Donald Trump and Joe Biden during the presidential debate in 2020
Credit: Reuters photo
US must reject political violence, says VP Kamala Harris
US Vice President Kamala Harris has called for rejecting political violence and said that the country must also "embrace" a "robust discussion" about what is at stake in the upcoming presidential election.
No VP debate commitment until after Democratic convention, says Trump campaign
The campaign for former US president and the Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has said that it will not commit to vice-presidential debate dates until after the Democratic National Convention, starting August 19.
US Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general to evaluate Secret Service's security process for Trump's July 13 rally
The Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general on Wednesday said that it will evaluate the security process for former President Donald Trump's rally in Pennsylvania.
US Vice President Harris seeks Aug 13 CBS debate against Vance
US Vice President Kamala Harris has asked former President Donald Trump's running mate, J.D. Vance, to join an August 13 debate hosted by CBS, a Biden-Harris campaign official said.
US received intel of Iranian plot to assassinate Trump
The United States received intelligence from a human source in recent weeks about an Iranian plot to try to assassinate former President Donald Trump, CNN reported.
CNN reported that there was no indication that the 20-year-old suspect in the shooting of Trump on Saturday was connected to the plot.
Convicted Trump aide Peter Navarro will fly to Milwaukee for RNC after prison release on Wednesday
House Homeland Security committee chair Mark Green slams Secret Service, FBI, Homeland Security; demands they appear to discuss the assassination attempt against Donald Trump.
House Democrats circulate letter with 'concerns' about nominating Biden
A group of House Democrats have reported been circulating a letter with “serious concerns” about nominating President Joe Biden as the presidential face of the Democratic Party before the Democratic National Convention in August. The letter to the Democratic National Committee, which has not yet been sent, says it would be a “terrible idea” to stifle debate about the party’s nominee with the early roll call vote.
RFK Jr gains ballot access in North Carolina
The North Carolina’s board of elections has approved ballot access for independent presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr., as per CNN.
In a 4-1 vote, the North Carolina State Board of Elections voted to grant ballot access to the 'We the People Party'. This puts Kennedy on the ballot in a key battleground state.
DAY 2 of RNC: Lara Trump says 'show must go on'
“Here we are. The show goes on,” said Lara Trump in her first public appearance at the Republican National Convention. “This is incredible to be here right now and I think we all know why. We may have been looking at a very different situation, but for the grace of God,” she told more than 200 Pennsylvania delegates and guests Tuesday morning in a hotel ballroom in Waukesha, Wisconsin, west of Milwaukee. “God bless, Donald J Trump,” she added.
Lara also encouraged the Pennsylvania delegation to vote early. “We’re taking nothing for granted,” she said, suggesting that banking early votes will help the Trump campaign focus on late deciders. She also exhorted Republican voters to vote Trump in large enough numbers to "make it too big to rig,” a call back to the now thoroughly discredited theory that the 2020 US presidential elections were rigged - a theory that eventually led to the January 6 United States Capitol attack.
Jack Black ends Tenacious D tour following bandmate’s Trump shooting comments
The comedy rock duo Tenacious D — made up of Jack Black and Kyle Gass — has canceled the rest of their tour. This was after Gass’ remarks on stage at a Sydney concert about the assassination attempt on Donald Trump over the weekend.
Reportedly, when Gass was presented with a birthday cake and asked to “make a wish” by Black, Gass said, “Don’t miss Trump next time.”
“I was blindsided by what was said at the show on Sunday. I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form,” Black said in a Tuesday in an Instagram post.
“After much reflection, I no longer feel it is appropriate to continue the Tenacious D tour, and all future creative plans are on hold. I am grateful to the fans for their support and understanding.”
Following Black's public takedown, Gass apologized for his remarks in an Instagram post too, calling his 'improvised' line 'inappropriate, dangerous, and a terrible mistake'.
DAY 2 of RNC: Haley, DeSantis, Rubio to speak at RNC tonight
Speakers for the second night of the Republican National Convention will feature Trump's top primary rivals like DeSantis and Nikki Haley, a source told CNN. The program will begin at 7 p.m. ET. Here are the notable names on the program, in the order in which they are scheduled to speak:
Senate candidate Kari Lake of Arizona
Senate candidate Eric Hovde of Wisconsin
Senate candidate Bernie Moreno of Ohio
Senate candidate Mike Rogers of Michigan
Senate candidate Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania
Senate candidate Jim Banks of Indiana
Gov. Jim Justice of West Virginia
Senate candidate Sam Brown of Nevada
Senate candidate Tim Sheehy of Montana
Senate candidate Hung Cao of Virginia
Sen. Rick Scott of Florida
Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York
Rep. Tom Emmer of Minnesota
Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana
House Speaker Mike Johnson
Entrepreneur and former GOP presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy
Reality television star Savannah Chrisley
Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley
Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders of Arkansas
Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson
Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida
Lara Trump
Who will speak at the 4-day Republican National Convention?
