Last time America had a candidate this tough was Theodore Roosevelt
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 13, 2024
Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old registered Republican from Bethel Park, Pa., has been identified as the shooter who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday. One spectator was killed, and two others were critically injured in the shooting. Secret Service agents quickly swarmed Trump and escorted him off the stage after blood was seen on his right ear.
Despite the alarming situation, a spokesperson confirmed that Trump is “fine.”
I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery pic.twitter.com/ZdxkF63EqF
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 13, 2024
My thoughts are with President Donald Trump, the victim of an assassination attempt. I send him my wishes for a speedy recovery. A spectator has died, several are injured. It is a tragedy for our democracies. France shares the shock and indignation of the American people.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) July 14, 2024
Federal authorities are investigating how the gunman was able to fire multiple shots from a rooftop with a direct line of sight to the stage. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas expressed concern, stating, “A direct line of sight like that to the former president should not occur.”
President Biden has directed an independent review of the incident to ensure comprehensive analysis and improvement in security protocols. The U.S. Secret Service has announced additional security measures, including increased tactical officers and SWAT units for Trump’s security detail.
Republican assassination attempt on Trump
In the aftermath of the assassination attempt, shares of Trump Media & Technology Group, a company majority-owned by Trump, spiked by about 50% in early trading on Monday. Tesla CEO Elon Musk publicly endorsed Trump following the incident, posting a photo of Trump with blood on the side of his face and stating, “I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery.” Musk compared Trump to Theodore Roosevelt, who survived an assassination attempt while campaigning for president in 1912.
Musk, along with other right-leaning tech and business leaders, used their online platforms to criticize the Secret Service’s diversity initiatives, condemn Democratic donor Reid Hoffman, and make unsubstantiated allegations about the shooting. The claims by these influential figures helped shape the narratives viewed by millions of people. The incident has raised significant security concerns and prompted swift action from authorities.
As investigations proceed, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and protection of high-profile individuals and the general public at such events.
