FBI Confirms Bullet Injury to Former President Trump in Assassination Attempt
During a congressional hearing on Tuesday, the FBI confirmed that former President Donald Trump was indeed struck by a bullet during an assassination attempt on July 13 in Pennsylvania. This statement came after initial uncertainty regarding the nature of the object that hit him, which had been raised in a previous hearing.
Condolences and Acknowledgment of Victims
FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate expressed his condolences to those affected by the tragic shooting incident in Butler, Pennsylvania. Among the victims was firefighter Corey Comperatore, who lost his life, while rally attendees James Copenhaver and David Dutch sustained injuries.
“And to former President Trump, who was also struck by a bullet fired from the shooter’s rifle,” Abbate stated. He emphasized that this incident is being treated as an act of domestic terrorism by the agency.
The Shift in Narrative Regarding Trump’s Injury
This revelation marked a significant moment in Abbate’s testimony during what was the first Congressional session since FBI Director Christopher Wray had previously questioned whether it was indeed a bullet or shrapnel that impacted Trump’s ear.
In his earlier testimony before Congress on Thursday, Wray remarked: “With respect to former President Trump, there’s some question about whether or not it’s a bullet or shrapnel that hit his ear.” Following this statement, however, an official clarification from the FBI confirmed it was indeed a bullet.
The agency clarified: “What struck former President Trump in the ear was a bullet—whether intact or fragmented into smaller pieces—fired from the deceased subject’s rifle.” This confirmation came after backlash against Wray’s initial comments from Trump’s team.
Criticism Directed at FBI Leadership
The response from Trump’s representatives criticized Wray for creating confusion with his earlier statements. Spokesperson Steven Cheung stated emphatically to The Post: “Anyone who believes this conspiracy nonsense is either mentally deficient or willfully spreading falsehoods for political gain.”
Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe Jr., (left) alongside FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate are sworn into
testify regarding ex-President Donald Trump’s attempted assassination at campaign rally.Allison Bailey/NurPhoto/Shutterstock
A Closer Look at Events Surrounding July 13 Incident
The attack occurred when 20-year-old Thomas Crooks opened fire on July 13 during one of Trump’s rallies held at Butler Farm Show grounds; he positioned himself atop nearby rooftops and aimed towards where Trump stood—barely missing hitting him directly between shots fired toward others present as well.
Crooks met immediate fatal consequences when he was shot dead by Secret Service agents just moments after injuring Trump.
Status of Investigation and Findings So Far
The ongoing investigation led by federal authorities has yet to uncover any accomplices involved alongside Crooks’ actions leading up until now; however evidence indicates he registered online for attendance prior (July 6) along with conducting searches related specifically about Lee Harvey Oswald’s distance when assassinating John F.
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