CNN has reported that former Fox News host Tucker Carlson and former Trump aide Peter Navarro, expected to be released from prison, will be speaking at the convention. Other names include lawmakers (Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson, House Speaker and Louisiana Rep. Mike Johnson, Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, among others); governors (Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, among others) and celebrities like Dana White from the UFC and reality TV star Savannah Chrisley.
Trump’s family will also feature prominently. Expected to take the stage are his sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump; Lara Trump, Eric Trump’s wife and the co-chair of the RNC; and Kimberly Guilfoyle, Donald Trump Jr.’s fiancee and former Fox News host.
Around 50,000 people are expected to attend the GOP convention with heightened security measures after the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, the newly anointed Republican presidential candidate.
Democratic National Committee launches eight new billboards in Milwaukee near GOP convention featuring Biden alter-ego 'Dark Brandon'
Credit: Democratic National Committee
The new billboards feature "Dark Brandon" - an image of Biden featuring beaming laser red eyes that was created by his detractors and co-opted by his campaign - an alter-ego of the 81-year-old president used by his political team to extoll his policy victories.
"Restore Roe, vote for Joe," reads an abortion-themed billboard.
Another reads, "Get on board folks, we're lowering prescription drug costs.," and a third, "Democracy is on the ballot folks. Stand with Joe!!"
Deputy communications director Abhi Rahman said that "the DNC is highlighting Joe Biden’s winning platform and policies that are delivering for the American people. We’re making sure voters know it by bringing Dark Brandon to Milwaukee to outline a bold second term agenda that sharply contrasts with what Wisconsinites are seeing on the RNC stage this week – restoring Roe, lowering costs, protecting Social Security, and safeguarding our democracy."
This is a sharp turn in messaging from the billboards in Milwaukee earlier in July, ahead of the start of the GOP convention, that highlighted the former president's failures in Wisconsin - a key battleground state - during his tenure in the White House.
Harris and Vance have yet to speak but are trying to find time today: Source
Vice President Kamala Harris and Trump's new running mate Vance are yet to speak after he was picked as the VP candidate. However, their teams are trying to find a time to connect later today, a source told CNN. Harris reportedly left a voicemail for Vance shortly after he became Trump's vice presidential pick on Monday but Vance didn’t answer because it was 'an unknown number'.
Elon Musk to donate $45M a month to pro-Trump super PAC following endorsement of former president
Musk plans to donate about $45 million per month to a super PAC backing the former president Donald Trump, as per a report in The Wall Street Journal. Formed last month in support of Trump with financial help from some of Musk's friends, America PAC includes Palantir Technologies co-founder Joe Lonsdale, Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, and former U.S. ambassador to Canada Kelly Craft and her husband, Joe, the chief executive of coal producer Alliance Resource Partners.
Trump shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks' parents are licensed professional counselors
Both of would-be Trump assassin Thomas Matthew Crooks' parents are social workers and professional counsellors in Pennsylvania since 2002, records show.
Mary Elizabeth Crooks and Matthew Brian Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, Thomas' mother and father, are licensed as professional counselors, according to the Pennsylvania Department of State Licensing System Verification service. Both parents have active licenses, the service said, and will only expire in February 2025.
Republican National Convention Day 2 to begin as GOP rallies around Trump, Vance
Biden will speak at the NAACP convention in Las Vegas today
Biden's appearance at NAACP convention in Las Vegas today aims at wooing Black voters, an important demographic support base for the Democratic coalition and for Biden himself.
He has also agreed to participate in an interview with BET. On Wednesday, Biden is scheduled to address UnidosUS, looking to bolster his appeal to Latino voters, another crucial Democratic-leaning bloc.
House Oversight, Homeland Security committees to be briefed on Trump assassination attempt
The House Oversight Committee and the House Homeland Security Committee are expected to receive virtual briefings on Tuesday about the assassination attempt on Trump, Fox News reports.
Pennsylvania gun club where would-be Trump assassin was member is visited by FBI
Clairton Sportsmen's Club in Pennsylvania was visited by FBI agents, who were trying to figure out why Thomas Matthew Crooks attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump, earlier on Monday.
Members of the gun club have publicly condemned the suspect and his actions as something their community is "not about."
Returning to campaign trail after the assassination attempt on Trump, Biden puts the focus back on policy
In advance of public events in Nevada on Tuesday, Biden unveiled new actions to lower housing costs, including a plan to cap rents charged by certain landlords. Officials say the moves are aimed at easing a significant financial burden felt by voters.
Reports suggest that Biden's campaign instead of focusing on divisive rhetoric, especially ones targeting Trump, Biden will woo voters on the substance of his proposals instead.
VP Kamala Harris to take a lead role in the Biden campaign
Harris aims to draw attention to GOP divisions during the Republican National Convention, in addition to courting female voters with a focus on national security and reproductive rights.
Kamala Harris congratulates JD Vance, hopes 'that the two can meet' at VP debate
The FBI and DHS warn of possible retaliation in response to Trump assassination attempt
In a joint intelligence bulletin, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security has warned of potential “retaliatory acts of violence” in response to the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, as per a Politico report.
