noted that the prime minister underwent surgery performed by two surgical teams at the hospital, as reported by CNN.

The country’s Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kalinak said Fico’s condition “has been stabilized overnight, more steps are being taken to better his health. The situation is really serious.”

The attempted assassination of Prime Minister Robert Fico has reverberated across Slovakia. The incident unfolded after an off-site government meeting in the central Slovak town of Handlova.

The suspected gunman, among a small crowd awaiting the Prime Minister outside the cultural center where the meeting occurred, allegedly targeted Fico. Footage from the scene captured the Prime Minister being hurried into a vehicle by his staff before being transported to a local hospital and subsequently transferred to a major trauma center in Banska Bystrica.

Thankfully, no other injuries were reported in the attack.

Slovak PM Fico ‘Stabilised’ After Surgery, Remains In ‘Serious’ Condition After Assassination Attempt

May 16, 2024, 4:58 pm

Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico is now in a ‘stable’ condition but remains serious after he was shot on Wednesday (local time) in Handlova from a close range, according to CNN.

His deputy said on Thursday that the Slovak premier has undergone surgery, following the assassination attempt that rocked the European nation yesterday, which received reactions from several global leaders.

Attacks on the 59-year-old populist leader followed an off-site government meeting in the town of Handlova on Wednesday. The leader came back to power last year, and his contentious measures have prompted protests in recent weeks.

“As the prime minister walked up to a small group of people who were expecting him, a possible shooter in the crowd jumped forward and opened fire on him five times from the other side of a security screen,” reported CNN.

The wounded prime minister was seen on camera being helped into a car by his staff before it quickly drove off with him inside.

According to hospital officials, Fico was evacuated from a neighbouring major trauma centre to a smaller hospital where he was admitted and spent more than five hours in surgery.

Fico was “stabilised but in a very serious condition,” according to hospital director Miriam Lapunikova on Thursday, and he would stay in the intensive care unit.

She further mentioned that the prime minister was operated on by two surgical teams at the hospital, according to CNN.

“On Thursday morning, the country’s Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kalinak said Fico’s condition ‘has been stabilized overnight, more steps are being taken to better his health. The situation is really serious.'”

“The assassination attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico has sent shockwaves throughout Slovakia.

“The incident occurred following an off-site government meeting in the central Slovak town of Handlova.

“The suspected gunman, among a small crowd awaiting the Prime Minister outside the cultural centre where the meeting took place, reportedly targeted Fico. Footage from the scene captured the Prime Minister being rushed into a vehicle by his staff before being taken to a local hospital and later transferred to a major trauma centre in Banska Bystrica. Fortunately, no other injuries were reported in the attack.

“Slovak President Zuzana Caputova confirmed the detainment of the suspected gunman by police, urging the public to await further information from law enforcement agencies. Caputova condemned the attack as a ‘brutal and reckless’ assault on democracy. She underscored the significance of the incident as an attack not only on an individual but on the democratic principles of the nation.

“The attack on Prime Minister Fico comes at a time of deep political polarisation in Slovakia. Fico’s return to power last year sparked widespread division, with supporters viewing him as a caring leader while critics perceive him as a populist with pro-Russian leanings.”

Slovakian PM Robert Fico In ‘Life-Threatening Condition’ Following ‘Assassination Attempt’

May 15, 2024, 11:00 pm

Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico is in a “life-threatening condition” following a shooting, as stated on his official social media account. The statement, released on Wednesday, described the incident as an “assassination attempt” in which Fico, 59, was shot “multiple times”. Local reports indicate he was struck in the abdomen by several bullets in the town of Handlova. The area has been secured by police, and a suspect is in custody, according to reports from the Dennik N news outlet and Slovakian television station TA3.

The shooting took place following Fico’s attendance at a government meeting in Handlova. He was initially taken to a local hospital and later airlifted to Banska Bystrica for emergency medical care.

President Zuzana Caputova condemned the attack on the prime minister, calling it “brutal and ruthless.”

“I’m shocked,” Caputova said. “I wish Robert Fico a lot of strength in this critical moment and a quick recovery from this attack.”

President-elect Peter Pellegrini, an ally of Fico, described the assassination attempt as “an unprecedented threat to Slovak democracy.”

“If we express other political opinions with pistols in squares, and not in polling stations, we are jeopardising everything that we have built together over 31 years of Slovak sovereignty,” Pellegrini said.

The attack occurred just three weeks before important European Parliament elections, where populist and right-wing parties in the 27-nation bloc seem likely to gain ground.

European leaders, including Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, expressed their shock at the incident.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also condemned the attack.

“I strongly condemn the vile attack on Prime Minister Robert Fico. Such acts of violence have no place in our society and undermine democracy, our most precious common good. My thoughts are with PM Fico and his family,” she said on X.

I strongly condemn the vile attack on Prime Minister Robert Fico.

Such acts of violence have no place in our society and undermine democracy, our most precious common good.

My thoughts are with PM Fico and his family.

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) May 15, 2024

The Slovak government convened in Handlova, 190 km (118 miles) northeast of Bratislava, on Wednesday as part of a regional tour following their rise to power late last year.

Fico, serving his third term as prime minister, led his leftist Smer, or Direction, party to victory in Slovakia’s September 30 parliamentary elections, marking a political resurgence with a campaign focused on pro-Russian and anti-US rhetoric.

Throughout his political career, Fico has adeptly navigated between pro-European mainstream views and nationalistic anti-EU and anti-US stances, often adjusting his positions based on public sentiment and political realities.

In the past four years, he has adopted more extreme views, including harsh criticism of Western allies, promises to halt military aid to Kyiv, opposition to sanctions on Russia, and threats to veto any potential NATO membership for Ukraine.

Critics fear that Slovakia under Fico might follow Hungary’s path under populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Thousands have consistently protested against Fico’s policies in the capital and across Slovakia.

Alena Kudzko, vice president of the security policy think tank Globsec, stated that the shooting was “definitely not something that anybody in Slovakia expected.”

Kudzko highlighted that the country has been polarized over the past year due to heightened political tensions, particularly in the lead-up to the elections.

“But nobody … called for violence in the country,” she told Al Jazeera. “Quite the opposite, everybody right now is trying to unite and send a coherent message, that political violence is not something that we support,” she added.