FBI investigating Trump rally shooting as attempted assassination and act of domestic terror, but hasn’t identified motive - The Boston Globe (2025)

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How the rally shooting unfolded, moment by moment

On Saturday, Donald Trump had just begun to deliver remarks at a large outdoor rally at the Butler Farm Show grounds in Butler, Pa., a city in Western Pennsylvania, when a gunman fired shots at the stage.

Trump was pierced in the right ear before being rushed off stage and into an SUV by Secret Service agents. The gunman and a rally-goer were killed, while two other spectators were critically injured. The FBI is now investigating the shooting as an assassination attempt. The motive is still unknown.

Analyzing videos, photos, and social media posts, the Globe reconstructed how the deadly shooting at the rally unfolded. Here’s a moment-by-moment timeline.

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AR-style rifle used by the shooter was purchased by gunman’s father, FBI says — 3:57 p.m.

By the Associated Press

The FBI says they believe the AR-style rifle the Trump rally shooter used was legally purchased by the gunman’s father.

Kevin Rojek, special agent in charge of the Pittsburgh Field Office, told reporters that authorities don’t yet know how the shooter gained access to the weapon, and whether he took it without his father’s knowledge.

“These are facts that we’ll flesh out as we conduct interviews,” Rojek said. Authorities recovered the weapon at the scene of the shooting.

FBI investigating Trump rally attack as attempted assassination and act of domestic terror, but hasn’t identified motive — 3:48 p.m.

By the Associated Press

The FBI says it is investigating the Trump rally shooting as an attempted assassination and also an act of domestic terrorism.

The gunman was not previously on the radar screen of the FBI. He’s believed to have acted alone.

The FBI defines domestic terrorism as acts inside the US that are intended to intimidate or coerce civilians or influence government policy.

‘A stand-up guy’: Loved ones recall man killed in rally shooting — 3:46 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Randy Reamer, president of the Buffalo Township volunteer fire company, called Corey Comperatore “a stand-up guy” and “a true brother of the fire service.” He said Comperatore served as chief of the company for about three years but was also a life member, meaning he had served for more than 20 years.

“Just a great all-around guy, always willing to help someone out,” Reamer said of Comperatore. “He definitely stood up for what he believed in, never backed down to anyone. … He was a really good guy.”

A crew was power-washing the front of the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Company on Sunday with plans to install memorial drapery to honor the slain former chief.

Assistant Chief Ricky Heasley of Sarver, who knew him for more than a decade, remembered him as very outgoing and full of life.

“He never had a bad word,” Heasley said.

A GoFundMe launched to support Comperatore’s family had already surpassed more than $180,000 in donations as of Sunday.

Pennsylvania State Police identify two people shot and injured during rally — 3:41 p.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

The Pennsylvania State Police identified the two people who were shot and injured in the rally shooting and said both are now listed in “stable” condition.

David Dutch, 57, of New Kensington, Pa., and James Copenhaver, 74, of Moon Township, Pa., were both injured in the shooting.

”These victims and their families are certainly in our thoughts today,” Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris said in a statement. “The Pennsylvania State Police continue to work tirelessly alongside our federal, state and local partners as this investigation continues.”

Trump says he’s leaving for RNC in Milwaukee this afternoon — 2:51 p.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

Donald Trump said he considered delaying his trip to Milwaukee, where the RNC is set to start tomorrow, but decided against it and will leave on Sunday afternoon as planned.

”Based on yesterday’s terrible events, I was going to delay my trip to Wisconsin, and The Republican National Convention, by two days, but have just decided that I cannot allow a ‘shooter,’ or potential assassin, to force change to scheduling, or anything else,” Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform.

Maine Democrat Jared Golden warns of ‘fear and anxiety’ about country’s future — 2:33 p.m.

By Hayley Kaufman, Globe Staff

Representative Jared Golden, a Maine Democrat, urged Americans Sunday to reflect on the country’s future and “what we want for ourselves and our children.”

Golden, whose Second Congressional District includes Lewiston, the site of a mass shooting in October that left 18 people dead, warned on X that the nation’s political tenor “projects a dark and almost hopeless future.”