Is Biden a liability for House Democrats seeking reelection?
Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn. told MSNBC that “the trajectory, what Americans believe in their bones right now, suggests not only that Joe Biden would lose this race, but that we would lose the Senate and the House.”
Nikki Haley will speak on Tuesday at RNC
Former United Nations ambassador and South Carolina governor, Nikki Haley, who dropped out of the presidential race in March, is set to speak on Day 2 of the convention. She wasn't planning to attend the convention but after Sunday's assassination attempt on Trump, she has apparently changed her mind and will not only attend but speak on Day 2 of the RNC.
Vance reveals what Trump said to him on the phone call to inform him about being his running mate
In an exclusive interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity on Monday, J D Vance revealed how Trump broke the news about him winning the months-long vice presidential selection process.
“I hope I’m not betraying too many confidences here, but when the president called me today to actually formally offer me to become the vice presidential nominee—which just sounds crazy—my son, my 7-year-old son, was sort of making noise in the background. I was getting so embarrassed,” Vance recalled.
“But then he actually has me put my 7-year-old son on the phone. You think about this. Everything that’s happened, the guy just got shot at a couple of days ago, and he takes the time to talk to my 7-year-old. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.”
Trump then expressed his confidence about helping him sweep the US presidential elections by getting votes in "some of these Midwestern states like Pennsylvania and Michigan and so forth," Vance said.
Vance also added that the former president’s trust in him "has been something I value a great deal.”
Vance, once Trump's critic, is singing a new tune these days. There is one thing he particularly likes about him now -- his health.
Currently, the Republicans are pushing the narrative of a 'strong' and 'defiant' Donald Trump and a 'frail' Biden. “Donald Trump is as healthy as anyone I’ve ever met,” Vance said. “I tell him all the time, he’s got ridiculous genes.”
RNC day two to focus on crime and immigration
Though the speaker schedule for Tuesday remains largely unknown, the Republican National Convention's focus on Day 2 will be crime and immigration. The theme for Tuesday is “Make America Safe Once Again”.
Trump's VP pick J D Vance 'overwhelmed with gratitude'
How is assassination attempt on Trump affecting the world: Euro zone yields ease ahead of macro data, Trump in focus
Euro zone government bond yields eased for a second day on Tuesday, ahead of a busy day for macro data, as investors pondered what a victory by Donald Trump in the US presidential election might mean for financial markets.
Germany's ZEW index of economic expectations, along with the European Central Bank's lending survey could help to set the tone, analysts said.
Japan's Nikkei ends higher as market gauges US election outlook
Japan's Nikkei share average rose on Tuesday, tracking gains in Wall Street, as investors assessed whether an assassination attempt on U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump increased his chances of winning the November elections.
The Nikkei closed 0.2% higher at 41,275.08, and the broader Topix finished up 0.34% at 2,904.5.
Japan's markets were closed on Monday for a public holiday.
U.S. stocks ended higher on Monday as bets of a second Trump presidency raised hopes of a looser regulatory environment.
Recap | What happened with Donald Trump last week?
Former US president and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Saturday was shot at during his rally in Pennsylvania and a bullet pierced the upper part of his right ear.
In his first statement issued on the social media platform Truth Social, 78-year-old Trump thanked the US Secret Service for saving his life. “I want to thank the United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response to the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania,” the former president said. Trump got injured during his election rally in Butler, Pennsylvania following an apparent series of gunshots. He was immediately escorted out of the venue by the US Secret Service.
In Pics | Trump appears at RNC with a bandage on his ear
Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump raises his fist during Day 1 of the Republican National Convention (RNC) at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Republican presidential nominee and former US President Donald Trump, and Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance shake hands as Eric Trump watches during Day 1 of the Republican National Convention (RNC), at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Republican presidential nominee and former US President Donald Trump, Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance, Donald Trump Jr., Kimberly Guilfoyle, Eric Trump, Lara Trump, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and Rep. Byron Donalds (FL) stand during Day 1 of the Republican National Convention (RNC), at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump walks during Day 1 of the Republican National Convention (RNC) at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.
Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump attend Day 1 of the Republican National Convention (RNC) at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump raises his fist during Day 1 of the Republican National Convention (RNC) at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Donald Trump makes first public appearance after assassination attempt
Amid cheers and applause, former US President Donald Trump made his first public appearance at the RNC 2024 event in Milwaukee on Monday. This comes after an attempted assassination that took place in Pennsylvania on Saturday.
Was a mistake to say 'bullseye' in reference to Trump, says Biden
US President Joe Biden said on Monday it was a mistake for him to use the term "bullseye" in reference to Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, according to an excerpt of an interview with NBC News.
Biden told donors in a private call several days before Trump was shot by a gunman that "it’s time to put Trump in a bullseye," according to a Politico report.
