CNN initially reported Saturday’s assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump as if the former president had simply fallen off the stage — a characterization that quickly faded. It was condemned by conservative lawmakers and social media commentators.
Shortly after news broke of a possible shooting at Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania, CNN’s headline read: “Secret Service removes Trump from stage after falling at rally.”
The headline outraged conservative lawmakers and others on social media, who described it as “consciously deceptive” and “shameful.”
“‘Falling at rally’? Is this a real headline? This is disgraceful,” Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., posted on X on Friday night.
Trump rally shooting investigated as possible assassination attempt
On July 13, 2024, Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Trump was assisted by U.S. Secret Service personnel after gunshots were fired at the Butler Farm Show campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, the United States. (Reuters/Brendan McDermid)
“Even in such a horrific moment, they can’t help themselves,” Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio posted.
As Trump was speaking to a crowd in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday night, Trump was seen suddenly grabbing his right ear, ducking away, and then falling to the ground on the stage. Secret Service agents quickly surrounded Trump before he was escorted off the stage, his right ear covered in blood.
Faith leaders offer emergency prayers for former President Trump after Pennsylvania rally shooting
Before being led out, Trump appeared to yell “Fight!” while pumping his fist at the crowd to signal he was okay.
The shocking assassination occurred two days before the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Trump will officially become the party’s presidential candidate.
Donald Trump Jr. also took issue with CNN’s live coverage Saturday night, saying the network focused on Trump saying “Fight!” to the crowd after he was wounded by a gunman. Trump was taken to a local hospital before traveling to New Jersey.
Who is Thomas Matthew Crooks? What we know about Trump’s assassination attempter
“There was an attempt to assassinate my father tonight and that was the focus of @CNN. These people are despicable,” Trump Jr. posted.
A CNN spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the headline “was published before we had 100% confirmation of the details surrounding the assassination of former President Trump.” This article has been updated as more details about the assassination attempt emerge.
Shots fired during Trump rally
Other commenters and media pundits also slammed the Washington Post’s headline: “Trump Escorted From Pennsylvania Rally After Making Loud Rise.”
Trump Jr.’s father in ‘good spirits’ in hospital after shooting during Trump rally
On July 13, 2024, at the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pennsylvania, the United States, Republican presidential candidate and former US President Donald Trump made a blood-stained gesture amid multiple gunshots. (Reuters/Brendan McDermid)
Fox News confirmed the shooting is being investigated as an assassination attempt. The gunman was shot dead by the Secret Service and identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old Pennsylvania man. A motive has not yet been released.
One rally attendee was killed.
A gun is fired during a campaign rally for Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump at the Butler Farm Show Inc. in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024. The sound rang out and the attendees dispersed. Trump collapsed to the ground and was taken away by the Secret Service, with bruises clearly visible on the side of his head. Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger said the shooter and a spectator were killed and another was injured. (Jeff Swenson/Getty Images)
“The FBI has assumed the role of the lead federal law enforcement agency in the investigation of the incident involving former President Donald Trump that occurred earlier today in Butler, Pennsylvania,” the FBI said in a statement on Saturday night that was obtained by Fox News digital.
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The bureau added: ” FBI Pittsburgh Field Office Immediate response, including crisis response team members and evidence response technicians. Along with our partners in the U.S. Secret Service and state and local law enforcement, we will continue to use the full resources of the FBI to support this investigation.
