Donald Trump shooting: List of assassination attempts on US presidents and former presidents

The attack on Donald Trump has sparked concerns about the security measures in place for the Republican presidential candidate during his campaign. The incident, which occurred at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, highlighted apparent security lapses that have left many questioning the effectiveness of the protective measures surrounding Trump. As a former president and current Republican candidate, Trump is primarily protected by the Secret Service, with local police and other agencies occasionally assisting in securing rally venues.

Officials, as cited by news reports, have stated that the incident is being investigated as an assassination attempt on Donald Trump. A spokesperson for the Secret Service said that the suspected shooter fired "multiple shots toward the stage" from "an elevated position" outside the rally venue.

Historically, assassination attempts on U.S. presidents are not uncommon. Approximately one in five American presidents has faced an assassination attempt, with one in nine being killed.

List of assassination attempts on US presidents

Andrew Jackson, Jan. 30, 1835.
Abraham Lincoln, Apr. 14, 1865. Died Apr. 15, 1865.
James A. Garfield, July 2, 1881. Died Sept. 19, 1881.
William McKinley, Sept. 6, 1901. Died Sept. 14, 1901.
Theodore Roosevelt, Oct. 14, 1912. Wounded; recovered.
Franklin D. Roosevelt, Feb. 15, 1933.
Harry S. Truman, Nov. 1, 1950.
John F. Kennedy, Nov. 22, 1963. Died that day.
Gerald Ford, September 22, 1975
Ronald Reagan, March 30, 1981

Trump suffers minor injury after assassination attempt

Details about the incident are still emerging, but a witness interviewed by the BBC claimed he had attempted to alert police and the U.S. Secret Service about a suspected sniper on a nearby roof. Prior to each event, agents thoroughly scan the venue for bombs and other threats, and Trump typically arrives in a heavily fortified motorcade. Despite these precautions, the rally in Butler was marred by violence.

During the rally, as shots rang out, Trump was seen clutching his ear and ducking for cover while Secret Service agents surrounded him. Later, Trump was escorted to safety. Despite the chaos, he managed to pump his fist to the crowd as he was led away.

The attack took place just two days before the start of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where Trump is set to be formally nominated as the party's candidate. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders, including President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton.

A Secret Service spokesperson confirmed that the shooter had been killed.