Month: July 2024

BUTLER, Pa. – On Saturday, July 13, an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, rocked the nation. Authorities quickly neutralized the assailant, and a federal investigation into the shooting targeting the former president is now underway. Here’s a detailed timeline of the events that have unfolded:

The Rally Begins

July 13, 6:00 p.m. The evening started like any other rally. Former President Donald Trump took the stage at the Butler Farm Show just after 6:00 p.m., addressing an enthusiastic crowd that surrounded him on all sides. The atmosphere was charged with energy and anticipation.

A Suspicious Sight

Minutes into Trump’s speech, some attendees began pointing towards a nearby rooftop. Witnesses and video footage captured the alarming sight of someone with a rifle positioned above the crowd. A local law enforcement officer climbed onto the roof and identified the individual as Thomas Crooks. In a tense moment, Crooks pointed the gun at the officer, causing him to retreat.

Shots Fired

July 13, 6:11 p.m. In less than ten minutes after Trump began speaking, gunfire erupted from the rooftop. The former president, reacting quickly, held a hand to his ear before ducking for cover. Secret Service agents immediately surrounded him on stage, ensuring his protection.

Chaos and Confusion

The initial gunfire caused confusion among the attendees. Some thought the sounds were fireworks or firecrackers. As the reality of the situation set in, panic began to spread. One woman’s scream cut through the confusion, alerting others to the danger.

The Assailant Neutralized

Secret Service agents, using code names and firing off specific directions, swiftly identified and targeted the shooter. Crooks, lying on the rooftop with an AR-15, was about 160 yards from where Trump was speaking. The agents quickly neutralized the threat, killing Crooks on the spot.

The Aftermath

Tragically, the chaos resulted in casualties. Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old man, was fatally shot while protecting his wife and daughters. Two other individuals, David Dutch (57) and James Copenhaver (74), were critically wounded.

Swift Response

July 13, 6:13 p.m. – 6:20 p.m. Secret Service agents moved Trump off the stage and into a security vehicle, preparing to drive to a nearby hospital. Rally attendees, still processing the events, began to evacuate the venue. Despite the chaos, the crowd remained relatively calm and orderly.

Official Statements

July 13, 6:40 p.m. – 6:50 p.m. The Secret Service Chief of Communications, Anthony Guglielmi, released a statement confirming an incident at the rally and ensuring that Trump was safe. The Trump campaign also released a statement expressing gratitude for the quick action of law enforcement and first responders.

Hospital and Reactions

July 13, 7:40 p.m. – 8:50 p.m. Trump was hospitalized, and Donald Trump Jr. informed the media that his father was doing well. Former President Obama and President Biden both issued statements condemning the violence and expressing relief that Trump was not seriously hurt.

Investigation and Further Developments

July 13, 9:00 p.m. to midnight The FBI announced that a team was traveling to Butler to conduct an assassination investigation. Trump, in his first statement since the incident, thanked law enforcement and extended condolences to the family of Corey Comperatore.

July 14 The FBI identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. Explosives were found in his car parked near the rally scene.

Calls for Unity

President Biden addressed the nation, emphasizing the need for civility and respect in politics. He extended his condolences to Comperatore’s family and urged Americans to stand together against violence.

Moving Forward

As the investigation continues, the nation grapples with the shock of this attempt on Trump’s life. This incident underscores the importance of protecting public figures and fostering a political climate free from violence. Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.

A recent poll by Bendixen & Amandi reveals a competitive race between President Joe Biden and Donald Trump, with Biden narrowly trailing Trump (42% to 43%). The poll highlights significant concerns about Biden’s age and ability to serve another term. Among those who watched the recent debate, only 29% believe Biden has the mental and physical stamina for another four years. Moreover, 52% of Democrats think he should not continue as the party’s nominee.

The survey also shows Vice President Kamala Harris and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as strong contenders against Trump. Harris edges out Trump by a slight margin (42% to 41%), while Clinton leads Trump (43% to 41%). Interestingly, a Clinton-Harris ticket emerges as the strongest Democratic combination, leading Trump 43% to 40%.

