President William Ruto has strongly condemned the attempted assassination of former U.S. President Donald J. Trump, expressing shock and extending his wishes for a quick recovery.
The incident occurred during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on July 14, 2024, where gunshots rang out, prompting swift action from security personnel.
I wish to add my voice to those condemning the recent attempted assassination of former U.S. President Donald J. Trump. I extend my deepest sympathies to President Trump, his family, and the families of the victims of this shocking, heinous act.”
Footage from the rally showed Donald Trump reacting to the gunshots, visibly startled, before being swiftly escorted off stage by Secret Service agents.
He later confirmed via his Truth Social network that he had been struck by a bullet in the upper part of his right ear, describing the moment he realized he had been hit.
“I knew immediately that something was wrong as I heard shots and felt the bullet ripping through the skin,” Trump wrote.
Despite the injury, he assured the public that he was receiving treatment and recovering.
The FBI has identified the assailant as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old who opened fire during Trump’s speech, resulting in the death of one audience member and injuries to two others.
Crooks was shot dead at the scene by a Secret Service sniper.
In response to the incident, the FBI has launched an active investigation into the attempted assassination.
In their statement, they confirmed Crooks as the individual involved and are pursuing all leads related to the attack.
