FBI confirms assassination attempt against Donald Trump, does not identify attacker

The FBI office in Pittsburgh confirmed on Saturday that former President Donald Trump (2017-2021) was the victim of an “assassination attempt” by a shooter who was shot dead and has not yet been identified.

This was announced at a press conference by Kevin Rojek, the special agent in charge of the local FBI office in that city, who asked for citizen assistance in gathering information about what happened.

“We have intelligence analysts working feverishly to try to identify the individual who did this and the motives behind why it was done. Right now we need the public’s help,” he said.

State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens said he cannot yet confirm that the shooter was a “lone wolf” and they are taking extreme caution with all elements they are investigating related to the shooting, including explosives handling protocols.

“We are close to that identification and as soon as we are 100% sure who that individual is, we will share that with the press,” the FBI spokesman added. An autopsy on the attacker’s body has not yet taken place.

Rojek said it was “surprising” that the attacker, who was found dead on a nearby rooftop outside the rally perimeter, was able to fire several shots.

The FBI has deployed numerous resources to the area, including a special response team from the Marine base in Quantico, Virginia.

“It remains an active crime scene. As I mentioned, we have multiple officers on scene. We are also working closely with other federal agencies, our state partners and also our local law enforcement partners,” Rojek said.

Trump was wounded in his right ear after a gunman opened fire at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania; after being evacuated by Secret Service security, he was taken to a hospital and treated for his injuries, but has since been released.

One attendee was killed, the shooter was shot dead and two people are hospitalized in critical condition, Bivens said. All are adult men, he added.

The shooter, who was killed by Secret Service officers, was on a rooftop outside the perimeter of the campaign event, Butler District Attorney said.

No Secret Service spokesperson was present at the press conference this morning. The Secret Service will be investigated by the United States Congress for alleged errors committed that made the attack on Trump possible.

The rally was held days before the Republican National Convention scheduled to run from Monday to Thursday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Trump’s nomination as the Republican candidate will be confirmed.