Former President Trump survives assassination attempt, FBI IDs shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks

The volunteer firefighter who died shielding his family from a sniper's bullets intended for former President Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, is being remembered as a selfless "girl dad" and churchgoing family man who regularly put others before himself.

Corey Comperatore, 50, died Saturday night while shielding his wife and family from gunfire after a 20-year-old man snuck onto a roof and started shooting at Trump during a rally in the Pennsylvania town.

"It's just so typical of him, the way it all happened, with protecting his wife and his daughter and just throwing himself on top of them when they hear the shooting," said Eileen Shamanski, whose children grew up playing soccer alongside Comperatore's daughters.

"He was an all around good guy that was always there to lend a hand and support not just his own children but all the other kids who were friends of their girls and on the team," she told Fox News Digital . "He had a just give it your all attitude, [and] a lot of kids respected him for that, just always being there supporting, giving those pep talks to get them going. It's going to be a big loss."

Their families have been close for years due to their girls' common interest in travel soccer, she said. And although Comperatore worked long hours and was a volunteer firefighter in his downtime, he never missed a game or a practice, she said.

"We didn't think it was true at first, when my daughters called me crying," she said. "Then we saw his wife and daughter on the news, when they were tending to him – it was just a sad thing to see, so sad, but I know he would've done it again in a heartbeat if it came down to it."

Fox News' Michael Ruiz contributed to this report.

The politicians who are rumored to be in consideration to serve as former President Donald Trump's running mate in the 2024 election swiftly took to social media to show support for the presumptive GOP presidential nominee after an attempted assassination this weekend in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, who is considered a frontrunner to become the Republicans' vice presidential nominee across three betting markets, blasted the rhetoric that had been emanating from the Biden campaign and its supporters.

"Today is not just some isolated incident," Vance posted on X. "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."

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum also offered his support for the president on Saturday.

"We all know President Trump is stronger than his enemies. Today he showed it," Burgum wrote on X.

Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., who has also been floated as a potential running mate, tweeted a picture of a bloodied Trump giving a fist-pump to the crowd on Saturday.

"God protected President Trump," Rubio wrote.

Fox News' Jamie Joseph contributed to this report.

A law enforcement expert joined "Fox News @ Night" on Sunday to detail what happened when an officer at former President Trump's Pennsylvania rally allegedly confronted the gunman on a rooftop before the deadly shooting on Saturday.

Retired Las Vegas Police Lt. Randy Sutton says the officer was alerted to the gunman, now identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, and was attempting to confront him on the roof, but there was "no ladder" or access point.

The officer decided to reach Crooks by climbing onto the back of another officer, according to Sutton's sources.

"As he was lifting himself up over the roof line, suddenly the suspect pointed his gun at him, the officer ducked down, and when he did, he fell off the back of the other officer," Sutton said.

Sutton explained that this was not a situation where an officer committed a "cowardly act," dismantling an earlier report that the officer possibly retreated when he confronted Crooks.

"This is an officer who made an observation, saw that he was about to be shot, and fell off the back of the other officer," Sutton said.

Dr. Sheila Nazarian spoke on how political rhetoric has impacted the country following the assassination attempt on former President Trump at his campaign rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.

Nazarian made the comments during a panel discussion on "Fox News @ Night" with fellow panelist Dr. Houman Hemmati.

The victim who died in a shooting at former President Trump's campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Saturday night is being remembered by the fire department he had worked for.

Corey Comperatore was killed in the shooting while Trump survived an assassination attempt and other spectators were injured.

"As many of you have already heard, we lost one of our members, Corey Comperatore, in a senseless act of violence last evening," Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Company in Pennsylvania wrote Sunday on Facebook. "Corey was a lifetime volunteer firefighter within our company and will be greatly missed by all who knew him."

"Corey, rest easy brother and we will take it from here," the post continued. "Please pray and send good thoughts to Corey's family and everyone that knew him."

The fire department added in another post, "We remember and honor one of our own. A brother, son, husband, father and friend."

Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., said he is donating $50,000 to a GoFundMe to support the victims of Saturday's shooting at a campaign rally for former President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.

President Trump survived an assassination attempt at the rally while one spectator was killed and other spectators were injured.

The former president has authorized the GoFundMe page, which has raised more than $3.5 million as of Monday morning.

Scott joins singer Kid Rock, UFC president Dana White and others in donating to the fundraiser.

"I donate my Senate salary every quarter and am honored to join @KidRock, @danawhite, @ufc and others in supporting the victims of the Butler shooting," Scott wrote on X. "I am sending $50K to this great cause."

President Biden addressed the nation from the Oval Office on Sunday night, saying the attempted assassination of former President Trump is forcing Americans to "take a step back" and calling on all sides to "lower the temperature in our politics."

"My fellow Americans, I want to speak to you tonight about the need for us to lower the temperature in our politics," Biden said. "Do remember, while we may disagree, we are not enemies. We’re neighbors, we’re friends, coworkers, citizens, and most importantly, we are fellow Americans. We must stand together."

The attempted assassination of Trump "calls on all of us to take a step back, take stock of where we are," he added.

Biden said he was "grateful" that Trump is "doing well" and said he is keeping "him and his family in our prayers." He also extended "our deepest condolences" to the family of Corey Comperatore, who was fatally shot as he shielded his wife and daughters from the bullets.

The president linked several incidents of recent political violence to the attempt on Trump, pointing to the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021; the attack on former Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband; an attempted plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2020; and the "intimidation of election officials."

"There is no place in America for this kind of violence or for any violence, ever, period. No exceptions," Biden said.

Fox News' Brooke Singman contributed to this report.

The Secret Service said allegations that its resources were diverted away from former President Trump for an event for first lady Jill Biden are inaccurate.

Questions about the Secret Service's security of the former president's campaign rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday have been raised following the assassination attempt against him at the event.

RealClearPolitics reporter Susan Crabtree claimed on X that Secret Service sources told her that resources were diverted to Jill Biden's event and away from Trump's rally because they followed agency protocol applying to Trump as a former president. Crabtree also said there were "many supplemental agents from different field officers (not Trump's regular detail) providing security at the rally because Trump's regular detail has been overworked (some working 7 days straight), and only two counter-snipers."

But the Secret Service's chief of communications Anthony Guglielmi responded that Crabtree's claim was "very wrong."

"Susan, this is very wrong," he wrote. "We did not divert resources from FPOTUS Trump & protection models don't work that way. As far as 'field office teams' these are the candidate nominee operations teams that are added during election years for the heavy travel tempo.

Thomas Matthew Crooks, the gunman who attempted to assassinate former President Trump and killed a spectator at Trump's rally on Saturday, was a member of the Clairton Sportsman's Club in Pennsylvania.

"I can confirm that Mr. Crooks was a member of Clairton Sportsman's Club," the club's legal council Robert Bootay said in a statement to Fox News. "Beyond that, the Club is unable to make any additional commentary in relation to this matter in light of pending law enforcement investigations. Obviously, the Club fully admonishes the senseless act of violence that occurred yesterday. The Club also offers its sincerest condolences to the Comperatore family and extends prayers to all of those injured including the former President."

A witness to the attempted assassination of former President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, told Fox News Host Laura Ingraham on Sunday that he thinks the commotion created from bystanders after seeing a man with a gun may have saved the president’s life.

Ingraham interviewed Michael DiFrischia on her show, “The Ingraham Angle” on Sunday evening, when he provided the host with a description of the events he saw leading up to the attempted assassination of Trump.

DiFrischia said he had been at a spot where he could see the teleprompter for about 10 minutes. When Trump started speaking, he focused on watching the president when his wife, who was standing next to him, nudged him to alert him to a younger kid running through the crowd. Someone else in the crowd saw the younger man and said the guy had a gun.

DiFrischia told Ingraham he thought the man was trying to get a better vantage point to the rally and did not think much of it, so he began watching Trump again.

But when others heard the man had a gun, “chaos ensued and everybody was screaming to alert the cops of the situation," DiFrischia explained.

“It was pretty crazy,” he said, telling the host several people were trying to tell the police what they saw and where the man with the gun was. “I wish somebody could have got to him before somebody had to lose their life.”

DiFrischia said the sad part was that somebody lost their life.