"It was a mistake to use the word," Biden said. "I meant focus on it, focus on what he's doing," he said. (Reuters)
J D Vance is a clone of Trump, says Joe Biden
Trump becomes official Republican presidential nominee
Donald Trump has received enough convention delegate votes to become the official Republican presidential nominee, reported PTI citing AP
FBI says it has gained access to Trump shooting suspect's phone
The FBI said on Monday it has gained access to the phone of the Thomas Matthew Crooks, the suspect in the shooting of former President Donald Trump, as it continues to investigate his motive for the crime. (Reuters)
Trump picks onetime critic J D Vance, now a fierce defender, as his running mate
Donald Trump selected J D Vance, a Republican US senator from Ohio, as his running mate on Monday, elevating a politician who once criticized the former president in acid terms but has since become one of his most stalwart defenders.
Read more
US Senator Rubio told he will not be Trump's running mate, sources say
US Senator Marco Rubio of Florida has been told he will not be Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's running mate, sources told Reuters on Monday.
Grateful injuries to Trump were not more serious: Jerome Powell
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Monday said he was grateful the injuries that former President Donald Trump suffered during an assassination attempt over the weekend were not more serious and that the event marked a "sad day for our country."
"Political violence has no place in our society, and I condemn it in the strongest terms. I know we all do," Powell said at an event at the Economic Club of Washington.
Source: Reuters
Trump leads Biden 48-44% among Pennsylvania voters
Republican candidate Donald Trump is leading US President Joe Biden by 48%-44% in the New York Times/ Sienna College polls of registered Pennsylvania voters, reported Reuters. The poll was conducted between July 9 and 11.
'Sad moment for our country', says Goldman Sachs CEO after attack on Trump
Charles writes to Trump, Zelenskyy says 'Haven't spoken to him since attack'
Britain’s King Charles III has written to US presidential candidate Donald Trump after an assassination attempt on the former president during an election rally in the United States, Buckingham Palace said on Monday.
Source: PTI
Treasuries slip, dollar steady as markets weigh Trump attack fallout
The dollar held steady on Monday, while long-dated US bond yields rose, as investors weighed whether an assassination attempt on presidential candidate Donald Trump increased his chances of victory.
European stocks opened lower, after weak economic data from China helped set a cautious tone, while dour updates from British luxury group Burberry and watchmaker Swatch Group raised questions about consumer confidence.
Source: Reuters
'Disgusting pig!' Former Fox News talk show host Megyn Kelly shuts down Stephen King over remarks on Republicans supporting guns after Trump shooting
What Stephen King said: An AR-15 style semiautomatic rifle was used in the Butler shooting. These are the guns the Republican party—and Trump—want to protect.
What Megyn Kelly said: You are a disgusting pig who has done as much as any man alive to cast Trump as an evil, non-human demon. SIT THIS ONE OUT HORROR MAN.
Very few 'actual' Secret Service agents at Trump rally site, most were temporary Homeland Security agents: Fox News reports
Republican convention speech now rewritten to 'bring whole world together', Donald Trump says
"That reality is just setting in. I rarely look away from the crowd. Had I not done that in that moment, well, we would not be talking today," the US presidential candidate told The Washington Examiner, adding, "This is a chance to bring the whole country, even the whole world together. The speech will be a lot different, a lot different than it would’ve been two days ago."
Can't allow 'shooter' to force change in schedule: Donald Trump on Truth Social
Trump announced on his social media platform his intent to attend the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee despite being shot at.
Cheap politics should not be played on the issue of security of leaders: Pawan Khera
'Divine intervention,' Lord Jagannath saved Trump says ISKCON spokesperson
Beautiful words by Melania Trump, says Robert F Kennedy Jr after her message on Donald's shooting
Resolve differences with votes, not bullets: Biden asks US to 'cool it down' after Trump shooting
US President Joe Biden used the formal setting of the White House Oval Office on Sunday to ask Americans to lower the political temperature and remember they are neighbors after a would-be assassin wounded Republican rival Donald Trump.
Read Biden's full speech here.
Nothing more important than standing together, says Biden
"We resolve differences at the ballot box. We need to get out of our silos. Nothing is more important than standing together," said Biden.
America must not go down the road of political violence, says Biden
"We cannot, we must not go down road of political violence in America after attempted Trump assassination," says Biden.
Biden begins address to the nation
Trump arrives in Milwaukee for Republican National Convention
Trump rally shooting victim died shielding family from bullets
The victim previously served as the chief of the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Department. He is survived by a wife and two daughters.
Gunman acted alone, had no mental issues, says FBI
The suspected gunman at Donald Trump's rally on Saturday was acting alone and used an AR-style rifle purchased legally to shoot at the former US president, FBI officials said on Sunday, adding that they had no indications of any mental health issues with the suspect.
The FBI officials, in a call with reporters, said the investigation was at an early stage and that they had not yet identified an ideology associated with the suspect. They said finding the motive behind the shooting was one of their priorities. (Reuters)
Trump to travel to Milwaukee for Republican Convention on Sunday
Donald Trump on Saturday said he would be travelling to Milwaukee for Republican Convention on Sunday afternoon after the failed assassination attempt. (PTI via AP)
Biden to address nation in a few hours
US President Joe Biden will address the nation from the White House at approximately 8 pm ET (4.30 am IST).