”...[O]ur political culture projects a dark and almost hopeless future of diminishing freedom, increasing violence, and growing instability led by unserious people who care more about their own personal well-being than the nation’s,” Golden wrote in a lengthy thread.

He asked that the country drop “hyperbolic threats about the stakes of this election. It should not be misleadingly portrayed as a struggle between democracy or authoritarianism, or a battle against fascists or socialists bent on destroying America. These are dangerous lies.”

Instead, Golden continued, Americans need to look toward the future “with clear eyes,” adding that the country faces “many challenges at home, and abroad the world is increasingly unstable and dangerous.”

He ended the thread on a slightly more optimistic note, saying “Yet we remain a strong, democratic and wealthy nation capable of overcoming these hard times if we are united in pursuit of our common interests. Divided, we are likely to fail.”

Biden to address nation from Oval Office tonight — 2:19 p.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

Biden said he will speak at greater length on Sunday night at 8 p.m. from the Oval Office.

Biden says he’s directing independent review of national security at Saturday rally — 2:18 p.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

President Biden said he will direct an independent review of the national security measures to assess “exactly what happened,” and vowed that those results will be shared publicly.

He said he will also direct the Secret Service to provide Trump with “every resource capability and protective measure necessary to ensure his continued safety.”

He has also directed the head of Secret Service to review all security measures for the RNC, which is scheduled to start Monday.

No information yet about gunman’s motive, Biden says — 2:14 p.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

Biden said he has been fully briefed by a number of law enforcement and homeland security officials, and said while the shooter has been identified, there is no information yet on a motive.

Biden asked Americans not to make assumptions about the gunman’s motive and to allow the FBI “do their job.”

Biden said he has asked that the investigation into the shooting be “thorough and swift.”

Biden says ‘assassination attempt is contrary to everything we stand for as a nation’ — 2:10 p.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

“There is no place in America for this kind of violence or any violence for that matter,” President Biden said. “An assassination attempt is contrary to everything we stand for as a nation.”

”It’s not who we are as a nation, it’s not America, and we cannot allow this to happen,” he said.

Biden says he spoke with Trump last night, had a ‘short’ conversation — 2:07 p.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

President Biden said he spoke with Donald Trump on Saturday night, and he’s “sincerely grateful that he’s doing well and recovering.”

“We had a short but good conversation,” he said.

Biden reschedules trip to Texas — 1:36 p.m.

By Jim Puzzanghera, Globe Staff

President Biden is rescheduling his trip to Texas, which was originally planned for Monday, according to the White House.

Mass. State Police to increase presence in busy areas across state — 1:31 p.m.

By John Hilliard, Globe Staff

Massachusetts State Police are working with other law enforcement agencies and monitoring what occurred Saturday in Pennsylvania, the agency said in a statement.

“Out of an abundance of caution, MSP has increased presence in highly trafficked areas across the Commonwealth,” the statement said.

The agency’s head, interim Colonel John Mawn, has been briefed by intelligence analysts at the Commonwealth Fusion Center, according to the statement.

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Man shot at Trump rally ‘shielded his daughters,’ sister says on social media — 1:23 p.m.

By Hayley Kaufman, Globe Staff

Corey Comperatore, the man killed at a Trump rally was “a hero that shielded his daughters,” his sister wrote in a Facebook post Sunday morning.

”The hatred for one man took the life of the one man we loved the most,” Dawn Comperatore Schafer wrote on the social media platform.

”His wife and girls just lived through the unthinkable and unimaginable. My baby brother just turned 50 and had so much life left to experience.”

She asked that people pray for the family in the wake of the tragedy.

”Pray for my sister-in-law, nieces, my mother, sister, me and his nieces and nephews as this feels like a terrible nightmare but we know it is our painful reality.”

Biden will address the nation soon. Watch it live here. — 1:18 p.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

President Biden is set to speak from the White House in a few minutes. Earlier today, he and Vice President Kamala Harris received an updated briefing from law enforcement and homeland security officials.

Watch his remarks live.