“Luckily, you know, President Trump only got hurt. He didn’t lose his life, as well,” DiFrischia said. “I kind of think us making a commotion may have actually saved the president’s life, though, because otherwise this guy could have just had all the time in the world to do whatever. Luckily, somebody spotted him and we were able to make a big enough commotion.”

Former Attorney General Bill Barr told Fox News’ Jesse Watters on Sunday that President Biden’s sentiments of scaling back the political rhetoric were noble, adding the hopes they follow through after calling former President Trump “Adolph Hitler, a racist and a fascist.”

Barr appeared as a guest on “Jesse Watters Primetime” Sunday, when the host asked the former attorney general about Biden’s remarks following the attempted assassination of Trump, as well as other things like whether the FBI should be trusted to do a clean investigation and whether Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle should be fired.

Watters opened up the interview asking Barr, “Why can the media call Trump a Nazi who’s going to imprison all of their children and expect everybody to say, ‘oh, you know, it’s just a both sides deal?’”

Barr said when someone is “demonized to the extent Trump was being demonized,” a target is placed on him, though he would not put complete blame on Democrats because “both sides engage in extreme rhetoric occasionally.”

“What was bothering me was that the thrust of the Democratic narrative for this election year had become that [Trump] was a mortal danger to our democracy, and if he wins, the country is going away,” Barr said. “When you take that position, you know, that is an apocalyptic and hysterical position that's bound to lead to violence eventually.”

On Sunday evening, Biden spoke from the Oval Office and suggested the political violence has to stop. Watters asked Barr if he foresees the Democrats scaling back the rhetoric.

Barr said Biden’s sentiments were “very noble,” and that he hopes Biden follows through because if they believe the rhetoric has gone too far, they will scale it back.

“What he said about, you know, differences in policy, fine, you can attack your adversaries, you can attack their character on their policies and so forth. But they demonize him, calling him Adolf Hitler, a racist and a fascist,” Barr said. “It’s ridiculous. He’s not the threat to democracy that they’re portraying. He was president for four years and he carried out excellent policies, and it was all done lawfully.”

Watters asked the former attorney general if he trusts the FBI to do a clean investigation into the attempted assassination on Saturday, which Barr said they should be given a chance.

Still, he said there was a lot to investigate, including the Secret Service agents in the detail.

“There’s no question in my mind that they’re loyal and brave, and that they would take a bullet for President Trump,” he said. “But there was obvious…screw ups there that have to be looked at carefully.”

Barr also said the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) agenda is destructive of meritocracy and is affecting the confidence levels of agencies like the Secret Service.

Finally, Watters asked Barr if he would fire Secret Service Director Cheatle.

Barr told the host he would fire her, “simply for having a tin ear and not coming out and being visible and saying something” about how an assassination attempt was able to happen.

“I think it's still important to start the discussion and the transparency with the American people and the way they handle today by trying to just brief Milwaukee and not saying anything about it, was so ham handed that I would fire her just for not understanding how the responsibility of government officials, to interact with the public,” he said.

Former President Trump recently told an outlet that he has "completely" rewritten the speech that he planned to give at the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee this week.

In a recent interview with the Washington Examiner's Salena Zito, Trump said that his new speech will focus on uniting Americans after Saturday's shocking events.

“The speech I was going to give on Thursday was going to be a humdinger,” Trump said. “Had this not happened, this would’ve been one of the most incredible speeches...Honestly, it’s going to be a whole different speech now.”

Instead of focusing on attacking President Biden's policies, his new speech will reportedly aim to bring the country together.

"This is a chance to bring the whole country, even the whole world, together," the former president explained. "The speech will be a lot different, a lot different than it would’ve been two days ago."

The rooftop where a would-be assassin open fire on former President Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania Saturday was reportedly identified as a security vulnerability before the event.

Sources familiar with the U.S. Secret Services’ operations told NBC News that the agency was aware of risks associated with a building that stood adjacent to the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pennsylvania, where the former President held his rally.

“Someone should have been on the roof or securing the building so no one could get on the roof,” a former senior Secret Service agent familiar with the planning told the outlet.

The shooting, which injured Trump, killed an attendee, and injured others, has raised serious questions about how the suspect – identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks – was able to access the rooftop within range and direct line of sight of where the former president was speaking.

A leading Democrat fundraiser and political strategist is apologizing after he emailed journalists Saturday night to suggest the attempted assassination of former President Trump may have been "staged."

Semafor reported that Dmitri Mehlhorn, the top political adviser to billionaire LinkedIn co-founder and Democrat mega-donor Reid Hoffman, sent an email Saturday night to a group of journalists after the incident and wrote that one "possibility – which feels horrific and alien and absurd in America, but is quite common globally – is that this 'shooting' was encouraged and maybe even staged so Trump could get the photos and benefit from the backlash."

Mehlhorn wrote that false flag attacks were "a classic Russian tactic" used by Vladimir Putin to win power in 1999 and that other examples of the "tactic of committing raw evil and then benefiting from the backlash include Hamas on October 7."

He went on to say that another possibility "is that some crazy anti-Trumper in this chaotic moment decided to assassinate the former President." Law enforcement authorities identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, who was killed after firing shots that grazed Trump's right ear and killed one rallygoer while wounding two others. Authorities have not revealed his motive and the investigation into the assassination attempt is ongoing.

Click here to read more.

Eric Revell of FOX Business contributed to this report.

President Biden addressed the nation Sunday evening following an assassination attempt on his GOP rival, former President Trump, at a rally in Pennsylvania Saturday.

Speaking from the Oval Office, Biden implored Americans to “lower the temperature in our politics.”

“While we may disagree, we are not enemies. We’re neighbors. We’re friends, coworkers, citizens and, most importantly, we are fellow Americans. We must stand together,” Biden said.

Biden said Saturday’s shooting demands that everyone “take a step back, take stock of where we are.”

“Thankfully, former Trump is not seriously injured. I spoke to him last night. I'm grateful he's doing well and joy to keep him and his family in our prayers. We also extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victims who was killed,” Biden said.

The president reiterated that nation must not go down the road of political violence.

“We must not go down this road in America. We’ve traveled before, throughout our history, violence has never been the answer,” Biden said, invoking the Capitol riots on Jan. 6, and the attack on former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband in October 2022.

“There’s no place in American for this kind of violence – for any violence – ever. Period. No exceptions. We can’t allow this violence to be normalized,” Biden said.

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. shared a post on X from Melania Trump on Sunday, calling her words “Beautiful.”

“Let all Americans remember that their opponents are full, precious human beings,” RFK Jr. said.

Melania Trump’s post was in response to an assassination attempt on former President Trump on Saturday at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

“A monster who recognized my husband as an inhuman political machine attempted to ring out Donald's passion—his laughter, ingenuity, love of music, and inspiration,” Melania wrote. “The core facets of my husband's life—his human side—were buried below the political machine. Donald, the generous and caring man who I have been with through the best of times and the worst of times. Let us not forget that differing opinions, policy, and political games are inferior to love.

“Our personal, structural, and life commitment - until death - is at serious risk. Political concepts are simple when compared to us, human beings… This morning, ascend above the hate, the vitriol, and the simple-minded ideas that ignite violence,” she continued. “We all want a world where respect is paramount, family is first, and love transcends. We can realize this world again. Each of us must demand to get it back. We must insist that respect fills the cornerstone of our relationships, again."

The FBI believes the suspected shooter at former President Trump’s Pennsylvania rally on Saturday acted alone, but the bureau is talking to the suspect’s friends and family to see whether anyone knew of his plans, a senior official told Fox News.

Kevin Rojek, FBI Special Agent in Charge Pittsburgh, said earlier Sunday that information obtained by the bureau indicates the shooter acted alone, and the is no further public safety concern.

“We have not identified an ideology associated with the subject, but I want to remind everyone that we’re still very early in this investigation,” Rojek said.

The FBI has obtained the suspect’s cell phone and sent it to Quantico, but haven’t yet been able to extract any data. Once they do, it may possible open up other avenues for subjects who potentially knew of the suspect’s plans.

The ATF was on the scene of Donald Trump’s Pennsylvania rally “within minutes” after an assassination attempt on the president, according to the agency.

