Officials React After Trump Injured, Spectator Killed in Shooting at Western Pa. Rally

Updated at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 14 , 2024.

Former President Donald Trump was injured and a spectator was killed after a shooter opened fire Saturday at a campaign rally in western Pennsylvania.

Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old former volunteer fire chief, died while shielding his family during the gunfire, Gov. Josh Shapiro said on Sunday. Two other attendees at the event in Butler were critically injured. The shooter, who was later identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, was killed by Secret Service agents.

Trump's campaign described the presumptive 2024 Republican presidential nominee, whose ear appeared to have been grazed, as "fine" shortly after he was rushed to a hospital. Trump was released and left the area on Saturday night. The Republican National Convention is scheduled to begin Monday in Milwaukee.

The shooting is being investigated as an assassination attempt.

In a message posted to his Truth Social account on Saturday evening, Trump wrote that a bullet pierced the upper part of his right ear.

"I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin," the post stated.

He thanked law enforcement and Secret Service for their "rapid response."

"Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured," Trump wrote. "It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead."

Trump could be seen grabbing at his right ear when shots rang out at about 6:15 p.m., 10 minutes into his remarks at the Butler Farm Show grounds. He then ducked under the podium and was quickly covered by his protective detail.

After he was helped to his feet, Trump had blood on his right ear and face. He pumped his fist to the crowd before being rushed off stage.

The shooter "fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside of the rally venue," according to the Secret Service.

Democrats and Republicans alike issued statements early Saturday evening decrying the shooting. Both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris said they were glad Trump was safe while expressing sorrow for the other victims and gratitude to law enforcement.

"There is no place in America for this kind of violence," Biden said during remarks in Delaware. "It's sick. It's one of the reasons why we have to unite this country.  We cannot allow for this to be happening.  We cannot be like this.  We cannot condone this.

"Everybody must condemn it. Everybody," he later added.

Shapiro, Pennsylvania's Democratic governor, said on Saturday evening that he was briefed on the situation and that state police were working with federal and local law enforcement.

"Violence targeted at any political party or political leader is absolutely unacceptable," Shapiro wrote on social media shortly after the shooting. "It has no place in Pennsylvania or the United States. Lori and I are praying for President Trump, the Secret Service officers who protected him, those attending the event, and all of the first responders still on the scene."

State Attorney General Michelle Henry said she was "deeply disturbed by this act of violence that has absolutely no place in the Commonwealth or anywhere."

"My regards are with the families who will be forever impacted by this heinous act," Henry said in a statement. "I am hopeful for a speedy recovery for former President Trump. We are in contact with our law enforcement partners and will work cooperatively with them.”

Several federal and state elected officials who represent Centre County also issued statements on social media on Saturday night. Some were posted soon after the shooting when few details were known.

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa.

"I am monitoring the situation at President Trump’s rally in Butler and I’ve reached out the State Police to offer support. Political violence is never acceptable and I am hoping former president Trump & all attendees are safe. Everyone in Butler should listen to law enforcement."

U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa.

"I am appalled and condemn in the strongest terms this violence in Butler. I extend my condolences to those injured and wish a speedy and full recovery for Mr. Trump."

U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Howard Township

"The assassination attempt on President Trump is shocking and abhorrent. I am deeply upset to learn that another person has fell at the hand of this coward. My sincere appreciation goes out to those brave members of law enforcement who eliminated the threat and put themselves in harms way to protect the public. Our prayers tonight will be with President Trump, the families impacted by these heinous actions, and for the future of our great country."

State Sen. Cris Dush, R-Pine Creek Township

"Please pray for President Trump and those who were possibly hit in the grandstand!"

State Sen. Wayne Langerholc Jr., R-Richland Township

"Please pray for President Trump, those at the rally, all law enforcement, first responders and our country."

State Rep. Paul Takac, D-College Township

"Political violence is absolutely unacceptable. Anywhere, any time, and for any reason.

"Praying for former President Trump and anyone else injured in this incident. Thankful for the immediate response from the Secret Service and other law enforcement."

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