Killed bystander at Trump rally identified
Donald Trump survived a weekend assassination attempt days before he is due to accept the formal Republican presidential nomination, in an attack that will further inflame the US political divide and has raised questions about the security failures.
Authorities identified a rally attendee who was shot and killed as Corey Comperatore, 50, of Sarver, Pennsylvania, who Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro told reporters was killed when he dove on top of his family to protect them from the hail of bullets.
"Corey was an avid supporter of the former president, and was so excited to be there last night with him in the community," Shapiro said, adding, "Political disagreements can never, ever be addressed through violence."
On Saturday, Trump, 78, had just begun a campaign speech in Butler, Pennsylvania, about 30 miles (50 km) north of Pittsburgh, when shots rang out, hitting the former president's right ear and streaking his face with blood.
-Reuters
Gun recovered at Trump rally was legally purchased by shooting suspect's father, say reports
The gun that was recovered at the site of Donald Trump's rally in Pennsylvania was legally purchased by the shooting suspect's father, revealed law enforcement sources, as per media reports.
-Reuters
Bomb making materials found inside vehicle of shooting suspect
Washington: US authorities found explosive devices in the car of the man who officials say tried to assassinate former President Donald Trump, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday, citing unnamed sources.
Read more
-Reuters
'Monster who recognized my husband as an inhuman political machine attempted to ring out Donald's passion', says Melania Trump in public statement
Attack on Donald Trump reopens chilling chapter in American politics: US media
Republican presidential candidate and former US President Donald Trump gestures with a bloodied face while he is assisted by US Secret Service personnel after he was shot in the right ear during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pennsylvania, US on July 13, 2024.
Credit: Reuters Ph
The assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump is a "horrific moment" for America and a "sobering reminder" of the threat that political violence poses to democracy in the country ahead of the high-stakes presidential election, the US media commented on Sunday.
Read more
Republicans working to ensure convention security after Trump shooting: Party Chairman Michael Whatley
Washington: Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley said on Sunday that authorities are working together to ensure security at the party's convention in Milwaukee this week after Donald Trump survived a weekend assassination attempt.
"We feel very comfortable that we're working with the Secret Service, we're working with 40 different law enforcement agencies in terms of what that security is going to look like," Whatley said in an interview on the "Fox News Sunday" program.
-Reuters
Important to 'stand united', show 'true character as Americans', says Trump post attack
Washington: Former US President Donald Trump said on Sunday he looks forward to speaking from Wisconsin where the Republican National Convention will be held this week.
"In this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand united, and show our true character as Americans, remaining strong and determined," Trump said in a Truth Social post.
It is his second post since he was shot and injured at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.
-Reuters
Trump rally shooter was a registered Republican; would have voted for first time in November
Republican presidential candidate and former US President Donald Trump gestures as he gets into a vehicle with the assistance of US Secret Service personnel after he was shot in the right ear during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pennsylvania, US on July 13, 2024.
Credit: Reuters Photo
Thomas Matthew Crooks, the gunman who authorities say attempted to assassinate former president Donald Trump, was a 20-year-old registered Republican who would have voted for the first time in the presidential election in November.
He lived in the Pittsburgh suburb of Bethel Park, about 56 km south of the Trump rally site where law enforcement officials said he fired at Trump, the presumptive presidential candidate of the Republican Party.
-PTI
Read more
Kremlin: Biden administration created atmosphere for Trump shooting
Moscow: The Kremlin on Sunday said it did not believe the current US administration was responsible for Saturday's assassination attempt on US presidential candidate Donald Trump, but that it had created an atmosphere that provoked the attack.
Reuters
Attack on Donald Trump has the potential to spark further US political violence
Republican presidential candidate and former US President Donald Trump reacts after gunfire rang out during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pennsylvania, US on July 13, 2024.
Credit: Reuters Photo
Washington: In a country already on edge, the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump has enraged his supporters, paused the Democratic campaign and raised fears of further political violence in the run-up to November's election.
Trump's Republican allies painted him as a hero on Saturday, seizing on the image of him with his ear bloodied and fist raised, appearing to mouth the words "Fight! Fight! Fight!"
Whereas Trump has regularly used violent language with his followers, advisers and allies of the former president flipped the script on his Democratic opponent President Joe Biden, saying it was the demonization of the Republican presidential candidate that led to the assassination attempt.
"Today is not just some isolated incident. The central premise of the Biden campaign is that President Donald Trump is an authoritarian fascist who must be stopped at all costs. That rhetoric led directly to President Trump's attempted assassination," US Senator J D Vance of Ohio, a top candidate to be Trump's running mate, said on X.
Biden moved quickly to try to defuse the situation, denouncing the attack as unacceptable political violence and pulling election ads attacking Trump.