The ATF identified the shooter in less than 30 minutes by completing an urgent trace through the agency’s National Tracing Center on out-of-business records from a close dealer and provided the FBI and the U.S. Secret Service those results.

The ATF said it is continuing to provide support to its partners with respect to firearm evidence including securing additional evidence and locations for the execution of warrants.

ATF experts with the agency’s National Center for Explosives Training and Research (NCETR) facility are providing assistance related to the suspected destructive devices, ATF said.

Former White House press secretary Jen Psaki called on the Republican National Committee to overhaul its planned programming for the upcoming convention to avoid "escalating" the country's rhetoric following the failed assassination attempt against former President Trump.

In an appearance on "Meet the Press" Sunday, Psaki described feeling "scared" in the aftermath of the attempt on former President Trump's life, echoing other panelists who called for the country to dial down the divisive political rhetoric.

With the Republican National Convention set to begin on Monday, Psaki said the party should adjust the planned speakers and programming to lower the temperature and "restore civility." Psaki said that while calls among Democrats for Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 race have been "paused," the convention could reignite the conversation. 

"The convention is starting and unless the programming changes, the rhetoric and how the programming is set up is not actually calming the tone or restoring civility," Psaki said. "We'll see if that programming changes, but if it stays the same, that is escalating it. It is not a civil approach to a convention."

Read the full article about Jen Psaki by Yael Halon

Hours after a shooter attempted to assassinate former President Trump during a rally on Saturday, experts have called into question the actions taken by the Secret Service and who is calling the shots.

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, the 27th director of the United States Secret Service (USSS), was appointed by President Biden to lead the Secret Service in 2022, making her only the second woman ever in history to lead the agency."

That achievement in a male-dominated industry was not lost on me," Cheatle said in a 2022 Security Magazine article about "Women in Security." 

"I kept a photo on my desk of the first five women sworn into the service, and I used that to remind me that these women created opportunities for me and I can help others grow and lead as well."

Read the full article about Kimberly Cheatle by Stepheny Price

Former President Trump is "extremely lucky" to be alive after a deadly assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday, according to two special forces soldiers.

"He is extremely lucky to be alive," James Pechi, a Marine veteran who later served as a Green Beret, said of the former president in an interview with Fox News Digital.

"I was trying to look at this, trying to figure out what was the shot, what was going on," he added. "It sounded like he shot five times, and then it looked like he grazed [Trump's] ear or something. … It obviously did some damage."

Pechi – who took part in the Special Operations Target Interdiction Course (SOTIC), now known as the Special Forces Sniper Course, during his tenure in the military – insisted "there's no ifs, ands or buts about" the fact that Trump could have lost his life at the rally if the bullet had come into closer contact.

Read the full article about President Trump by Kyle Morris

Congressman Jeff Duncan (R-SC) published a press release on Sunday calling for an independent commission to investigate "security failures" at the Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday.

In a statement, the South Carolina representative called the situation a "catastrophic failure to ensure the safety of the ‘protectee’" after former President Trump was shot in the upper ear.

“Now that details of the attempted assassination of President Donald J. Trump are unfolding, we will witness federal agencies, including the United States Secret Service, go into CYA mode and try to pin blame elsewhere,” Duncan said in a statement.

“We cannot rely just on Congressional Oversight hearings or even Agency Inspector Generals to get the answers that Congress and the American people deserve about the failures to protect President Trump adequately.”

Duncan compared the hypothetical commission to the Warren Commission, which investigated the shooting of President John F. Kennedy, Jr.

"This would be like the Warren Commission that was appointed after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy," Duncan added. "Additionally, the Independent Commission will address the failures of both Federal and State Law Enforcement apparatuses at this event that, absent a miracle from God, could have resulted in a much more tragic outcome.”

Trump Force One landed in Milwaukee at around 6:45 p.m. on Sunday evening, just a day after a man allegedly attempted to assassinate former President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Eric Trump shared a video of Trump Force One landing in Milwaukee from the cockpit of the aircraft on social media.

Another video shared by Dan Scavino Jr., a senior advisor to former President Trump, showed Trump's motorcade driving into Milwaukee

As Trump’s plane began its descent, nearly 25 of his supporters were waiting, with one waving a large American flag.

Also waiting for the presidential candidate to arrive were families with young kids, while a woman drove by shouting, “Yeah, Trump!”

Another couple drove by asking what everyone was waiting around for, and when told they were waiting for trump, the woman said, “That’s too bad.”

Deirdre Heavey of Fox News contributed to this report.

A video filmed at Donald Trump’s Saturday rally appears to show authorities return fire after shots rang out and injured the former president as he was speaking.

The video, filmed by a bystander in the audience, shows Trump behind the podium on stage while addressing the crowd. On the rooftop of the building behind him, a police sniper is clearly visible.

For a moment, it seems as if something has caught the attention of the police sniper just seconds before shots can be heard ringing out. The police sniper returns fire as U.S. Secret Service (USSS) members rush to cover the former president.

The would-be assassin, later identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was killed by Secret Service, after firing several rounds.

The FBI said Sunday it is investigating the shooting as a potential act of domestic terrorism.

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The Biden campaign plans to ease off the attacks on former President Trump over the next couple of days before resuming their efforts to draw contrast between the two presidential candidates, according to a Biden campaign official.

The change in tone comes after an alleged shooter attempted to assassinate Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

“Today, President Biden will give a forceful and needed address to update the nation on the horrifying attack on Donald Trump and the need for every American to come together to, not just condemn, but put an end to political violence in this country once and for all,” the campaign official said.

The official also said Biden will expand on his vision to put an end to political violence and bringing and for Americans to come together, during an interview with NBC News’ Lester Holt.

But after the interview with Holt, the Democratic National Convention (DNC) and Biden campaign will ramp up their criticism of Trump.

“Following the president’s interview Monday evening, both the DNC and the campaign will continue drawing the contrast between our positive vision for the future and Trump and Republicans’ backwards-looking agenda over the course of the week,” the Biden campaign official said.

Fox News’ Brooke Singman contributed to this report.

Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine, penned a lengthy thread on X about the hyperbole in American politics, urging politicians to stop framing their opponents as "fascists."

The vulnerable Democrat congressman took to X to denounce the current path that he says the country is on, adding that leaders need to guide America down a different one.

"We can start by dropping hyperbolic threats about the stakes of this election," he wrote. "It should not be misleadingly portrayed as a struggle between democracy or authoritarianism or a battle against fascists or socialists bent on destroying America. These are dangerous lies."

Read the  full article about Rep. Jared Golden by Julia Johnson

A Pennsylvania woman attended the rally held by former President Trump on Saturday with her husband and, initially, was uncertain if the pops she heard were directly related to a gun or if someone set off fireworks.

"It was truly a lovely day and as we were sitting there, it really sounded like firecrackers," Chris Konopka, 56, of McMurray, Pennsylvania, told Fox News Digital over the phone. "There was no panic on my part because I immediately thought, 'OK, who’s the idiot that did this because he’s ruining it for everybody?’"

Konopka described the day as an incredibly hot one, but lively and full of "happy, pleasant and helpful" rally-goers.

"Nobody was drinking, chanting, screaming; none of it," she said.

Read the full article about the Trump rally shooting by Gabriele Regalbuto

The U.S. Secret Service on Sunday said it was “confident” in its security plan for the upcoming Republican National Convention in Milwaukee in the wake of the attempted assassination of former President Trump.

Audrey Gibson-Cicchino, RNC Coordinator of the Secret Service, said the event was designated as a special security event, the highest level of security designation. 

“We're not anticipating any changes to our operational security plans for this event,” she said when asked if any changes had been made in the past 24 hours following the failed attempt on Trump. 

Gibson-Cicchino noted that the plan is a “whole of government approach” and that there was an extensive planning process. Officials noted that Wisconsin is an open-carry state but urged gun owners to be cautious and responsible. 

“Please ensure that the behaviors that we would like to see for those with that responsibility aligns with that responsibility,” said Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman. “And my police department will not tolerate any particular behavior outside of what is legally allowed in regards to that right.”

The RNC will proceed from Monday through Thursday, where Trump is expected to become the Republican nominee. The stakes of the event were raised after Trump was shot Saturday. 

