In the wake of an assassination attempt on Donald Trump on Saturday evening during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, the former president’s campaign strategists issued a memo advising staffers to avoid offices, refrain from making public comments, and prepare for heightened armed security.
Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles, who are leading Trump’s 2024 reelection campaign, opened their memo by thanking the Secret Service and first responders for their “courageous efforts” at the rally where Trump was shot at around 6:15 p.m. ET.
In a Truth Social post last night, Trump detailed his experience of the bullet piercing “the upper part of my right ear,” saying that he “knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening.”
Following the shooting, the former president, with blood visible on his ear, was escorted by security off the stage and treated at a nearby medical facility. The memo reported he was “in great spirits.”
LaCivita and Wiles said they are praying for the injured supporters and the deceased, according to the memo that was obtained by Politico.
New: Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita memo to campaign staff following last night’s assassination attempt:
-“Enhancing the armed security presence with 24/7 officers on-site”
-Ask staff to avoid DC and FL offices as they’re assessed
-“The RNC Convention will continue as planned” pic.twitter.com/djdQrYv5Cc
— Meridith McGraw (@meridithmcgraw) July 14, 2024
Two spectators were reported to have been critically injured at the rally. In addition, one spectator died as well as the 20-year-old shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, who was neutralized by security.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has classified the shooting as an assassination attempt and is the lead agency on the investigation, working alongside the Secret Service and local law enforcement.
In response to last night’s shooting, LaCivita and Wiles in their memo encouraged staffers in Washington, D.C., and West Palm Beach, Florida, to “stay away from the office” as they “assess both locations.” Additionally, the campaign will be enhancing armed security presence with 24/7 officers on-site and warned staffers to be vigilant of “the political polarization in this heated election” telling them to report anything that appears or feels “off.”
“Please do not comment publicly on the occurrence of today. We condemn all forms of violence, and will not tolerate dangerous rhetoric on social media,” LaCivita and Wiles continued.
The memo added that “in moments of tragedy and horror, we must be resolute in our mission to reelect President Trump,” with the hope that “this horrendous act will bring our team, and indeed the nation, together in unity.”
It ended by saying that the Republican National Convention (RNC), which is set to take place this coming week in Milwaukee “will continue as planned.” There, Trump will accept the official Republican Party nomination for president, with the memo calling him “the brave and fearless leader of our Party.”
Newsweek reached out to Trump’s campaign spokesperson for comment via email on Sunday.
In a Sunday morning post to Truth Social, Trump expressed his gratitude for people’s thoughts and prayers and wrote, “It was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening.” He concluded by reaffirming he will appear at the RNC, adding, “I truly love our Country, and love you all, and look forward to speaking to our Great Nation this week from Wisconsin.”
Former President Donald Trump is rushed off stage by U.S. Secret Service agents after being grazed by a bullet during a rally on Saturday in Butler, Pennsylvania. In the wake of an assassination attempt on…
Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
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