"There's no place in America for this kind of violence. It's sick," Biden told reporters.
The motivation of the shooter is not yet known. The suspect, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was a registered Republican, according to state voter records. He previously made a $15 donation to a political action committee that raises money for left-leaning and Democratic politicians.
In the short term, the attack will likely boost Trump's appearances in Milwaukee this week at the Republican National Convention as he accepts his party's presidential nomination, fortifying the sense of grievance and estrangement his supporters already feel toward the nation's political class.
Within hours of the shooting, Trump's campaign sent out a text asking voters to contribute to the campaign. "They're not after me, they're after you," the message read.
Billionaires Elon Musk and Bill Ackman also swiftly endorsed Trump. "I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery," Musk said on X, the social media site he owns.
Chris LaCivita, the co-manager of Trump's campaign, said on X that "for years and even today, leftist activists, Democrat donors and now even Joe Biden have made disgusting remarks and descriptions of shooting Donald Trump ... it's high time they be held accountable for it ... the best way is through the ballot box."
LaCivita was apparently referring to recent remarks by Biden made in the context of asking his supporters to focus on beating Trump rather than his own performance. "So, we're done talking about the debate, it's time to put Trump in a bullseye," said Biden, who has always condemned any political violence.
Political attacks
The US is grappling with the biggest and most sustained increase in political violence since the 1970s. Of 14 fatal political attacks since supporters of Trump stormed the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, in which the perpetrator or suspect had a clear partisan leaning, 13 were right-wing assailants. One was on the left.
Despite being a former president, Trump has campaigned as an outsider insurgent, complaining that he has long been targeted by the federal "deep state" and Biden's administration to prevent him from reclaiming power.
He has typically employed violent, degrading and even apocalyptic rhetoric while doing so, warning of a "bloodbath" if he is not elected and saying immigrants in the United States illegally are "poisoning the blood of our country".
Some Republicans were already agitated by his continued stoking of the fire.
"If the country wasn't a powder keg before, it is now," said Chip Felkel, a Republican operative in South Carolina who has opposed Trump.
Brad Bannon, a Democratic strategist, said the shooting could benefit Trump politically because it feeds into his campaign narrative that the country is off-track.
"The attempted assassination creates sympathy for Trump," Bannon said. "It also confirms the idea to voters that something is fundamentally wrong in this nation, which is an idea that drives support for him."
Trump in May was found guilty of engaging in a scheme to cover up an affair with a porn star, a conviction that did little to alter the race and suggested supporters of both sides remain entrenched in their positions.
Biden has dealt with a debate within his own party over whether he should step down as the Democratic candidate because of concerns that he is no longer fit for the job. He says his doctors have told him he is in good shape. Trump has benefited in some polls from Biden's disastrous debate performance last month, but others show the race to be even.
Many voters have already been alienated by both Biden and Trump. The chaos that surrounds the candidates may contribute to voters feeling that the nation's problems are unfixable and the gulf between the parties cannot be bridged.
U.S. Representative Steve Scalise, a Republican who was shot by a gunman in 2017, told Fox News that violent election rhetoric needed to stop.
"All it takes is one person who is just unhinged to hear that and go out and act on it and think that's their signal to go take somebody out," he said.
Reuters
World leaders including Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and British PM Keir Starmer have expressed their shock and condemned the attack on Trump
Horrified by the attack in Pennsylvania: Former UK PM Rishi Sunak
Witness claims to have seen shooter moving from roof to roof during Trump rally
Washington: Two witnesses at Donald Trump's election rally in Pennsylvania, where he was attacked, claimed to have seen the shooter, with one recalling how the gunman moved from roof to roof, apparently scouting for a perfect perch to shoot at the former US president.
Republican presidential candidate and former US President Donald Trump is assisted by US Secret Service personnel after he was shot in the right ear during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pennsylvania, US, July 13, 2024
Credit: Reuters Photo
The FBI on Sunday identified the gunman as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. Crooks, armed with an AR-style rifle, was killed by Secret Service personnel. He fired multiple shots at the stage from an “elevated position outside of the rally venue,” the agency said.
The gunman was able to get close enough to shoot and injure Trump is seen as a huge failure of the security agencies tasked with providing cover for him ahead of the election.
The gunman was on a rooftop approximately "200 to 250 yards" from where the former US president was addressing his supporters, US media reported.
PTI
Trump-victory trades to swell after shooting, investors say
Singapore: Saturday's shooting at US former President Donald Trump's election rally raises his odds of winning back the White House, and trades betting on his victory will increase this coming week, investors said on Sunday.
Trump was shot in the ear during the rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday in what the authorities were treating as an assassination attempt. Trump, his face spattered with blood, pumped his fist moments after the attack and his campaign said he was fine after the incident.
Snippers stand on a roof at Republican presidential candidate and former US President Donald Trump's campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, US, July 13, 2024
Credit: Reuters Photo
Before the shooting, markets had reacted to the prospect of a Trump presidency by pushing the dollar higher and positioning for a steeper U.S. Treasury yield curve, and those trades could strengthen in the coming week, said Rong Ren Goh, a portfolio manager in the fixed income team at Eastspring Investments in Singapore.