“So we have an operational security plan that's built out for every area of responsibility related to, any and all aspects of security related to this event,” Gibson-Cicchino said.     

Dan Scavino Jr., a senior advisor to former President Trump, announced on X Sunday afternoon that Trump is currently on his way to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for the Republican National Convention (RNC).

Scavino attached a video of Trump's private jet on an airport runway in his social media post.

"President Trump is on his way to Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the @GOPConvention!" the post read. "He is so grateful for all of your prayers, support, and well wishes out there."

"As he said this morning, 'In this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand United, and show our True Character as Americans, remaining Strong and Determined, and not allowing Evil to Win. I truly love our Country, and love you all, and look forward to speaking to our Great Nation this week from Wisconsin,'" Scavino added.

An eyewitness video from Donald Trump’s rally shows the moments before and after a gunman opened fire from a nearby building, wounding the former president, killing an attendee and injuring others.

The video, filmed from the crowd, shows Trump addressing the audience, referring to a chart to talk about immigration. Within seconds, bullets can be heard ringing out.

Pandemonium erupts, as the attendees realize what is happening and duck for cover.

“What the f--- was that?” someone can be heard shouting off camera.

U.S. Secret Service members ultimately shot and killed the would-be assassin, later identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania.

The morning after former President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday afternoon, Dr. Marc Siegel spoke to Fox News about the "miraculous" outcome.

Appearing on "America Reports," the Fox News medical contributor and clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center expressed his admiration for Trump’s reaction in what he described as a "war zone."

"The crowd kept its composure when this was going on … They were led by President Trump’s rally cry, raising his fist, saying ‘Fight’ and not giving up," Siegel said.

"From a medical point of view, that idea of showing courage, and then showing compassion, reaching out on social media to the families of the victim and those who were injured, also sends the right message."

Read the full article about President Trump by Melissa Rudy

The president offered condolences to the family of a former fire chief for Buffalo Township on Sunday after he was revealed as the victim killed during the assassination attempt against former President Trump.

However, Biden did not name Corey Comperatore, a 50 year old father of daughters, in the post on X.

The Chicago Police Department says it is monitoring the situation surrounding an attempted assassination on former President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, as it prepares for “anything and everything” ahead of the Democratic National Convention in August.

The Democratic National Convention is scheduled to take place from Aug. 19-22, in Chicago, and police told the public in a post on X that it is planning for the unexpected.

“The Chicago Police Department continues to monitor the situation that unfolded in Butler, Pennsylvania as we prepare for the upcoming Democratic National Convention,” the department wrote. “We have been planning for the convention for more than a year to prepare for anything and everything. As always, CPD will assess and adjust resources as necessary in real-time, based on intelligence and what we are seeing on the ground to protect the entire city.

Police also said they remain in contact and are working closely with federal partners to make sure areas around the convention footprint, as well as dignitaries, are safe and secure.

As the convention approaches, police encourage everyone to be aware of their surroundings in all places, and if they see something, say something by calling 911.

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nephew of President John F. Kennedy who was assasinated in November 1962, issued a statement offering his "deepest condolences" to the family of Corey Comperatore.

The suspected shooter at former President Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania Saturday was reportedly on his high school’s rifle team.

Fox News spoke with Jacob Kohler, 21, who talked about shooting suspect Thomas Matthew Crooks.

Kohler described Crooks as an “outcast” who was always alone and “bullied every day.” He said Crooks was on the rifle team with his brother.

Another classmate put that claim into doubt, telling Fox News that to his recollection, Crooks did not make his junior varsity rifle team.

The FBI says the shooting suspect used an AR-style 5.56 rifle, purchased legally. The weapon was located at the scene, adjacent to the shooting suspect who was killed by U.S. Secret Service members shortly after he fired upon Trump.

"Special Report" anchor Bret Baier joined Fox News host Martha MacCallum on Sunday afternoon to discuss the upcoming Republican National Convention in the wake of the Trump rally shooting on Saturday.

Speaking from Milwaukee, where the RNC will be held this week, Baier said that he recently spoke to former President Trump for around 15 minutes. Baier said that the Republican candidate is "in really great spirits."

"He praised President Biden for the phone call that he gave him, made to the former president," Baier explained. "He said it was a good conversation and, in not so many words, Biden expressed, condolences, for the family that was lost."

Baier also reported that Trump was concerned about the negative impacts the shooting may have on the United States.

"He's worried about, you know, how things are going to develop in the country," he explained. "But he said that he was really pleased with how the Secret Service acted and thinks that the convention's going to go on as scheduled."

A doctor and his wife appeared on Fox News Channel on Sunday afternoon to discuss their experience at President Trump's rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.

Speaking to Martha MacCallum, Dr.James Sweetland recalled that he immediately went to assist Corey Comperatore, 50, who was shot at the rally and later pronounced dead.

"Being an emergency department physician, I just went into muscle memory," he explained. "I just went down there to help them. When I got to him, I said, what doctors usually say is, 'I'm a doctor. I'm here to help.'"

The medical professional added that he performed CPR on Comperatore before Pennsylvania State Troopers took the victim away.

"He was jammed between two benches... we got him up on the bench, and I performed CPR, gave him chest compressions as well as breathe for him for about two minutes," Sweetland explained. "And at that point, I was tapped on the shoulder by, one of the two largest Pennsylvania state troopers I've ever seen. And he said, 'We got it from here.'"

Sweetland's wife Lois spoke to MacCallum about how traumatized rally attendees were from the shooting.

"Everybody was so upset," she explained. "One girl in front of me was, she just lost control. She just sobbed as she was so traumatized. It was so...I felt so bad."

The Bethel Park School District in Pennsylvania confirmed the alleged shooter who attempted to kill former President Trump graduated from its high school in 2022.

Thomas Matthew Crooks graduated from Bethel Park High School as a member of the class of 2022, according to the district.

“The school district wishes to express its sincere wishes for a speedy and complete recovery for Mr. Trump and those in attendance at the Saturday event who may have been physically harmed or emotionally impacted by these tragic events,” the district wrote in a statement. “We offer special condolences to the family of Mr. Corey Comperatore, who was killed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.”

District officials also said they will cooperate with law enforcement during the investigation surrounding the shooting, making them limited in what they can disclose.

“Moving forward, we will work closely with law enforcement investigators and share information as appropriate regarding school district policies, the active investigation, and law enforcement protocols,” the district wrote.

A deadly shooting at a rally for former President Trump is being investigating as a potential terrorism act, the FBI confirmed Sunday.

Kevin Rojek, special FBI agent in charge in Pittsburgh, said the information received by the FBI indicates that the shooter acted alone. The FBI has not confirmed a motive of the shooter.

Rojek confirmed that the gun used in Saturday’s shooting was an "AR-style 5.56 rifle" -- meaning a rifle that uses ammunition with a 5.56 mm diameter -- that was purchased legally and located at the scene adjacent to the shooter.

“Our number one goal here is to identify the motive of the subject and determine whether, he had any other associates or anyone else that was involved at this point. The investigation, it appears that he was a lone actor, but we still have more investigation to go,” Rojek said. “We are investigating this as a as an assassination attempt, but also looking at it a potential a domestic terrorism act.”

Rojek said there were no indications that the shooter had any mental health issues or any other red flags on his social media account.

At this time technical specialists are investigating all digital evidence and media as well as the suspect’s social media accounts. Lab services are processing DNA evidence as well as the shooter’s weapon.

Rojek said the FBI has several items of evidence that are being transported to the FBI lab at Quantico, Virginia for processing and exploitation, including the shooter’s weapon and phone.

The FBI is investigating the shooting of former President Trump as an assassination attempt and a potential act of domestic terrorism, the agency said Sunday.

Investigators are processing DNA evidence collected after the suspected gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, was killed, as well as the weapon used in the attack and his cell phone, authorities said.

The weapon, an “AR-style .556 rifle” purchased legally, was found near the shooter at the scene, Kevin Rojek, the special agent in charge of the FBI's Pittsburgh field office, told reporters during an audio call with reporters.

The weapon was purchased by Crooks' father but it was unclear how he gained access to it, the FBI said, noting that there was no indication the rifle was a so-called “straw purchase.”

