FBI confirms that Donald Trump was struck by a bullet, prompting a detailed investigation into the incident.
An attempt on the life of former US President Donald Trump earlier this month resulted in his being hit by a bullet, according to confirmation from the FBI. Director Christopher Wray faced criticism for initially expressing doubt about whether or not Trump was wounded by gunfire before issuing clarification through the agency’s statement.
On Friday, the agency stated that a bullet – whether it was intact or broken into smaller fragments – had been fired from the rifle of the deceased individual and struck Former President Trump’s ear.
During a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13th, Thomas Matthew Crooks fired multiple shots at then-president Trump while he was giving a speech. Although Trump sustained minor injuries from the attack, one attendee lost their life and two others were wounded. A Secret Service sniper ended up killing Crooks as they tried to apprehend him. Despite ongoing investigations into the matter, law enforcement officials have yet to determine what motivated Crook’s attempted assassination of Trump.
During his testimony before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, FBI Director Wray voiced uncertainty about whether the object that struck President Trump’s ear was a bullet or shrapnel. This comment ignited controversy and drew sharp criticism from Republicans and Trump himself, who claimed it exemplifies why “the once highly respected FBI has forfeited America’s trust.”
Ronny Jackson, Trump’s personal physician, stated that there was no indication of anything other than a bullet and criticized Wray for suggesting otherwise. Reports from both the New York Times and Washington Post indicated that an examination of photographs depicting Trump’s injuries suggested they were caused by a bullet rather than fragments thereof.
Kimberly Cheatle was also heavily criticized for her handling of the assassination attempt and subsequently resigned as head of the Secret Service on July 23. She admitted that her agency had failed to provide proper protection for the former president.