How some survivors of Republican baseball shooting in 2017 reacted to Trump rally — 1:01 p.m.

By Lissandra Villa de Petrzelka, Globe Staff

In light of Saturday’s events, Globe reporter Lissandra Villa de Petrzelka checked in with some of the people who were there on the day that nearly two dozen Republicans came under fire at a baseball practice in 2017 to see how they were feeling in the wake of the Trump rally shooting.

“We had several days of kumbaya after the baseball shooting, and then we got right back to the hate, anger, and division just the way it was. It’s going to be the same thing here,” said Representative Roger Williams of Texas, who dove into a dugout during the congressional shooting. “It’s cold hearted to say that, but it’s the real world. Baseball shooting, couple of days, and then we were back to normal. I’m sure it’s going to be the same way with this event.”

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Bomb-making materials found in vehicle, at home of suspected shooter, multiple news outlets report — 12:52 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Law enforcement officials tell The Associated Press bomb-making materials were found inside the vehicle of the man suspected in the Trump rally shooting. There were also bomb-making materials found at his home.

The two officials were not authorized to speak publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal also reported on the discovery of bomb-making materials.

Biden will address the nation this afternoon — 12:50 p.m.

By Hayley Kaufman, Globe Staff

President Biden will deliver remarks at 1:30 p.m., according to a statement from the White House.

Biden and Harris received updated briefing — 12:44 p.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

Biden and Harris received an updated briefing in the White House situation room from Attorney General Merrick Garland, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and other officials.

Pennsylvania governor identifies man killed during Trump rally — 12:34 p.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro identified the man killed at Donald Trump’s rally on Saturday night and described the man as a “girl dad” who was an “avid supporter of the former president.”

”We lost a fellow Pennsylvanian last night” Shapiro said, identifying the man as Corey Comperatore.

”I just spoke to Corey’s wife and Corey’s two daughters. Corey was a girl dad. Corey was a firefighter. Corey went to church every Sunday. Corey loved his community and most especially, Corey loved his family. Corey was an avid supporter of the former president and was so excited to be there last night with him in the community.”

Shapiro said that Corey’s wife “asked to share with all of you that Corey died a hero. Corey dove on his family to protect them last night at this rally.”

”Corey was the very best of us,” Shapiro added. “May his memory be a blessing.”

Shapiro also said what happened last night was “absolutely unacceptable and tragic.”

”Last night was shocking for this community, for this Commonwealth, and I know for this country,” he said. “Political disagreements can never, ever be addressed through violence.”

Photos show law enforcement near suspected shooter’s home — 12:17 p.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

Nearly 70 percent of Americans think political violence is ‘more likely,’ poll shows — 12:14 p.m.

By Hayley Kaufman, Globe Staff

A new YouGov poll finds that 67 percent of Americans think the current political climate makes politically motivated violence “more likely” one day after a man opened fire at a Trump political rally, wounding the former president and killing one attendee.

The poll, conducted on Sunday, surveyed more than 4,300 people. Eight percent of respondents thought political violence was “less likely” currently while another 14 percent said they were not sure.

Graham condemns political rhetoric as ‘way too hot’ — 11:53 a.m.

By Hayley Kaufman, Globe Staff

Senator Lindsey Graham said Sunday he has been worried about rising political violence for a long time in the aftermath of the Trump rally shooting.

”I wish I could say I was surprised, but I’ve been worried about this for a very, very long time,” said Graham, Republican of South Carolina, on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

Graham denounced the current state of political rhetoric as “way too hot.”

”You know if he wins, democracy is not going to end, he’s not a fascist,” he said of Trump. “He represents a point of view that millions share.”

Graham expressed gratitude that the former president “made it” through the shooting alive, but said “let’s not forget, there’s a man who lost his life attending a political rally. He’s dead. His life came to an end. Other people are hurt. Who to blame? Let’s blame the shooter, but let’s do better.”