During the search of Crooks' vehicle, authorities found a "suspicious device" but it was rendered safe but was being analyzed further. Details about the device were not disclosed.

Investigators were also “urgently working" to gain access to the suspect's cell phone.

Investigators haven't determined a motive for the shooting but said there were no indications that Crooks had been treated for any mental health issues. His family is cooperating with the FBI.

The full force of the FBI is being utilized in the investigation into the attempted assassination of former President Trump, FBI Director Christopher Wray said.

“The shooter may be deceased but the investigation is ongoing,” Wray said. "What we witnessed yesterday was nothing short of an attack on democracy and our democratic process. An attempt to assassinate a presidential candidate can only be described as absolutely despicable and will not be tolerated in this country.”

As of Sunday, the FBI has received more than 2,000 tips related to their investigation.

The 20-year-old Pennsylvania man identified as the gunman who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump on Saturday appeared to have an account on the Discord platform, the company said Sunday.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, a Discord spokesperson said an account that appears to be linked to Thomas Matthew Crooks was identified and removed in accordance with the company's "off-platform behavior policy."

"It was rarely utilized, has not been used in months, and we have found no evidence that it was used to plan this incident, promote violence, or discuss his political views," the spokesperson said. "Discord strongly condemns violence of any kind, including political violence, and we will continue to coordinate closely with law enforcement."

Read the full article about Thomas Matthew Crooks by Louis Casiano

The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) identified the victims who were injured or killed at the Trump rally shooting on Saturday.

On Sunday, the PSP announced that one person was killed while two are currently injured.

"The deceased victim was identified as Corey Comperatore, 50, of Sarver, PA," the statement read. The second victim has been identified as 57-year-old David Dutch, of New Kensington, PA, who is currently listed in stable condition."

"The third victim was identified as 74-year-old James Copenhaver, of Moon Township, PA. He is also listed in stable condition."

In a statement, Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris said that the victims and their relatives "are certainly in our thoughts today."

“The Pennsylvania State Police continue to work tirelessly alongside our federal, state and local partners as this investigation continues," Paris added.

The Daily Show, hosted by Jon Stewart, canceled a planned broadcast on Monday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during the start of the Republican National Convention.

The show cited "the evolving situation in Milwaukee" as part of its reasoning.

"See you Tuesday," the show's account wrote on X. The program indicated that it would be broadcasting during the rest of the convention, but doing so from its studio in New York City.

The show did add that it plans to make up events on the ground in Wisconsin "in the coming weeks."

A local police officer engaged the gunman who attempted to assassinate former President Trump on Saturday, according to the Associated Press.

The Associated Press reported on Sunday afternoon that a local officer climbed up to the roof of the structure where Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, was stationed. The officer reportedly engaged Crooks, who pointed his rifle at him.

When the officer retreated and Crooks fired shots at Trump, Secret Service agents shot Crooks, according to the report. The Associated Press reported that an official shared the details on the condition of anonymity.

Fox News Digital asked the Pennsylvania State Police about the report, but the agency is unable to confirm the details amid the investigation.

Later on Sunday, the U.S. Secret Service told media that local authorities were alerted to a threat before the shooting began, but could not find the gunman in time.

Fox News Digital's Greg Wehner contributed to this update.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis called out the bureaucracy in Washington, D.C., as President Biden says to trust the investigation into the alleged shooter who attempted to assassinate former President Trump.

“Biden tells us to trust the bureaucracy to investigate the assassin’s motive,” DeSantis wrote in a post on X. “But the feds categorized the crazed, leftist congressional baseball shooter as ‘suicide by cop’ – even though the shooter had a well-documented left-wing political bent and made sure that the players on the field were Republicans before attacking.

“And there does need to be an investigation regarding the security protocols used in Butler. The answer to the following question must be provided in short order: how did someone, armed with a rifle, get on top of a roof 150 yards away from the stage,” the Florida governor asked, before accusing D.C. bureaucratic figures of almost never resulting in accountability.

DeSantis noted that this time needs to be different than any time in the past.

“Our country is in the peril it’s in partly because the DC ruling class has consistently evaded responsibility for its failures,” he said.

A nursing home in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania confirmed Sunday that it employed the man who attempted to assassinate former President Trump, Thomas Matthew Crooks, during a rally on Saturday.

“This morning, Bethel Park Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation became aware that Thomas Matthew Crooks, a dietary aide at the Center, was the alleged shooter in the assassination attempt on Former President Trump,” Marcie Grimm, and administrator at the facility said. “We are shocked and saddened to learn of his involvement as Thomas Matthew Crooks performed his job without concern and his background check was clean.

“We are fully cooperating with law enforcement officials at this time. Due to the ongoing investigation, we cannot comment further on any specifics,” Grimm added. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Former President Trump and the victims impacted by this terrible tragedy. We condemn all acts of violence.”

James Levinson of Fox News contributed to this report.

The U.S. Secret Service, which is being scrutinized heavily for its coverage of a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania where former President Trump was a victim of an assassination attempt, relied heavily on local police personnel for specialized tactical units used to locate and take care of attackers, according to reports.

The Washington Post reported on Sunday that Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi confirmed the agency relied on local police during Trump’s rally in Butler to help fill parts of its specialized protection units, like the heavily-armed counter assault group that provided the former president with cover as he was evacuated, as well as the counter sniper teams that located and killed the shooter.

Guglielmi told the Post two of its counter assault agents were on the scene, and the rest of the six-member platoons were filled using members of the Butler County tactical units.

The spokesperson also said two Secret Service counter sniper teams were providing cover at the rally, but two additional teams recommended for adequate protection were filled by local units.

George Bivens, a lieutenant colonel with the Pennsylvania State Police, told reporters local officials assist with providing support for VIP visits, though they take instructions from Secret Service.

President Joe Biden urged people not to "make assumptions" about the Trump rally shooter's "motives or affiliations" in remarks Sunday afternoon.

"We don't yet have any information about the motive of the shooter," Biden told reporters. "We know who he is. I urge everyone, everyone, please don't make assumptions about his motives or his affiliations. Let the FBI do their job, and their partner agencies do their job."

The remarks come after Biden was briefed by the FBI, Homeland Security, and the National Security Agency on Sunday. Biden said he instructed the Secret Service to thoroughly examine all of the Republican National Convention's security measures ahead of its Monday kickoff. Former President Trump is scheduled to address delegates on Thursday evening -- the last day of the convention -- when he will officially be nominated as the Republican Party's candidate to face off against Biden in the 2024 election.

"I directed an independent review of the national security at yesterday's rally to assess exactly what happened and we'll share the results of that independent review with the American people as well," Biden said. "And finally, I'll be speaking more about this tonight at greater length from the Oval Office. We must unite as one nation. We must unite as one nation to demonstrate who we are. So, may God bless you all and may God protect our troops."

Biden did not take any questions from reporters following the update.

Former President Trump announced that he is planning to travel to Wisconsin for the RNC according to his original plans, despite Saturday's shocking shooting.

Trump posted the update at around 2:09 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. In his post, he admitted that he planned to delay his RNC trip due to "yesterday’s terrible events."

"Based on yesterday’s terrible events, I was going to delay my trip to Wisconsin, and The Republican National Convention, by two days, but have just decided that I cannot allow a “shooter,” or potential assassin, to force change to scheduling, or anything else," the former president wrote.

"Therefore, I will be leaving for Milwaukee, as scheduled, at 3:30 P.M. TODAY. Thank you! DJT[.]"

Two minutes later, Trump posted a brief update reading: "UNITE AMERICA!"

The social media post came around the same time that the White House announced President Biden will address the country from the Oval Office tonight. The speech will mark Biden’s third formal address from the Oval Office.

Nikki Haley has accepted an invitation to speak at the Republican National Convention this week, a sign of party unity as the nation reels from the assassination attempt against former President Trump.

Haley served in Trump's administration but ran against him in the 2024 primary, ultimately becoming his final rival in the race. It is unclear which day of the convention Haley will speak.

Trump's campaign has confirmed that the convention is still expected to proceed as planned despite the Saturday attempt on Trump's life. The event will run from July 15 through the 18th in Milwaukeee, Wisconsin.

