The images of former President Donald Trump, his face bleeding and his fist raised, will leave a lasting impact on the American presidential campaign. On Saturday, the 78-year-old Republican was evacuated with an ear injury after a shooting at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Before being taken to a vehicle by officers, Trump raised his fist in defiance towards the crowd. The FBI has identified a 20-year-old suspect and continues its investigation into the incident, which left two people dead, including the suspected shooter.
The shooting occurred just as Trump began his speech. Eight rounds were fired from an AR rifle, one of which hit the upper part of Trump's right ear. After initially grabbing his ear and dropping to his knees behind the podium, Trump emerged with a bloody face. He was quickly covered by Secret Service agents and escorted to a waiting vehicle. Eyewitness Ron Moss described the chaos, noting that snipers were positioned on a nearby roof and that the crowd quickly ducked for cover.
The FBI and Pennsylvania Police are conducting a thorough investigation, searching suspicious locations and interviewing witnesses. They have called for anyone who attended the rally to report any information that might help. The FBI had no prior information about a threat to the rally, and law enforcement acted heroically to neutralize the threat. The investigation aims to determine the motive behind the shooting and whether others were involved.
In the political arena, President Joe Biden's campaign launched a cryptic message on social media, 'Google Project 2025,' referring to the Republicans' supposed hidden agenda. Trump, relieved by a Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity, is expected to be confirmed as the Republican candidate at the national convention in Milwaukee. The official Republican program, closely aligned with Trump's views, will be approved at the convention. It includes positions on immigration, abortion, and other key issues, reflecting Trump's influence over the party.
- Trump supporters at the rally were visibly shaken, with some covered in blood. The scene was chaotic, but law enforcement quickly took control. The Secret Service has emphasized the dangers posed by extremists with access to weapons.
- The Republican program promises the construction of an anti-missile defense shield over the United States and the largest deportation of irregular immigrants in history. It also includes tax cuts for workers and a war on foreign drug cartels. The program opposes federal funding for schools promoting critical race theory and radical gender ideology.
- Project 2025, formulated by the Heritage Foundation, aims to review the executive branch and dismantle the federal administration if Trump is re-elected. Although Trump has distanced himself from this radical agenda, it remains a point of concern for undecided and independent voters. The project includes plans to eliminate LGBTI+ rights and expand presidential powers.
- The Heritage Foundation's president celebrated the Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity, calling it part of a 'second American Revolution.' The foundation has also suggested that President Biden might try to remain in office by force if he loses the election, a claim rejected by Democrats.