The poll further tested other potential Democratic candidates, including California Governor Gavin Newsom and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Both Newsom and Whitmer trail Trump in hypothetical matchups. However, a Harris-led ticket with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as her running mate performs well, besting Trump 42% to 40%.

Despite the growing concerns over Biden’s age, the poll indicates that a significant portion of voters are apprehensive about a Trump presidency. Biden has faced increased pressure from some Democratic officials and donors to step aside following his debate performance, but he has rejected these calls, attributing his performance to a bad cold and emphasizing his commitment to continue running.

Fernand Amandi, the veteran pollster behind the survey, noted that over one-third of Democrats express doubts about Biden’s fitness to run and suggest he should not continue in the race. Amandi was particularly surprised by Hillary Clinton’s strong performance in the poll, suggesting voters might be open to a Clinton comeback.

Anthony Williams, special projects director at Bendixen & Amandi, pointed out that voters seem to be weighing the experience of candidates against the need for new leadership. This nuanced perspective indicates a sophisticated approach among voters as they navigate the political landscape leading up to the election.

Overall, the poll underscores the tight race and the pivotal concerns among voters about both Biden’s ability to serve and the potential implications of a Trump presidency. With just a few months before early voting begins, the Democratic Party faces crucial decisions about its leadership and strategy for the upcoming election.

President Joe Biden has taken a firm stance against mounting pressure within his party, publicly rejecting calls for him to step aside in favor of a different nominee. This pushback comes after concerns about his performance in the June 27 debate, where his halting speech and occasional lapses in thought raised doubts about his ability to defeat former President Donald Trump in November.

Biden’s Response to Criticism

In a letter to congressional Democrats on Monday, Biden reaffirmed his commitment to running for reelection. This move followed a meeting organized by Hakeem Jeffries, the minority leader of the U.S. House of Representatives, aimed at rallying support for Biden’s candidacy.

Additionally, Biden made an unscheduled call to MSNBC’s Morning Joe, where he told co-hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, “I am not going anywhere.” This direct approach underscores his determination to stay in the race despite growing opposition.

Key Points from Biden’s Letter

Biden’s two-page letter dismisses criticism from Capitol Hill and the media, denying claims that he is unprepared for another term. He emphasized the importance of unity within the Democratic Party, writing, “Any weakening of resolve or lack of clarity about the task ahead only helps Trump and hurts us.”

He further stated, “The voters of the Democratic Party have voted. They have chosen me to be the nominee of the party. Do we now just say this process didn’t matter? I decline to do that.”

Biden’s Firm Stance on MSNBC

During his call into Morning Joe, Biden challenged his critics, saying, “I don’t care what those big names think.” He questioned who else could step in to do the job, inviting potential challengers to run against him and challenge him at the convention. “I’m not going to explain anymore about what I should or shouldn’t do,” he added. “I am running.”

The Jeffries Call

On Sunday, Jeffries organized a private conference call with several senior House Democrats, including Reps. Jerry Nadler, Adam Smith, Mark Takano, and Joe Morelle. Reports indicate that these leaders suggested Biden should step down as the Democratic nominee.

Growing Concerns Post-Debate

Biden’s debate performance on June 27 has led to increased scrutiny of his fitness for reelection. Public calls for him to step aside began almost immediately and have grown louder, coming from elected officials, party stalwarts, and donors. In response, the Biden campaign has ramped up efforts, including buying more ads, scheduling more campaign stops, and arranging a high-stakes interview with ABC News.

Looking Ahead

Despite the criticism, Biden remains committed to his reelection campaign. However, he faces an increasingly vocal group within his party questioning his suitability for another term. Over the weekend, Rep. Angie Craig became the fifth Democratic member of Congress to call for Biden to step aside, joining Reps. Mike Quigley of Illinois and Lloyd Doggett of Texas.

On Tuesday, Jeffries plans to hold a caucus meeting with Democratic lawmakers to further discuss the issue. With the Democratic National Convention just over a month away on Aug. 19, time is running out for the party to address these concerns and solidify its strategy for the upcoming election.

The debate over Biden’s candidacy underscores the critical decisions facing the Democratic Party as it prepares for the November election.