Heightened security could be seen around the venue on Sunday.

"Multiple layers of security and several perimeters to get through in order to get inside," Fox News' Bill Melugin posted to X early Sunday morning from Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.

The security measures currently include many blocks of street closures in all directions surrounding the arena, including K-rail barriers and metal barricades. Additionally, police can be seen "all over," and there are routine helicopter flyovers.

Fox News' Paul Steinhauser and Kellianne Jones contributed to this report

Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-MS, fired a staffer on Sunday for a social media post in which she appeared to wish the assassination attempt against former President Trump had succeeded.

The staffer, Jacqueline Marsaw, wrote that the gunman should have gotten "shooting lessons" so "you don't miss next time." Thompson said he ended Marsaw's employment after he was made aware of the post.

"I don't condone violence but please get you some shooting lessons so you don't miss next time ooops that wasn't me talking," Marsaw wrote on Facebook.

“I was made aware of a post made by a staff member and she is no longer in my employment," Thompson confirmed to Fox News.

Marsaw had worked as a field director for Thompson since July 2023. His office released a statement upon hiring her.

"Jacqueline is a member of the NAACP where she has served as the secretary, vice president and president," the statement read. "Marsaw is a member of the Adams County Democratic Party and coordinates the Black History Parade. She is the former field director for the National Action Network."

Fox News' Aishah Hasnie contributed to this report

President Biden is rescheduling a planed trip to Texas which was to take place on Monday, the White House said.

Biden was scheduled to travel to Austin for a White House event commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act during a visit to the LBJ Presidential Library.

The Texas stop was an official White House trip, not a campaign event.

It is unclear whether the Biden campaign will reschedule a planned event in Nevada later this week.

Fox News Digital's Paul Steinhauser contributed to this update.

President Biden spoke from the Roosevelt Room at the White House at 1:30 p.m. after he received an updated briefing in the Situation Room from homeland security and law enforcement officials.

During his remarks, Biden said he has directed the U.S. Secret Service to provide Trump "with every resource, capability and protective measure necessary to ensure his continued safety."

The president also has instructed the head of the Secret Service to review all security measures for the upcoming Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. And he has requested an independent review of the security failures at Trump's rally in Pennsylvania, which upon completion will be shared with the American people.

"Last night, I spoke with Donald Trump. I'm sincerely grateful that he's doing well and recovering. We had a short but good conversation. Jill and I are keeping him and his family in our prayers. We also extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim who was killed. He was a father. He was protecting his family from. The bullets are being fired. He lost his life. God love him," Biden said.

"We're also playing for the full recovery of those who were injured. And we're grateful to the Secret Service agents and other law enforcement agencies who and individuals who risked their lives literally for our nation.

"As I said last night, there is no place in America for this kind of violence or any violence, for that matter. An assassination attempt is contrary to everything we stand for as a nation."

Biden called former President Trump after the attempt on Trump's life. The White House said the call was good, short and respectful.

The president condemned the shooting earlier, calling the attempted assassination of a presidential candidate "sick" and saying that there was "no place in America for this kind of violence."

A man who says he went to high school with the attempted assassin, Thomas Matthew Crooks, described Crooks as a "loner" who was "bullied." 

Jason Kohler, 21, said Crooks regularly wore hunting outfits to school and was picked on for how he dressed. He said Crooks may have been on the school's rifle team.

Kohler said he was familiar with Crooks but they were not friends.

Kohler graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2021. Crooks graduated a year later in 2022.

Fox News' James Levinson contributed to this update. 

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said Sunday he spoke with the wife of Corey Comperatore, a man who was killed Saturday when a gunman attempted to assassinate former President Trump during a rally in Butler. 

"We lost a fellow Pennsylvanian last night," Shapiro said at a news conference. "Corey Comperatore was a girl dad. Corey was a firefighter. Corey went to church every Sunday. Corey loved his community, and most especially Corey loves his family. Corey was an avid supporter of the former president and was so excited to be there last night with him in the community. 

"I asked Corey's wife if it would be okay for me to share that we spoke. She said yes. She also asked that I share with all of you that Corey died a hero, that Corey dove on his family to protect them," the governor said. 

"Last night at this rally, Corey was the very best of us. May his memory be a blessing." 

Shapiro concluded his remarks noting that political disagreements "can never, ever be addressed through violence." 

"Disagreements are okay, but we need to use a peaceful political process to settle those differences," he said. 

Lawmakers reacted to the attempted assassination of former President Trump with bipartisan condemnation and are now taking steps to demand "accountability" for the "security failure" at his Pennsylvania rally. 

Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., a candidate for U.S. Senate, sent a letter to the U.S. Secret Service on Sunday with several questions about the security failure which led to the death of one rally goer and Trump and two others getting shot. He also asked whether independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., will receive Secret Service protection. 

“Yesterday’s incident, which led to the tragic death of an onlooker and several injuries, including to President Trump, raises grave concerns regarding the security measures – or lack thereof – that were taken to protect a former President of the United States and a Major Presidential Candidate,” wrote Gallego. “I call on all those responsible for the planning, approving, and executing of this failed security plan to be held accountable and to testify before Congress immediately.”

Separately, New York Reps. Ritchie Torres, a Democrat, and Mike Lawler, a Republican, announced plans for bipartisan legislation to provide enhanced Secret Service protection to President Biden, Trump and RFK Jr. 

The firearm used by Thomas Matthew Crooks in the attempt on former President Trump's life was legally purchased by the suspect's father, Fox News has confirmed. 

Authorities have recovered the weapon and the family is cooperating with law enforcement, according to sources familiar. 

One source said family had access to several guns and authorities are investigating whether the suspect himself had access to other weapons as well. 

Law enforcement officials told the Associated Press bomb-making materials were found inside Crooks' car and in his home.

Fox News' David Spunt contributed to this update.

Family members identified Corey Comperatore as the rally goer who was killed Saturday in an assassination attempt on former President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. 

Comperatore was a former fire chief for Buffalo Township, local news station WPXI reported. He was shot and killed when Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire on Trump from a sniper's perch some 130 yards away during the campaign event. Two others were critically injured in the attack, authorities said. 

The victim's sister, Dawn Comperatore Schafer, wrote in a Facebook post that Corey "was a hero that 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," Schafer wrote. 

Fox News Digital's Scott McDonald contributed to this update.

The man authorities say attempted to assassinate former President Trump had explosives inside his car found parked near the Pennsylvania rally, according to a new report.

Law enforcement discovered the car, which was driven by Thomas Matthew Crooks, parked near the Trump rally in Butler, Pa., The Wall Street Journal reported, citing people briefed on the investigation.

The Journal said authorities dispatched bomb technicians after police received multiple reports of suspicious packages around near where the shooter was located.

Crooks reportedly shot Trump from a rooftop perch some 130 yards away during a rally in the small town, striking the upper part of Trump’s right ear while the former president was speaking to rallygoers ahead of next week’s Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

One attendee was killed, and two others were injured during the incident, the FBI said , and Crooks was shot dead. The victims have not been identified yet.

Fox News Digital's Danielle Wallace and Scott McDonald contributed to this update.

Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wisc., said the attempt on former President Trump's life "can turn into a moment of healing and unity" for the country if Americans "realize what is at stake." 

"As President Lincoln said, a house divided against itself cannot stand. I've been saying for quite some time, as much as we're not addressing our debt and deficit issue, I think the greatest threat to America right now is the fact that we're horribly divided," Johnson told CNN host Jake Tapper Sunday morning on "State of the Union." 

Asked about the security measures at Trump's rally in Butler, Penn., Johnson said there was a "failure" and expressed his belief in the need for congressional oversight hearings following a law enforcement investigation. 

The Wisconsin lawmaker also said that Trump "knew exactly the risks he was taking running for re-election." But Trump did so anyway because he "loves this country," Johnson said. 

"And that's one other thing I would say about his supporters, those rally goers. If there's one attribute the Trump supporters have in common, they fervently love this country. And so, if the rest of America can understand that about Donald Trump, about the people who support Donald Trump, I think they love this country as well. There's a good place to start the healing and unification of this country. We need to understand that about each other." 

