Trump shooting updates: Shooter flew drone near site hours before shooting

One spectator was killed and two were hurt in the shooting on July 13.

Last Updated: July 24, 2024, 4:49 PM EDT

Federal authorities are investigating after former President Donald Trump was shot in the ear in an assassination attempt at an election rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13.

The alleged shooter was killed by snipers. One spectator was killed and two were hurt, officials said.

    Jul 14, 2024, 8:44 PM EDT

    Suspected rally gunman was member of local shooting club

    The man suspected of taking aim at former President Donald Trump Saturday night was a member of a local shooting club, counsel for the club confirms to ABC News.

    Thomas Crooks belonged to Clairton Sportsmen's Club, in Clairton, Pennsylvania, roughly 12 miles south of Pittsburgh, which has a variety of shooting ranges.

    Undated photo of Thomas Matthew Crooks.
    Obtained by ABC News

    "I can confirm that Mr. Crooks was a member of Clairton Sportsmen's Club," Robert S. Bootay III, attorney for the club, said in a statement.

    "Beyond that, the Club is unable to make any additional commentary in relation to this matter in light of pending law enforcement investigations," Bootay continued.

    "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," he said.

    -ABC News' Sasha Pezenik

    Jul 14, 2024, 8:23 PM EDT

    Biden says politics can never become a 'killing field' after Trump rally shooting

    President Joe Biden spoke directly to the nation Sunday, saying the political landscape cannot be a "killing field" after the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump Saturday.

    "Disagreement is inevitable in American democracy," Biden said, adding, "It’s part of human nature."

    "But politics must never be a literal battlefield or God forbid, a killing field," Biden continued.

    President Joe Biden delivers a nationally televised address from the Oval Office of the White House, July 14, 2024, in Washington.
    Erin Schaff/ Pool via Getty Images

    "I believe politics ought to be an arena for peaceful debate, to pursue justice, to make decisions guided by the Declaration of Independence and our constitution we stand for in America, not of extremism and fury, but of decency and grace," Biden added.

    During his address, Biden said that he spoke on the phone with Trump following the attack and that he's "grateful" Trump was not seriously injured and doing well.

    Biden ended his speech with a call for unity, saying, "Let's remember we are the United States of America."

    "There is nothing, nothing, nothing beyond our capacity when we do it together," he added.

    Jul 14, 2024, 8:00 PM EDT

    Donald Trump photographed in Milwaukee ahead of RNC

    Former President Donald Trump was photographed as he disembarked from his plane that landed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin Sunday.

    Trump can be seen in the photos with his fist raised on the plane's stairs.

    Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump arrives on Trump Force One in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, July 14, 2024.
    @DanScavino/X

    The former president is in Milwaukee ahead of the 2024 Republican National Convention that is set to kick off Monday, just two days after an assassination attempt on Saturday.

    During the attack at his campaign rally in Pennsylvania, Trump was wounded by a gunshot to the top of his right ear. He was treated at a local hospital after the attack.

    Jul 14, 2024, 7:34 PM EDT

    FBI in possession of 3 firearms from campaign event shooting: Sources

    Law enforcement sources tell ABC News that the FBI is currently in possession of three firearms from Saturday’s shooting and defense of the former president.

    The firearms include one belonging to the shooter, one belonging to the Secret Service agent who shot and killed the shooter and the other belonging to a Butler County Sheriff’s Deputy who was involved in the shooting.

    -ABC News' Luke Barr

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