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RALLY TRAGEDY
Biden gave a rare primetime address where he called for a 'cooldown' after the shooting
- Matthew Aquino
- Carsen Holaday
- Emma Crabtree
- Britta Zeltmann
A COUPLE has described the chaos that unfolded as police were reportedly too close to the building a sniper was perched on to see him.
Michael and Amber Difrischia were at Donald Trump's rally on Saturday when a gunman tried to assassinate the former president.
Thomas Crooks, 20, fired at least eight shots toward the stage, killing a spectator and wounding Trump and two others.
Difrischia said the crowd saw Crooks on the building and realized something was wrong.
“I didn’t think nothing of it for a few seconds, and then a guy behind me seen him and said he had a gun," Michael said.
“My wife ran up to law enforcement and tried to tell them where he was.
“They couldn’t seem to see him because they weren’t in the right spot - it got real hectic real fast.”
The couple said cops were "too close" to the building to see Crooks on the roof.
A former fire chief was killed while two more victims were wounded and remain in critical condition.
Trump suffered an injury to his ear and was seen bloodied as he was rushed off stage but has said he is doing well.
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He arrived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Sunday night head of next week's Republican National Convention (RNC).
Follow our Donald Trump rally shooting blog for news and updates...
9 minutes agoBy Matthew Aquino
Victims brother breaks silence, part two
"He was a hero who shielded his daughters. His wife and girls just lived through the unthinkable and unimaginable.
"My baby brother just turned 50 and had so much life left to experience. Hatred has no limits and love has no bounds.
"Pray for my sister-in-law, nieces, my mother, sister, me, and his nieces and nephews as this feels like a terrible nightmare but we know it is our painful reality."
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39 minutes agoBy Matthew Aquino
Victims brother breaks silence
Corey Comperatore, the former fire chief for Buffalo Township — about 15 miles southeast of Butler, Pennsylvania — died protecting his daughter from bullets at the rally.
The victim's brother posted toFacebookon Sunday morning, grieving the loss of his "baby brother."
"The hatred for one man took the life of the one man we loved the most," he wrote in thepost.
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Today, 10:30By Matthew Aquino
Donald Trump Rally Security
Donald Trump was reportedly shot at a Pennsylvania rally on Saturday, July 13.
Trump's rally was held at the Butler Farm Grounds, which can hold tens of thousands of people.
There were 8-10 metal detectors at the grounds, according to Former USUN Ambassador Kip Tom.
Tom told CNN that anyone within a certain distance of the president was required to enter through those metal detectors.
Despite being held at an open fairground, the rally was fenced-in, meaning a perimeter was set up.
Counter snipers from the Secret Service were stationed in the area to monitor the perimeter.
In addition to metal detectors for the public, plus local and state police, the Secret Service is assigned to protect the president.
Secret Service agents immediately jumped to cover Trump after he appeared to be shot.
"We have practiced for these situations thousands of times," Jonathan Wackrow, former agent, told CNN.
CNN also reported that the Secret Service shot and killed the reported shooter.
The FBI assumed the larger investigation of the shooting, working in tandem with the Secret Service.
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Today, 10:00By Matthew Aquino
The former president wanted to keep speaking to crowd
Donald Trump revealed in an interview with the New York Post that as Secret Service agents led him off stage, he still wanted to continue speaking to supporters.
See Also15 Sample Answers to "Why Do You Want This Job?Video shows shooter wasn't stopped for nearly two minutes before shooting Donald TrumpTrump assassination attempt: Graphics, maps show you what happenedThomas Matthew Crooks: What we know about Donald Trump's attackerBut the agents told him it wasn’t safe and that he had to be brought to a hospital.
“I just wanted to keep speaking, but I just got shot," Trump told the outlet.
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Today, 09:30By Matthew Aquino
Trump comments on rally shooting
Donald Trump has spoken with the New York Post after being shot in the ear at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday evening.
Trump called the shooting a "very surreal experience."
The former president also admitted that he was “supposed to be dead" to the outlet following the shooting.
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Today, 09:00By Olivia Salamone
Classmates reveal what they knew about rally shooter, part two
Sarah D'Angelo, another Bethel Park High student, told theWall St. Journalthat she also didn't remember Crooks "outwardly" speaking about politics.
"He never outwardly spoke about his political views or how much he hated Trump or anything," she told the outlet.
She also said he had a few friends but wasn't part of a "whole friend group.
D'Angelo recalled how he would play games on his computer before class began.
