BUTLER, PA— Chaos erupted at former President Trump’s campaign rally in Butler, PA on July 13. At approximately 6:11 p.m., someone fired shots at Trump, grazing his right ear. Trump is in good health after speaking at the Republican National Convention on July 15.
Trump released this statement on Truth Social July 15 after the attack.
Former First Lady Melania Trump also released a statement on X following the assassination attempt on her husband.
President Biden expressed condolences following the attempt at a press conference. “There’s no place in America for this kind of violence; it’s sick, it’s sick,” said Biden.
Amongst the hundreds of attendees were Tyler Hoke, 19, a Quinnipiac University student and vice president of Quinnipiac Republicans – and his twin brother Jake, 19, a financial analyst. The two drove six hours from Westfield, New Jersey., to Butler, Pennsylvania.
According to Tyler, Trump walked onto the stage roughly an hour late at around 6:00 p.m.
“My twin and I sensed something was off because Secret Service was posted on rooftops behind the stage at 5:07 p.m. scanning the area intensely,” said Tyler.
Tyler explained, “We were standing maybe 50 yards from the podium… I remember when the first shot rang out thinking it was a firecracker then a barrage of shots followed it and everyone dropped down to the ground to get low.”
The brothers acted immediately based on instinct. Tyler said, “My brother turned to me and said we should book it to this tent that was near us to take cover.”
“When we got to the tent my heart was pounding out of my chest as I attempted to process what just occurred. I was in complete shock.”
Tyler described what he saw as they escaped to safety. “I didn’t have the clearest view of the podium but I saw the Secret Service swarm Trump. I did not see Trump raise his fist in the air.”
The Hoke’s were in a state of shock following the attack.
“I was in complete shock. I didn’t know what else to do so I instinctively called my mom to tell her that we were okay and what had happened,” said Tyler.
“We parked about a mile from the farm grounds and on the walk back there was a mix of shock and solemnity in everyone at the event…. Everyone was rushing in every direction, it was complete pandemonium.”
Citizens, politicians and media condemn this act of political violence. Hoke said, “My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this tragic event. May we try to end the violence and division within our society.”