Lawmakers to introduce bill that would enhance Secret Service protection for Biden, Trump, RFK. Jr. — 11:17 a.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

Two New York congressmen, Democrat Ritchie Torres and Republican Mike Lawler, said on Sunday they are introducing legislation in the wake of the shooting that would give enhanced Secret Service protection to Biden, Trump, and independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The shooting sparked calls on Saturday night for Kennedy to receive Secret Service protection as he campaigns for president.

Representative Ruben Gallego, an Arizona Democrat, said on Sunday morning that security for all major presidential candidates, including Kennedy, should increase.

Melania Trump condemns gunman as ‘monster’ in lengthy statement — 10:56 a.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

In a lengthy statement on Sunday morning, Melania Trump, Donald Trump’s wife, slammed the gunman who opened fire at Trump’s political rally as a “monster who recognized my husband as an inhuman political machine.”

”The core facets of my husband’s life — his human side — were buried below the political machine,” she wrote. “Donald, the generous and caring man who I have been with throughout the best of times and the worst of times.”

She called on the country to “ascend above the hate, the vitriol, and the simple-minded ideas that ignite violence.”

”I commend those of you who have reached out beyond the political divide — thank you for remembering that every single politician is a man or a woman with a loving family,” she wrote.

Bernie Sanders: Democracy ‘is not about radical rhetoric’ — 10:51 a.m.

By Hayley Kaufman, Globe Staff

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders condemned the “radical rhetoric” that has inflamed American politics in recent years in an interview on NBC Sunday morning.

”The bottom line is what we need as a nation, what democracy is about, is not radical rhetoric,” Sanders said on “Meet the Press.”

“What it is about is a serious discussion of where we are as a nation and how we go forward.”

Sanders said he was all to familiar with political violence, noting that his office in Burlington, Vt., was almost burned down by “someone who is in jail right now.”

”Seven people could have been burned alive,” he said.

The senator went on to say that “our politics should be kind of boring,” including discussions about how to fix issues surrounding the health care system and income inequality.

”What we have got to see is serious discussion about serious issues, not this kind of harsh rhetoric that we have heard for the last number of years,” he added.

‘Our hands are tied’: Milwaukee can’t ban guns near RNC, local officials say — 10:41 a.m.

By Emma Platoff, Globe Staff

Most firearms – but not squirt guns — will be allowed in the large “soft perimeter” surrounding the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee this week, local officials said Sunday morning.

Even before the assassination attempt of former president Donald Trump on Saturday, some Milwaukee officials had hoped to ban guns from the vicinity of the convention, where thousands are expected to gather this week. But state law — which allows for both open carry and concealed carry with a permit — prevents the city from enacting stronger restrictions, local leaders said.

”Our hands are tied,” Jeff Fleming, a spokesperson for Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, said in a brief phone interview Sunday morning.

In June, the Milwaukee Common Council voted to ban dozens of items, including coolers, fireworks, and metal-tipped umbrellas, from the downtown area surrounding the convention site.

Some hoped the city would go further.

”You can’t carry tennis balls in this zone, but you can carry a fully loaded AR-15,” said Milwaukee Alderman Robert Bauman, an attorney who pushed unsuccessfully for the city to ban guns. “My argument was that state statute, which prohibits municipalities from enacting stricter laws, never contemplated a national security event like a political convention.”

”For all I know, nothing will change other than an enhanced sense of caution” after the attack at a Trump rally, Bauman added.

Convention officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment about security protocols. The Secret Service controls the smaller “hard perimeter” immediately surrounding the convention; inside that area, credentials are required and guns will not be allowed, local leaders said.

Local officials said they would be willing to take swift action on security should they be granted the authority.

”If somehow a miracle took place and the state legislature convened today and the governor signed legislation today, the city would act immediately to ban guns in that area,” Fleming said Sunday.

Secret Service denies reports agency rebuffed Trump team’s requests for additional security — 10:28 a.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

A spokesperson for the United States Secret Service on Sunday denied reports that the agency rebuffed requests from the Trump team for additional security resources.

”This is absolutely false,” Anthony Guglielmi said on X. “In fact, we added protective resources & technology & capabilities as part of the increased campaign travel tempo.”

Cardinal O’Malley: We must ‘avoid all political violence of any kind’ — 10:05 a.m.