The first shooting of a US president or major party candidate since a 1981 assassination attempt on Republican President Ronald Reagan could upend the Nov. 5 rematch between Republican Trump and President Joe Biden, a Democrat, which has been tight in opinion polls.
"From memory, Reagan went up 22 points in the polls after his assassination attempt. The election is likely to be a landslide. This probably reduces uncertainty," said Nick Ferres, chief investment officer at Vantage Point Asset Management.
World leaders and US politicians condemned the shooting, while some industry executives, including Tesla chief Elon Musk, declared their support for Trump.
Since a shaky performance against Trump in a presidential debate two weeks ago, Biden has faced growing doubts from donors, supporters and fellow Democrats about his ability to beat Trump and keep up with the demands of the job.
Immigration and economy have been the main issues for US voters and, according to Reuters/Ipsos polls, they see Trump as the better candidate for the economy, even as Biden’s White House seeks to benefit from a solid economy with inflation slowing and unemployment low.
Under Trump, market analysts expect a more hawkish trade policy, less regulation and looser climate change regulations.
Investors also expect an extension of corporate and personal tax cuts expiring next year, fuelling concerns about rising budget deficits under Trump.
Trump said in an interview in February he would not re-appoint Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, whose second four-year term as chair will expire in 2026.
Longer-end Treasury yields have risen alongside the odds of a second Trump administration.
While the moves in the still-inverted Treasury curve have primarily been driven by changing expectations about the Fed's first rate cut in this cycle, the gap between 2-year and 30-year notes has narrowed to a negative 6 basis points from a negative 30 bps around the time of the Biden-Trump debate.
The more closely watched gap between two- and 10-year Treasury yields is at a negative 27 basis points, half the levels three weeks ago.
“Trump has always been more 'pro-market'. The key issue looking forward is whether fiscal policy remains irresponsibly loose and the implication that might have for (renewed) inflation and the future path of interest rates," said Ferres.
Stock prices have been rising. Both the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average indexes hit record highs on Friday and the S&P 500 is up 18 per cent this year.
Police tape outlines a perimeter near the home of the 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, named by the FBI as the "subject involved" in the attempted assassination of Republican presidential candidate and former US President Donald Trump, in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, US July 14, 2024.
Credit: Reuters Photo
"Around the five presidential elections of the last 20 years, CEO confidence, consumer sentiment, and particularly small business optimism have shifted more favorably in response to Republican victories than Democratic victories," analysts at Goldman Sachs wrote.
"To the extent improved sentiment leads to an increase in spending and investment, a Trump victory could boost the earnings outlooks for some firms even without substantial policy changes."
Soon after the shooting, billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman endorsed Trump. Musk also endorsed Trump, calling him "tough" on his social media platform X.
Reuters
Trump's campaign to boost security after shooting at Pennsylvania rally leaves him injured
Washington: Donald Trump's campaign team has announced plans to bolster security protocols to ensure his safety after the former US president was injured in a shooting incident at an election rally in Pennsylvania.
Republican presidential candidate and former US President Donald Trump gestures as he gets into a vehicle with the assistance of US Secret Service personnel after he was shot in the right ear during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pennsylvania, US, July 13, 2024.
Credit: Reuters Photo
Trump, 78, was injured on Saturday after being shot in the ear during an apparent assassination attempt during a Republican Party campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania. The 20-year-old male attacker was shot and killed by a member of the Secret Service.
Following the incident, Trump’s campaign managers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita said the campaign would be employing additional security measures, CNN reported.
Wiles and LaCivita told staffers in a new memo that they “remain horrified” at the attack. They added that they “hope that this horrendous act will bring our team, and indeed the nation, together in unity and we must renew our commitment to safety and peace for our country”.
“We condemn all forms of violence, and will not tolerate dangerous rhetoric on social media,” the memo said.
The campaign managers said the Republican National Convention will continue as planned in Milwaukee, “where we will nominate our President to be the brave and fearless nominee of our Party”.
Republican delegates will nominate Trump as the party's candidate in the November 5 presidential election against the nominee of the Democratic Party, which till late last month was thought to be incumbent US President Joe Biden.
However, after his disastrous performance against Trump at the first presidential debate, pressure has mounted on 81-year-old Biden to quit the race and allow someone else from the party to contest against the former president.
“In moments of tragedy and horror, we must be resolute in our mission to reelect President Trump,” the memo reads.
My solidarity and my best wishes for a speedy recovery go to him, with the hope that the next few months of the electoral campaign will see dialogue and responsibility prevail over hatred and violence: Italy PM Giorgia Meloni
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Credit: Reuters Photo
FBI identifies Thomas Matthew Crooks as 'subject involved' in Trump rally shooting
Washington: The Federal Bureau of Investigation has identified 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks as the "subject involved" in the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, it said in a statement on Sunday.
