Assassination Attempt on Former President Donald Trump Shocks Butler, Pennsylvania

Former President Donald Trump was shot in the ear during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, July 13, 2024, in what authorities are investigating as an assassination attempt. Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was fatally shot by the Secret Service after opening fire on the crowd. Corey Comperatore, a former Buffalo Township fire chief, was killed in the crossfire while shielding his family. Two others were also injured.

**Butler, Pennsylvania** – Some Trump rally attendees in Butler, Pennsylvania, had been waiting around the Butler Farm Show grounds since 8 a.m. Saturday so they'd get a good view of the former president when the event began later that day.

Trump had traveled to the close-knit, rural town north of Pittsburgh four years ago, in October 2020, ahead of the last election. Locals were excited for round two this weekend, some even hauling their children with them to see what turned out to be an evening they will never forget.

Assassination Attempt on Former President Donald Trump Shocks Butler, Pennsylvania

"A lot of people I know are shocked it happened here. This is Trump country," John Fosmaught told Fox News Digital.

Just minutes after Trump took the stage, around 6:10 p.m., the crowd heard pops of gunfire. At first, some thought they'd heard firecrackers or fireworks. Others who said they're familiar with the sounds firearms make said they immediately knew what was happening, especially given the environment — and the intended target.

Assassination Attempt on Former President Donald Trump Shocks Butler, Pennsylvania

Then Trump put a hand to his ear and ducked for cover, and the crowd followed. One attendee began covering those around him with folding metal chairs to act as a makeshift shield.

Jayme Santoro said she was standing in the same section as Corey Comperatore, the former Buffalo Township fire chief who was fatally shot while shielding his family from the gunfire.

Assassination Attempt on Former President Donald Trump Shocks Butler, Pennsylvania

Santoro described seeing blood on the bleachers where attendees were standing, listening to Trump speak while unknowingly exposed to danger.

"[I]t is so insensitive and evil to read comments and things on social media making light of it all," Santoro said, describing the internet banter that has followed the shooting that left one father dead and two others in critical condition "disheartening, disappointing, and honestly unfathomable."

Assassination Attempt on Former President Donald Trump Shocks Butler, Pennsylvania

Authorities identified the two injured victims as 57-year-old David Dutch of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, and 74-year-old James Copenhaver of Moon Township, Pennsylvania, both of whom are now in stable condition.

She saw people "pass out" after witnessing the shooting, Santoro said.

Assassination Attempt on Former President Donald Trump Shocks Butler, Pennsylvania

The shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, is also dead after the U.S. Secret Service fatally shot Crooks from his position on a building rooftop about 160 yards from where Trump was standing, surrounded by his supporters.

The agency is now investigating how the shooter was able to not only get close to the rally with an AR-15 but also how he was able to come within such close proximity to the former president.

Assassination Attempt on Former President Donald Trump Shocks Butler, Pennsylvania

After the gunfire, there was a loud, frantic scream and some commands from attendees telling others to get down, but other than that, the crowd was relatively calm and poised. So calm, in fact, that some heard the Secret Service say, "Shooter's down," and the former president say he needed to get his shoes.

"I thought I was at church, frankly," David Trepanier said. "And even after the event, there wasn't anyone running. Everyone was c

Assassination Attempt on Former President Donald Trump Shocks Butler, Pennsylvania