Johnson encouraged Americans to "resist" political groups that are "purposely trying to divide us for political advantage." 

"Don't let them get away with it, and start talking to each other." 

Former first lady Melania Trump released a statement after the attempted assassination of her husband, former President Trump, at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday. 

"I am thinking of you, now, my fellow Americans," Trump wrote. "We have always been a unique union. America, the fabric of our gentle nation is tattered, but our courage and common sense must ascend and bring us back together as one." 

"When I watched that violent bullet strike my husband, Donald, I realized my life, and Barron's life, were on the brink of devastating change. I am grateful to the brave secret service agents and law enforcement officials who risked their own lives to protect my husband." 

Melania Trump offered her "sincerest sympathy" to the other victims, including the family of the person who died after being shot. 

"A monster who recognized my husband as an inhuman political machine attempted to ring out Donald's passion – his laughter, ingenuity, love of music, and inspiration. The core facets of my husband's life – his human side – were buried below the political machine. Donald, the generous and caring man who I have been with through the best of times and the worst of times." 

"Let us not forget that differing opinions, policy, and political games are inferior to love." 

A split-second decision could have saved former President Trump's life during the shocking assassination attempt at his outdoor campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, according to Israeli Special Operations veteran Aaron Cohen.

Hours after the incident, Cohen told Fox News' Trace Gallagher that, if the former president had not turned his head when the shot was fired, he would not have survived.

"God must have been watching down on the president," he said.

"Snipers are typically trained to shoot into the cerebral cortex of the cerebellum at the top of the brain stem. It incapacitates you, it keeps your hands from moving…  It's about the distance of the shot. One hundred-thirty yards. That's a putt. Anyone can put a two, two, three, optic on a target from that distance and hit it. It's not a difficult shot to make…"

He continued, "It's very clear to me that had the president's head been straight, and if that round had gone into the ear, it would have been lights out. The fact that he just happened to be turned this way with that shot coming in is what saved his life."

Fox News Digital's Taylor Penley contributed to this update.

Former President Donald Trump's campaign launched a GoFundMe in support of the victims and their families of the Butler, Pennsylvania, rally shooting.

One rally attendee was killed, and two others were injured. The shooter was killed by the Secret Service. The victims' names have yet to be revealed.

Trump's campaign revealed the GoFundMe and the link has been shared across social media platforms in an attempt to promote the $1 million goal of contributions.

Lynne Patton, Senior Advisor to Trump, shared the link to her Instagram story and encouraged social media users to donate.

The page, which was launched by Meredith O’Rourke, Trump's campaign national finance director, reads: "President Donald Trump has authorized this account as a place for donations to the supporters and families wounded or killed in today’s brutal and horrific assassination attempt. All donations will be directed to these proud Americans as they grieve and recover. May God bless and unite our nation."

Former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy donated $30,000 to the cause. Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, donated $10,000 to the cause.

Thomas Matthew Crooks, the shooter who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania, has been pictured for the first time.

Crooks, a 20-year-old man from western Pennsylvania, reportedly shot Trump from a rooftop perch some 130 yards away during a rally in Butler, striking the upper part of Trump’s right ear while the former president was speaking to rallygoers ahead of next week’s Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The New York Post obtained photographs of Crooks from his high school yearbook and 2022 graduation ceremony. 

U.S. Secret Service agents returned fire upon Crooks and killed him, but not before he got off several rounds directed at Trump. Three members of the crowd were struck, one killed and two others critically injured. 

Photographs taken from the scene of the shooting on Saturday show armed U.S. Secret Service agents standing over Crooks' body after the assassination attempt. 

Fox News Digital's Scott McDonald contributed to this update.

Donald Trump Jr. said Sunday his father would be dead if Democrats had succeeded with an attempt to remove Secret Service protection from former President Trump.

"Remember, if @BennieGThompson and the Democrats got their way, my dad would be dead right now. Don't let them memory hole it," Trump Jr. posted on X. 

House Democrats introduced a bill earlier this year that would strip Secret Service protection from convicted felons sentenced to prison, a move that directly targeted former President Trump, who was convicted of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in New York. 

Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., the former chair of the now disbanded Jan. 6 congressional committee, introduced the legislation to automatically nix Secret Service protection for those who have been convicted of a federal or state felony that carries a minimum one-year prison term. 

The proposed bill was provocatively titled the "Denying Infinite Security and Government Resources Allocated toward Convicted and Extremely Dishonorable (DISGRACED) Former Protectees Act.

"My bill would not have affected the Secret Service's presence during this tragic event. It aims to clarify lines of authority when a protectee is sentenced to prison and is in the custody of another law enforcement agency. That does not apply to the former President," Thompson told Fox News Digital in a statement.

After former President Trump was shot on Saturday, Thompson released a statement condemning political violence.

"There is no room in American democracy for political violence. I am grateful for law enforcement’s fast response to this incident," he said.

"I am glad the former President is safe, and my thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved."

Fox News Digital's Michael Dorgan contributed to this update.

Dozens of former President Trump's supporters gathered outside of Mar-a-Lago on Saturday night after the Republican presidential candidate was shot at a rally in Pennsylvania.

Trump survived the assassination attempt, but one person in the crowd was shot and killed, and two other spectators were critically injured by multiple shots from the gunman. 

Fox News’ Danamarie McNicholl reported from Mar-a-Lago, where a "sea of red, white and blue supporters" were seen outside of Trump's residence. 

"I saw him with his fist up, but he's still here. God bless him," one woman said. "I don't know if I could have done it. What a brave, courageous man." 

Those gathered at Mar-a-Lago joined there hands in prayer for the former president, who was treated for his injuries and is in "good spirits," according to the Trump campaign. 

The shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was killed by authorities, but not before he took a sniper's position and opened fire on Trump. 

Former President Trump's campaign is reviewing security measures at its D.C. and Florida offices and will increase the number of armed officers on site after the failed attempt on Trump's life Saturday.

"We are enhancing the armed security presence with 24/7 officers on-site. Additional security assessments will be in place. Our highest priority is to keep all of you on this staff safe," senior Trump campaign officials Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles wrote in a memo to campaign staff. 

"We also urge you to recognize the political polarization in this heated election. If something looks or feels off, please flag it immediately for leadership or an on-site security team." 

The campaign expressed hope that the horrific assassination attempt on Trump "will bring our team, and indeed the nation, together in unity."

LaCivita and Wiles also instructed staff, "Please do not comment publicly on the occurrence of today. We condemn all forms of violence, and will not tolerate dangerous rhetoric on social media.”

The campaign said the Republican National Committee convention will continue as planned in Milwaukee, Wisc., this week, where Trump will formally be nominated as the Republican candidate for president in 2024. 

CBS anchor Margaret Brennan was critical of former President Trump's social media statement after the attempt on his life Saturday evening, saying it didn't "call for lowering the temperature."

"He is recovering from these injuries now, this was a traumatic event, no doubt, for him," Brennan said on CBS News during special coverage of the shooting in Butler, Pa. "But I did notice there was no call for lowering the temperature, condemning all political violence, and really trying to signal to his supporters as well not to retaliate or have any kind of escalation here."

In a statement on Truth Social, Trump thanked Secret Service and law enforcement for their "rapid response" to the shooting, in addition to offering condolences to the other victims in the case. One other rally attendee was killed, and two others were critically injured, according to reports. The shooter was killed by law enforcement.

"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. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my 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. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!"

Brennan also worried Thursday about the shooting inspiring further violence.

"We want to make clear that this is something we are reporting as a historic event as it unfolds, but we are very mindful that this kind of event can inspire violence, it can inspire retaliation, and we want no part of that," she said.

Brennan's remarks drew criticism from conservatives online. She later addressed the comments on the air, saying she had a concern about Americans being "on edge" in the current climate.

Fox News Digital's David Rutz contributed to this update.

The man identified as former President Trump's attempted assassin, Thomas Michael Crooks , has a mixed political history and unclear motives. 

Crooks was a registered Republican, according to voting records, but he only participated in the Nov. 8, 2022, state election due to his age. 

Records show he made a $15 donation to Progressive Turnout Project, a Chicago-based political action committee that supports Democrat candidates for public office and claims to advocate for "key Democratic constituencies: young people, minorities and low-income people." The donation was made on the date of President Biden's 2021 inauguration, Jan. 20, 2021. 