By Nick Stoico, Globe Staff

Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley forcefully condemned political violence in a statement issued late Saturday following the shooting at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania.

”Our nation has once again witnessed another deadly and tragic shooting today,” said O’Malley, leader of the Archdiocese of Boston. “We join in prayer for the recovery of former President Trump who was injured today. We also pray for the families of those killed and the injured. We give thanks for the secret service and first responders who acted so quickly.”

O’Malley joined numerous officials from across Massachusetts and New England in condemning the attack.

”As a nation, we must come to grips with the incessant violence that has too often become the norm,” O’Malley said. “It must stop. We must find peaceful ways to resolve our differences and avoid all political violence of any kind. May the Lord bless our country and all who seek a just and peaceful society.”

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Father of suspected shooter speaks to CNN — 9:52 a.m.

By Hayley Kaufman, Globe Staff

CNN spoke briefly Saturday night with Matthew Crooks, the father of the 20-year-old man alleged to be the Trump rally shooter.

Crooks told the reporter that he was trying to determine “what the hell is going on” and would “wait until I talk to law enforcement” before making any statements about his son.

Law enforcement officials say Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Penn., opened fire at a Trump rally on Saturday night, wounding the former president in the right ear. A rallygoer was killed and two other were critically wounded, according to authorities.

Biden, Harris will be briefed this morning — 9:37 a.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

Biden and Harris will receive a briefing from homeland security and law enforcement officials at 10:30 a.m., the White House said.

Former Mass. governor Charlie Baker: ‘Violence is never the answer’ — 9:14 a.m.

By Hayley Kaufman, Globe Staff

Former Massachusetts governor Charlie Baker posted about the Trump rally shooting on X Sunday morning, saying he was “appalled” by the violence.

”I was shocked and appalled by the shooting at yesterday’s rally in Pennsylvania,” Baker wrote. “In a democracy, violence is never the answer to political & policy differences. Ever. I am relieved former President Trump is OK, & I pray for the victims who were hurt or killed, their families, and our country.”

Here is what is known about the suspected gunman at the Trump rally — 8:21 a.m.

By Jack Healy, Mike Baker, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs and Katie Benner, The New York Times

The gunman who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday was identified by the FBI as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, but officials released no additional information about him.

“This remains an active and ongoing investigation,” the FBI said in a statement early Sunday.

The gunman did not have a criminal history reflected in Pennsylvania’s public court records, and officials said they had not identified a motive. A voter-registration record showed that Crooks was registered as a Republican, though federal campaign-finance records show he donated $15 to the Progressive Turnout Project, a liberal voter turnout group, through the Democratic donation platform ActBlue in January 2021.

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In new post, Donald Trump calls for unity after his apparent assassination attempt — 7:50 a.m.

By the Associated Press

In the post on his social media network, the former president also thanked “everyone for your thoughts and prayers yesterday, as it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening.”

“We will FEAR NOT, but instead remain resilient in our Faith and Defiant in the face of Wickedness,” he said.

Trump also said, “Our love goes out to the other victims and their families” and he said he’s praying “for the recovery of those who were wounded, and hold in our hearts the memory of the citizen who was so horribly killed.”

“In this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand United, and show our True Character as Americans, remaining Strong and Determined, and not allowing Evil to Win,” he adds.

Messages stream in from foreign leaders — 4:39 a.m.

By the Associated Press

Reactions condemning the attack along with messages of support and wishes for a successful recovery for Trump have poured in from political leaders around the world.

“Political violence in any form has no place in our societies,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the attack “despicable” and French President Emmanuel Macron said his country “shares the indignation of the American people.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the shooting was “a horrific crime that must be condemned.”

Egyptian President Abdelfattah El Sissi said he hopes the US presidential campaign proceeds “in a peaceful and healthy atmosphere, free of any aspects of terrorism, violence, or hatred.” Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the shooting a “shocking development.”

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who recently was shot in a failed assassination attempt, called the attack on Trump a “copycat scenario.”

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FBI names suspect in Trump rally shooting — 1:54 a.m.