Reuters
Deputy Commissioner of Operations Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens speaks as Kevin Rojek, special agent in charge of the FBI Pittsburgh field office and Pennsylvania State Police Colonel Christopher Paris look on during a press conference after Republican presidential candidate and former US President Donald Trump was injured when shots were fired during a campaign rally, at a police station in Butler, Pennsylvania, US, July 13, 2024.
Credit: Reuters Photo
Suspected shooter was male: Pennsylvania state police
Washington: The suspected shooter at the rally of Donald Trump on Saturday was male, the Pennsylvania State Police said at a press briefing early Sunday.
A satellite image around Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump's rally location in Butler, Pennsylvania, US.
Credit: Reuters Photo
The suspect, who is deceased, was not identified at the briefing, which was held at Butler, Pennsylvania, close to the site of the rally on Saturday. The three rally attendees who were shot are adult males, George Bivens, deputy commissioner of operations for the Pennsylvania State Police, said at the briefing. One of the victims has died.
Reuters
Such violence has no justification and no place anywhere in the world. Never should violence prevail: Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Credit: Reuters File Photo
He'll never stop fighting to Save America: Donald Trump Jr.
President Joe Biden spoke with former President Donald Trump. Biden is returning to Washington DC and will be receiving all updates on the investigation into the Butler shooting incident: The White House
Such acts must be condemned in the strongest possible terms: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi.
Former UFC fighter and soldier Tim Kennedy asks 'how did the shooter even get on the roof?'
'FBI has identified suspected shooter at Trump rally'
Washington: The Federal Bureau of Investigation has identified a 20-year-old Pennsylvania man as the suspected shooter at the Trump rally on Saturday, a CNN reporter posted on X citing sources.
Republican presidential candidate and former US President Donald Trump is assisted by the Secret Service after gunfire rang out during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pennsylvania, July 13, 2024.
Credit: Reuters Photo
The FBI is not releasing the name of the suspected shooter yet, CNN reported. Reuters was not immediately able to confirm the report.
Reuters
Under the protection of US Secret Service and with the assistance of the Pennsylvania State Police, former President Trump has now left the Butler area: Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.
People hold flags after Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump was injured when shots were fired during a campaign rally held in Butler, outside Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, US, July 13 , 2024.
Credit: Reuters Photo
US House panel invites Secret Service director to testify after Trump shooting
Washington: The Republican-led US House of Representatives Oversight Committee on Saturday invited U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to testify on July 22 following the shooting at the rally of former President Donald Trump.
Police officer stands guard at Trump Tower after Trump was injured when shots were fired during a campaign rally held in Butler, in New York, US, July 13, 2024.
Credit: Reuters Photo
"Americans demand answers about the assassination attempt of President Trump," the panel said in a statement on social media.
Reuters
The heads of Alphabet Inc. and Microsoft— Sundar Pichai and Satya Nadella expressed shock at the shooting incident that left Trump injured, and wished the Republican leader a speedy recovery.
Anthony Guglielmi, the Chief of Communications for the United States Secret Service confirmed that the shooter was killed. Below is the statement by FBI which is currently probing the shooting incident at Trump's rally.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemning the shooting incident at Trump rally wished the former US President a speedy recovery.
"Deeply concerned by the attack on my friend, former President Donald Trump. Strongly condemn the incident. Violence has no place in politics and democracies. Wish him speedy recovery." wrote Modi on X.
Injured Trump leaves hospital
Former US President Donald Trump was out of hospital late on Saturday following a shooting earlier in the day at his rally where he was shot in the right ear, Bloomberg reported.
FBI taking lead role in Trump rally shooting probe
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is leading the probe into the shooting at Donald Trump's rally in which the former president was shot in the right ear, the FBI said in a statement on Saturday.
The shooter was dead, one rally attendee was killed and two other spectators were injured in the shooting.
"The FBI has assumed the role of the lead federal law enforcement agency in the investigation of the incident involving former President Donald Trump that occurred earlier today in Butler, Pennsylvania," the FBI said. (Reuters)
Visuals from the rally site during the shooting
Credit: Reuters Photos
Credit: Reuters Photos
Credit: Reuters Photos
Musk says he fully endorses 'tough' Trump, posts photo after shooting
Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla, said he "fully endorsed" Donald Trump, calling the Republican presidential candidate "tough" after the shooting at the Pennsylvania rally.
Shooter who opened fire at Trump rally killed by Secret Service
At Donald Trump's rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday, the US Secret Service "neutralised the shooter, who is now deceased," according to a statement posted on X. A "suspected shooter fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside of the rally," according to the statement.
Grateful to hear Trump is safe: US President Biden after rally shooting
Biden said in a statement he was "grateful to hear that he's safe and doing well. I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information."
Shots fired at Trump rally in Pennsylvania; ex-US President safe but likely injured
Donald Trump was safe, the US Secret Service said on Saturday after multiple shots rang out at a rally by the Republican presidential candidate in Pennsylvania as video showed Trump grimacing and raising his right hand to his right.