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Today, 08:30By Olivia Salamone
Classmates reveal what they knew about rally shooter
Another student, 20-year-old Michael Dudjack said his former classmate was "on his own a lot."
However, Bethel Park High School alumni couldn't recall if he was vocal about his political beliefs.
Dudjak that he and other classmates were shocked to learn the news.
"It's definitely terrifying for someone you went to school with to commit such a heinous act ... that's the craziest thing about it when it entered my brain," Dudjak told NBC News.
"You were in the same class as this person two years ago."
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Today, 08:00By Olivia Salamone
Rally sniper rejected from a school rifle club
Thomas Crooks, 20, killed a rally attendee and wounded former President Trump and two others on Saturday as he unleashed a barrage of bullets at a rally in Pennsylvania.
Jameson Myers, another classmate, said he was close with Crooks in elementary school, but not high school, reportedCBS News.
Myers said Crooks had tried out for the rifle team freshman year but didn't make the junior varsity roster because he was such a bad shot
After failing to make the team, Crooks didn't try out again for the rest of high school.
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Today, 07:30By Charlotte Maracina
Trump insider comments on rally tragedy, part two
Trump's former special assistant said the presidential candidate is "doing well" after he spoke with him earlier today.
“I know he’s itching to get on the ground...he has a big announcement to make in the next couple of days.”
The assassination attempt left Giuliani shocked at the "catastrophic failure" of the Secret Service.
The 20-year-old gunman was only 150 meters away from Trump when he pulled the trigger, TheAssociated Pressreported.
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Today, 07:00By Charlotte Maracina
Trump insider comments on rally tragedy
Andrew Giuliani, son of former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani and former special assistant to Trump, told The U.S. Sun his thoughts on the shooting at Trump's rally on Saturday night.
Moments after the gunshots went off at the Pennsylvania rally, Trump could be heard telling the Secret Service "let me get my shoes," before exiting the stage.
Giuliani, who has known the former president for decades, said he knew exactly what the president was thinking.
“For him to ask Secret Service to wait to get his shoes…I know he was thinking, ‘I want to show American people I can walk off,'" Giuliani told The U.S. Sun.
“I think he’s a very resilient person. I think he wants to show the evil forces out there that he can persevere through something like this.”
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Today, 06:30By Matthew Aquino
What we know about the Trump rally shooter
Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, was identified as the gunman who opened fire during a Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday, killing one person and injuring three others including the former president.
- Crooks graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022
- He received a "star award" of $500 from the National Math and Science Initiative at his graduation
- Classmates of his haveclaimedhe was bullied in school and often wore "hunting" clothing to class
- Othersrevealedthat he never "outwardly spoke" about political views in school
- Some classmates said Crooks had a few friends, but not a large friend group
- He was registeredas Republican in Pennsylvania and last voted in November 2022 during the midterms.
- In January 2021, Crooks made a $15 donation to Democratic action group ActBlue.
- He was reportedly seen acting "suspiciously" before the assassination.
- The gun used in the shooting was legally purchased by his father at least six months ago.
- Explosives and bomb-making materialswere foundin his home and car parked near the Trump rally
- Crooks was shot and killed by Secret Service snipers on a nearby roof shortly after he opened fire at the rally
- Photos appear to show Crooks wearing gray camouflaged clothing at the time of the shooting
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Today, 06:00By Charlotte Maracina
Biden delivers speech Sunday night
In only the third speech given from the Oval Office during his presidency, Biden spoke to the American people in a 9-minute speech, echoing earlier calls for peace.
“Disagreement is inevitable in American democracy,” Biden said.
Differing opinions aside, the president said politics should never turn into "a killing field."
He pleaded with Americans to "lower the temperature" of political rhetoric.
“There is no place in America for this kind of violence. Any violence. Period. No exceptions," Biden said.
"We cannot allow this violence to be normalized."
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Today, 05:30By Matthew Aquino
Detailed look at Trump assassination attempt
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Today, 05:00By Olivia Salamone
Former classmates break silence
On Sunday, Crooks' former classmates revealed he had been bullied in school, according toCBS affiliate KDKA.
They said he was often wearing "hunting" clothing to class.
Jason Kohler, 21, described Crooks as a "loner," according to NBC News.
Another student, 20-year-old Michael Dudjack said his former classmate was "on his own a lot."
However, Bethel Park High School alumni couldn't recall if he was vocal about his political beliefs.
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Today, 04:47By Matthew Aquino
Trump reveals what doctor said after rally shooting
“The doctor at the hospital said he never saw anything like this, he called it a miracle,” Trump told the NYP.