By the Associated Press

The FBI named Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the subject involved in the alleged assassination attempt. The agency said the investigation remains active and ongoing.

The political leanings of Crooks were not immediately clear. Records show Crooks was registered as a Republican voter in Pennsylvania, but federal campaign finance reports also show he gave $15 to a progressive political action committee on Jan. 20, 2021, the day President Biden was sworn in to office.

Trump lands in New Jersey, plans to spend the night at his private golf club — 1:12 a.m.

By the Associated Press

Trump’s private jet landed shortly after midnight Sunday at Newark Liberty International Airport.

Video posted by an aide showed him deplaning flanked by US Secret Service agents and heavily armed members of the agency’s counter assault team, an unusually visible show of force by his protective detail.

Trump planned to spend the night at his private golf club in nearby Bedminster, New Jersey.

Meanwhile President Joe Biden arrived at the White House early Sunday after cutting short a weekend trip to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

The White House said he would receive a briefing from Homeland Security and law enforcement officials on the attempted assassination of Trump later in the morning.

Vice President Kamala Harris was also to attend.

FBI says it’s ‘surprising’ the shooter was able to fire so many rounds — 12:33 a.m.

By the Associated Press

Asked if law enforcement did not know the shooter was on the roof until he began firing, Kevin Rojek, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Pittsburgh field office, responded, “that is our assessment at this time.”

“It is surprising” that the shooter was able to get off as many rounds as were fired, Rojek said. He added that “all the details of that will come out later investigation.”

Secret Service was responsible for surveying the venue, state police say — 12:32 a.m.

By the Associated Press

Asked whether there was anything about the venue that made it particularly difficult to secure, State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens deferred to the Secret Service, which was not present at the news conference.

Bivens said he wouldn’t speculate when asked “how close a call” it was for Trump.

Police ID fatal shooting victim, but aren’t ready to release names — 12:30 a.m.

By the Associated Press

State Police have identified the person killed and people injured but are not prepared to release names, State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens said.

Other than Trump, two people were critically injured and one was killed. All were adult males.

No motive yet identified in attempted assassination — 12:29 a.m.

By the Associated Press

Kevin Rojek, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Pittsburgh field office, said late Saturday: “Tonight we had what we’re calling an assassination attempt on our former president, Donald Trump.”

“We do not currently have an identified motive,” he added.

The FBI was not prepared to release the identity of the shooter, who died at the scene.

Rojek said they received no specific threats ahead of the shooting.

Trump’s private jet has left Pennsylvania, according to a flight tracking website — 11:54 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro also said Trump had left the area of Butler, where the rally was held.

Shapiro said Trump was “under the protection of US Secret Service and with the assistance of the Pennsylvania State Police.”

“Lori and I are thankful that his team reports that he is fine and we continue to wish him a full and speedy recovery,” the governor added.

Speaker Mike Johnson says House will investigate — 11:10 p.m.

By the Associated Press

The Republican speaker said the House will conduct a full investigation of the attack, saying, “The American people deserve to know the truth.”

“We will have Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle and other appropriate officials from DHS and the FBI appear for a hearing before our committees ASAP,” Johnson said.

‘A lot of mayhem,’ Pennsylvania representative who witnessed shooting says — 10:49 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Representative Dan Meuser was in the front row with other Republican elected officials and candidates when the shots rang out.

“It was pretty clear after the first pop that it was gunfire,” he told AP.

“My eyes were glued” on Trump he said.

“It was just a lot of mayhem, and just a terrible, terrible tragedy, a terrible shame.”

Meuser said he had been able to meet with Trump earlier in the evening and said the former president was “loose” and “cool,” and joking with him.

The congressman said he appreciated the outpouring text and calls from Republican and Democratic colleagues – including the Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro checking on him – but still felt angry and even a “little helpless” about the situation.

“The level of lack of civility and hostility, maybe this will send a ringing signal to all those to cool it,” he said.

Biden talked to Trump, White House says — 10:38 p.m.

By Jim Puzzanghera, Globe Staff

President Biden spoke with former President Donald Trump tonight, a White House official said. No details were released about the call.

