Trump Jr. says father is 'changed man'

One spectator was killed and two were critically hurt in Saturday's shooting.

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Last updated: Wednesday, July 17, 2024 12:56AM GMT
Gunman purchased 50 rounds of ammunition hours before shooting at Trump rally, investigators say

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 Saturday.

Blood splattered on Trump's face as Secret Service agents surrounded him and led him off the stage to a waiting vehicle to whisk him away. Trump is "fine," a spokesperson said.

The alleged shooter was killed by snipers. Corey Comperatore, a firefighter and a father of two daughters, died in the shooting Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said. Two other people who attended the rally were also injured.

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Jul 15, 2024, 1:16 AM

Timeline: How the Trump assassination attempt unfolded

Here's a a minute-by-minute timeline of the attempted assassination of Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
ByWill McDuffie ABCNews logo
Jul 16, 2024, 3:18 PM GMT

Trump: Bullet 'sounded like the world's largest mosquito'

In a private phone call with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., former President Donald Trump said the bullet "sounded like the world's largest mosquito."

RFK Jr.'s son posted on X a video of the call, which was filmed from what looks to be RFK Jr.'s hotel room. RFK Jr. had Trump on speaker phone.

The younger Kennedy, Bobby Kennedy III, removed the post after his father said on X that he was "mortified" it became public.

Trump also told RFK Jr. about the phone call he received from President Joe Biden after Saturday's assassination attempt.

"It was very nice, actually. He called me, and he said, 'How did you choose to move to the right?' (Inaudible) Everybody's looking straight on," Trump said. "I said, 'I was just showing a chart.'"

ByAnne Flaherty ABCNews logo
Jul 16, 2024, 1:56 PM GMT

Shooting suspect planned to attend local 4-year university this fall

Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old suspected gunman, planned to attend Robert Morris University this fall, according to a school spokesperson.

Robert Morris University is a private, four-year university located outside of Pittsburgh.

"We have been in touch with law enforcement and stand ready to assist in their investigation," school spokesperson Brian Edwards said.

Crooks had earned his associate degree in science from a local community college and graduated in May with high honors.

He was accepted into both RMU and the University of Pittsburgh, a public-research university also a close drive from his home in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania.

A spokesperson for the University of Pittsburgh said Crooks was told in February that he could attend this fall semester as a transfer student. In March, Crooks informed Pitt that he would not attend.

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Jul 16, 2024, 12:21 PM GMT

Visual Timeline: How the assassination attempt unfolded

A minute-by-minute analysis of multiple videos from Trump's rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13.

Visual Timeline: How Donald Trump's assassination attempt unfolded
ByMike Levine ABCNews logo
Jul 16, 2024, 10:33 AM GMT

Suspected gunman purchased 50 rounds of ammunition day of shooting: Officials

The suspected gunman who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at his campaign rally Saturday purchased 50 rounds of ammunition ahead of the event, according to a bulletin from the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI Monday.

Thomas Matthew Crooks purchased the rounds from a gun and ammunition shop in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, according to officials.

The bulletin notes that two improvised explosive devices were found in the shooter's car and one at his home.

"Over the last several months, Crooks received several packages, including some marked as possibly containing hazardous material, according to a review of his shipping history," officials wrote.

Officials also warn of future "follow-on or retaliatory acts of violence in response to this assassination attempt."

"We cannot rule out the possibility that some DVEs (Domestic violent extremists) or other actors may attempt follow-on or retaliatory acts of violence in response to this assassination attempt."