Donald Trump donned a loose, large white bandage that covered his right ear, the outlet reported.
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Today, 04:43By Matthew Aquino
Trump opens up on rally shooting
Donald Trump has exclusively spoken with the New York Post after being shot in the ear at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania Saturday evening.
“I’m not supposed to be here, I’m supposed to be dead,” Trump told the NYP.
“I’m supposed to be dead.”
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Today, 04:30By Matthew Aquino
New photo of shooter surfaces
A driver’s license photograph of shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks has surfaced following his assassination attempt on Donald Trump.
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Today, 04:00By Matthew Aquino
A closer look at how far the shooter was from Trump at rally
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Today, 03:30By Matthew Aquino
Witness at Trump rally attempted to alert police of shooter
Trump shooting witness 'saw sniper crawl on roof & frantically alerted cops'
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Today, 03:00By Olivia Salamone
Police officer reportedly approached rally shooter
A police officer approachedTrump rally shooter Thomas Crooks before he fired shots, but didn't engage after he pointed his rifle at him.
Crooks shot former President Donald Trump in the ear on Saturday while also killing a man and injuring two others.
The local cop climbed on top of the roof and sawCrookswho then pointed his rifle at the officer, per theAssociated Press.
He quickly backed down the ladder and the gunman shot toward Trump, according to the anonymous cop who spoke to the outlet.
As soon as the Secret Service was aware of the shots,a sniper on another roof killed Crooks.
COP OUT Police confronted Trump sniper moments before failed assassination but 'fled'Copied
Today, 02:30By Matthew Aquino
Donald Trump Rally Shooting Reaction
Dozens of politicians and celebrities have offered their support for the former president after he was reportedly grazed by gunfire at his Pennsylvania rally on July 13.
President Biden held a brief press conference just after 8 pm ET. He said he was hoping to speak to Trump.
"Look, there's no place in America for this kind of violence. It's sick," the president continued. "We cannot condone this."
Vice President Harris said she was "relieved" Trump was not seriously injured.
"Violence such as this has no place in our nation," she continued.
Former President Obama said on X: "There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy.
"Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics. Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery.
Donald Trump, Jr shared a photo of his father raising a fist moments after he was shot with the caption: "He'll never stop fighting to Save America."
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr said: "Now is the time for every American who loves our country to step back from the division, renounce all violence, and unite in prayer for President Trump and his family."
Tesla CEO Elon Musk said: "I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery."
Britain's new Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer took to X to say: "I am appalled by the shocking scenes at President Trump's rally and we send him and his family our best wishes.
"Political violence in any form has no place in our societies and my thoughts are with all the victims of this attack."
Reform leader and newly elected MP Nigel Farage said it is a "miracle" that his friend is still alive.
Farage toldSunday Morning With Trevor Phillips: "I was very upset when I heard the news late last night, Donald Trump survived by a miracle, frankly.
"But one innocent man is dead, two are fighting for their lives in hospital. It's horrible, and yet somehow not surprising."
Former PM Boris Johnson also gave his condolences to Trump and his family as he said it shows "the tragic fragility of democracy in the face of violence and unreason".
Ukrainian PM Volodymyr Zelensky, who has been a target for assassins in the past, also said he was "appalled" by the events in the US.
"Such violence has no justification and no place anywhere in the world. Never should violence prevail," he said on X.
"I extend my wishes for strength to everyone who is horrified by this event. I wish America emerges stronger from this."
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Today, 02:00By Matthew Aquino
Victim pictured
Pictured below is Corey Comperatore, a retired fire chief who was killed during theattempted assassinationofDonald Trump.
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Today, 01:25By Matthew Aquino
The importance of democracy
"Our founders understood the power of passion so they created a democracy and gave reason imbalance a chance to prevail over brute force," Biden said during his address.
"That's America, we must be an American democracy.
"Your arguments are made in good faith and in American democracy where the rule of law is respected."
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Today, 01:20By Matthew Aquino
'I continue to speak out strongly for our democracy'
"I continue to speak out strongly for our democracy, standard for our Constitution and the rule of law to call for action at the ballot box," Biden said.
"No violence on our streets that's how democracy should work we debate and disagree.
"The power to change America should always rest in the hands of the people not in the hands of would-be assassin."
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Today, 01:15By Matthew Aquino
More from Biden's address
"No matter how strong our convictions must never descend into violence, Biden said.
"The Republican Convention will start tomorrow I've no doubt they'll criticize my record and offer their own vision for this country.
"I'll be traveling this week making the case for our record and my vision."
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