A law enforcement source told Fox News Crooks' motive is still not completely clear, but authorities continue to speak with those who knew him. Multiple agencies were seen at his home in Bethel Park. 

The FBI said it will continue its investigation into Crooks and any other information it can obtain.

"This remains an active and ongoing investigation, and anyone with information that may assist with the investigation is encouraged to submit photos or videos online at FBI.gov/butler or call 1-800-CALL-FBI," the statement continued.

Fox News Digital's Scott McDonald and Fox News' David Spunt contributed to this update.

Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesman for the U.S. Secret Service, on Sunday said claims that the Trump campaign requested stronger security at his Pennsylvania rally and was denied were "absolutely false." 

"The assertion that a member of the former President’s security team requested additional security resources that the U.S. Secret Service or the Department of Homeland Security rebuffed is absolutely false.  In fact, recently the U.S. Secret Service added protective resources and capabilities to the former President’s security detail," Guglielmi said in a statement.

"The former President, and the current President, are commonly subject to threats. The U. S. Secret Service takes threats seriously, and it takes actions based on those threats as warranted. The U.S. Secret Service is constantly evaluating the very dynamic threat environment and responding to it in the fulfillment of its responsibilities."

In the aftermath of the assassination attempt on former President Trump, a House GOP lawmaker alleged that Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas denied stronger Secret Service protection for the presumptive Republican presidential nominee multiple times. 

Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., made the accusation hours after Trump was grazed by a bullet at his rally on Saturday.

"I have very reliable sources telling me there have been repeated requests for stronger secret service protection for President Trump. Denied by Secretary Mayorkas," Waltz wrote on X.

The House Homeland Security Committee is planning on investigating reports that Trump was denied stronger Secret Service protection before the rally, a source told Fox News Digital.

"The Committee has seen these reports, as well, and are going to be conducting thorough oversight into what happened both leading up to and in the immediate aftermath of the attempted assassination of President Trump. Obviously, such reports are deeply troubling and demand investigation," the source said.

One rally attendee was killed, and two others were injured after a shooter opened fire at the former president's campaign rally, according to a Secret Service statement. The shooter was also killed.

Fox News's David Spunt and Fox News Digital's Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this update.

Former President Trump issued a new statement Sunday morning after the attempt on his life, thanking the nation for its prayers

"Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers yesterday, as it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening," Trump wrote on Truth Social. 

"We will FEAR NOT, but instead remain resilient in our Faith and Defiant in the face of Wickedness. Our love goes out to the other victims and their families. We pray for the recovery of those who were wounded, and hold in our hearts the memory of the citizen who was so horribly killed.

"In this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand United, and show our True Character as Americans, remaining Strong and Determined, and not allowing Evil to Win. I truly love our Country, and love you all, and look forward to speaking to our Great Nation this week from Wisconsin." 

An eyewitness to the shooting at former President Trump's Pennsylvania rally said in an interview he saw the shooter moments before gunfire erupted.

Greg Smith told the BBC he and others saw the man "bear crawling" on the roof of a nearby building just outside the event in Butler. 

He said he pointed the suspected shooter out to police. 

"We could clearly see him with a rifle," Smith said. 

"I'm thinking to myself, 'Why is Trump still speaking? Why have they not pulled him off the stage'...  the next thing you know, five shots ring out."

Video from the rally posted to social media shows others spotted the gunman, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, moments before the shots rang out. People could be heard yelling, "He's got a gun!"

Another eyewitness, Benjamin Shrader, told Fox News Digital that security at the rally was "terrible." 

"I had to give all my information and security in the special guest section and that was great," he said. "But overall for the event, the security was extremely lax," he said. 

Shrader added that the screening for general admission before the event was lacking.

"There were only metal detectors and then a pat down. That was it," he said. "There was nobody going around the fences and somebody could have easily thrown a gun in."

The U.S. Secret Service (USSS) later said, in a news release, that the suspected shooter fired from an "elevated position," killing at least one person and critically injuring two others.

Fox News Digital's Sarah Rumpf-Whitten and Matteo Cina contributed to this update.

The assassination attempt, as it is being described by Fox News sources, against former President Trump at his Saturday rally in Pennsylvania is shining light on the security process for those in attendance.

Press and general attendees all go through a rigorous screening process operated by the Secret Service, which includes detailed searches of everyone entering into a rally venue.

The press is screened in a separate que than the public, and are usually told to remove all electronic equipment and metal, similar to the screening process of an airport.

Secret Service, when necessary, relies on Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents from nearby towns to help with screening, but its unclear if that was the case for Trump's Saturday rally.

When a rally is held outside, as was Saturday's, the Secret Service still sets up tents, tables and magnetometers common at large events.

Trump, as a former president, still has a significant Secret Service detail, and anyone meeting with the president or in proximity must be cleared. Traditionally, this is done with a social security number, date of birth, and other vital information.

Fox News Digital's Brandon Gillespie and Fox News' Mark Meredith contributed to this update.

Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, who is under consideration to be former President Trump's running mate on the 2024 Republican ticket, accused the Biden campaign of inciting violence against Trump.

Vance wrote in a social media post that the attempt on Trump's life at a rally in Butler, Penn., on Saturday was "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," Vance posted on X. 

"That rhetoric led directly to President Trump's attempted assassination."

Another potential Trump vice presidential candidate, Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., likewise said rhetoric from the left was to blame for the shooting. 

“Let’s be clear: This was an assassination attempt aided and abetted by the radical Left and corporate media incessantly calling Trump a threat to democracy, fascists, or worse,” he wrote on social media.

The FBI is investigating the assassination attempt and has not yet revealed a potential motive. 

The chief of communications for the U.S. Secret Service, Anthony Guglielmi, put out a statement on the shooting incident at Trump's rally Saturday evening. 

"During former President Trump's campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on the evening of July 13th at approximately 6:15 p.m., a suspected shooter fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside of the rally venue," he said. "US Secret Service personnel neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased. US Secret Service quickly responded with protective measures and the former president is safe and being evaluated. One spectator was killed, two spectators were critically injured. The incident is currently under investigation and the Secret Service has formally notified the Federal Bureau of investigation."

The House Oversight Committee has called on Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to testify to Congress about the security failure at Trump's rally as part of an investigation into the attempt on Trump's life.  

Fox News Digital's Brooke Singman and Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this update.

Former President Trump confirmed he was "shot with a bullet" that "pierced" the upper part of his right ear at his rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday. 

Gunfire broke out at the Trump rally shortly after the former president began speaking at the Butler Farm Show grounds.

The attack on the former president is being investigated as an assassination attempt, according to Fox News sources.

Trump put out a statement on his Truth Social account Saturday evening. 

"I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania," Trump said. "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. It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country." 

"I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear," the former president said. "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 former president added that "much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening." 

"GOD BLESS AMERICA!" he said. 

Fox News Digital's Brooke Singman contributed to this update.

The FBI has identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old man from western Pennsylvania, as the person who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday.

Crooks reportedly shot Trump during a rally in the small town, striking the upper part of Trump’s right ear while the former president was speaking to rallygoers ahead of next week’s Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

One attendee was killed and two others were injured during the incident, the agency said, and Crooks was shot dead. The victims have not been identified yet.

"The FBI has identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the subject involved in the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump on July 13, in Butler, Pennsylvania," the FBI said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "This remains an active and ongoing investigation."

Crooks, 20, was from Bethel Park, which is a Pittsburgh suburb about an hour south from where the assassination attempt took place. 

Crooks reportedly graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022. He was one of nearly two dozen students from the school to earn a $500 "star award" from the National Math and Science Initiative.

A search by Fox News Digital revealed Crooks would have turned 21 years old this September. He had no reported criminal or traffic citations and no reported bankruptcies, liens or foreclosures.

Crooks was a registered Republican, according to voting records, but had only participated in the Nov. 8, 2022, state election due to his age. Voting records also don't detail who a person votes for.

The FBI says it will continue its investigation into Crooks and any other information it can obtain.

Fox News Digital's Scott McDonald and Landon Mion contributed to this update.