Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign was marked by one of the most widely covered security incidents in recent American political history. In July 2024, the former president survived an assassination attempt during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania—a violent act that was widely documented and investigated. This article presents a fact-based account of the event, his injury and recovery, and the context surrounding its aftermath, based solely on reputable reporting and official statements.
The Assassination Attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania
On July 13, 2024, then-presidential candidate Donald Trump was speaking at a rally at the Butler Farm Show grounds when gunfire broke out. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and U.S. Secret Service, the shooter, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, opened fire from an elevated position approximately 400 feet away (The New York Times, source).
Official reports confirmed that eight rounds were fired with an AR-15-style rifle. One of the bullets grazed Trump’s right ear, causing a significant laceration. The attack resulted in the tragic death of Corey Comperatore, a local firefighter attending the rally, and critically injured two other attendees (CNN, source).
Details of the Injury
Former White House physician and U.S. Representative Ronny Jackson provided a medical summary of the wound in the days following the attack. According to Jackson’s public statement, Trump sustained a “2-centimeter-wide gunshot wound in the right ear,” with initially heavy bleeding and significant swelling. Jackson reported that the wound began to heal without sutures but continued to cause discomfort (Fox News, source).
The FBI confirmed that “what struck former President Trump in the ear was a bullet, whether whole or fragmented” (ABC News, source). Trump himself discussed the injury multiple times on the campaign trail, noting lingering discomfort even after initial healing.
Security Response and Investigation
The U.S. Secret Service immediately neutralized the attacker at the scene. The FBI and local authorities launched a thorough investigation. Official sources identified the shooter as a 20-year-old engineering student with no publicly confirmed affiliations to any broader conspiracy or organization. Reports described him as a university student on the dean’s list who had stockpiled weapons and explosives in preparation for the attack (Washington Post, source).
Law enforcement agencies also conducted searches of the suspect’s residence and devices, gathering evidence about planning and motive. No credible evidence has been presented by investigators indicating that the attack was staged or involved any coordinated plot beyond the actions of the lone perpetrator. The attack has been treated as an assassination attempt targeting a major-party presidential candidate, underscoring heightened political tensions during the campaign season.
Official White House Photo and Public Reaction
On June 21, 2025, the White House released an official photograph of President Donald Trump in the Situation Room. The image showed Trump wearing his recognizable red “Make America Great Again” cap, with a side-profile view of his right ear.
This photo led to online discussions about the appearance of the ear, with some social media users claiming the ear showed no lasting evidence of injury. However, it is medically common for gunshot wounds that graze or tear tissue to heal with minimal visible scarring over time, especially if treated quickly and properly. Former President Trump’s physician had previously stated that the wound was granulating and healing well within weeks of the attack.
Claims circulating online that the assassination attempt was “staged” or “faked” have no basis in evidence. Such assertions contradict the wealth of photographic, video, forensic, and eyewitness evidence from the scene. The rally was attended by thousands of people and covered by multiple news outlets and live-streamed cameras. Video footage widely shared and verified in mainstream media even showed the bullet in mid-flight (NBC News, source).
Media Coverage and Public Discourse
In the aftermath of the attack, there was widespread media coverage of both the shooting and Trump’s recovery. Images of Trump wearing a white bandage on his ear became a common sight during subsequent campaign stops. Many supporters wore similar bandages in solidarity. The wound, though relatively minor in terms of life-threatening severity, became a powerful campaign symbol, especially as Trump continued to speak publicly about the attempt on his life (Reuters, source).
During several interviews and rallies, Trump described the shooting as a reminder of the personal risks involved in public life. He spoke about residual discomfort and the need for continued security vigilance. These statements were covered in detail by outlets such as USA Today, which noted Trump saying, “I still have that throbbing feeling in my ear” in late June 2025 while discussing security threats (USA Today, source).
The Broader Political Context
The shooting added to an already charged political atmosphere during the 2024 campaign. Following the attempt on his life, Trump intensified his focus on themes of law and order, border security, and perceived threats to American democracy. Supporters cited the attempt as evidence of the dangers he faces as a political figure.
Meanwhile, security around presidential candidates was further tightened. The Secret Service and local law enforcement agencies reviewed rally security procedures nationwide. Experts in political violence emphasized the importance of vigilance and nonpartisan commitment to protecting democratic processes and candidates of all parties (Brookings Institution, source).
Conclusion
The July 2024 shooting at Donald Trump’s rally was a real, documented, and lethal act of political violence that killed one attendee and injured others, including the former president himself. The investigation confirmed the shooter acted alone. Trump sustained a verified gunshot wound that required medical care and resulted in a visible bandage for weeks afterward.
Online conspiracy theories questioning the event’s authenticity have been consistently debunked by forensic evidence, video recordings, eyewitness testimony, and the detailed findings of federal investigators. These facts underline the importance of careful reporting and reliance on reputable sources when evaluating claims about politically sensitive events.
References
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FBI official statements and investigation updates
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The New York Times reporting on the shooting and suspect profile
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CNN coverage of victims and rally details
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ABC News reporting on the forensic analysis of the wound
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Fox News interviews with former White House physician Ronny Jackson
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NBC News video verification of the attack
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Reuters and USA Today coverage of Trump’s recovery and political messaging
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Washington Post reporting on the suspect’s background
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Brookings Institution analysis of political violence in the U.S.