Biden said in his televised remarks that he hoped to speak with Trump. Biden also spoke to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Mayor Bob Dandoy of Butler, Pa., where the shooting took place, the official said.

In a change of schedule, Biden is returning to the White House tonight and will be briefed Sunday morning by Homeland Security and law enforcement officials, the White House said. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris received a briefing on the shooting tonight. Participants included Secret Service Director Kim Cheatle, FBI Director Christopher Wray, Attorney General Merrick Garland, and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

FBI says it’s taking lead role in shooting investigation — 10:34 p.m.

By Jim Puzzanghera, Globe Staff

The FBI announced on X that it has “assumed the role of the lead federal law enforcement agency” in the investigation of the Trump rally shooting.

The agency said it will work with the Secret Service as well as state and local law enforcement officials. The FBI also asked that anyone with information about the incident should call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

Representative Ronny Jackson says his nephew was ‘grazed’ by bullet at rally — 10:28 p.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

Representative Ronny Jackson, a Texas Republican who served as White House physician under Trump, said his nephew attended the Pennsylvania rally and was “grazed in the neck” by a bullet.

”A bullet crossed his neck, cut his neck and he was bleeding,” he said in an interview on Fox News.

Jackson said his nephew was in a section blocked off for friends and family that was to Trump’s right.

”They heard shots coming in. Apparently there was someone four or five rows behind him who was critically injured,” he said.

Biden changes plans, heads back to White House tonight — 10:15 p.m.

By Jim Puzzanghera, Globe Staff

President Biden is heading back to Washington tonight from Delaware in a change of plans announced by the White House.

Biden was at his vacation home in his Rehoboth Beach, Del., and had been scheduled to stay there at least part of Sunday. But after the shootings at the Trump rally, the White House said Biden will depart for Washington at 10:30 p.m. and return to Washington via Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. Biden is scheduled to arrive back at the White House at 12:30 a.m. Sunday.

Shooting is being investigated as assassination attempt, multiple news outlets report — 10:06 p.m.

By the Associated Press

The shooting is being investigated as an attempted assassination of the former president and presumptive Republican nominee, multiple news outlets reported, citing information from law enforcement officials.

In addition to the Associated Press, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal reported on the nature of the investigation.

Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas says agency is assisting in shooting investigation — 9:58 p.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said the agency is working with Secret Service to investigate the shooting.

”We condemn this violence in the strongest possible terms and commend the Secret Service for their swift action today,” Mayorkas said on X. “We are engaged with President Biden, former President Trump, and their campaigns, and are taking every possible measure to ensure their safety and security.”

Republican convention still on, Trump and party officials say — 9:50 p.m.

By Jim Puzzanghera, Globe Staff

The Republican National Convention, slated to start Monday in Milwaukee, will go on as planned, said officials from Trump’s campaign and the Republican National Committee.

”President Trump looks forward to joining you all in Milwaukee as we proceed with our convention to nominate him to serve as the 47th President of the United States. As our party’s nominee, President Trump will continue to share his vision to Make America Great Again,” said a joint statement from Trump campaign senior advisors Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita, as well as RNC Chair Michael Whatley and Co-Chair Lara Trump.

Ivanka Trump thanks law enforcement for shooting response — 9:44 p.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

Ivanka Trump, Trump’s daughter, on X said she was grateful to the Secret Service and other law enforcement officials for their response to the shooting.

“I continue to pray for our country,” she wrote.

“I love you Dad, today and always,” she ended the post.

House Oversight chair calls for Secret Service director to appear at hearing — 9:30 p.m.

By Jim Puzzanghera, Globe Staff

The chair of the House Oversight committee, Representative James Comer, said Sunday he wanted the head of the Secret Service to appear before his panel for a hearing on what he called “the assassination attempt” against Donald Trump.

”Political violence in all forms is unamerican and unacceptable,” he wrote on X, adding his prayers were with Trump and the other victims and praising “the brave Secret Service members” who put their lives at risk to protect people at the rally.

”There are many questions and Americans demand answers,” he wrote. “I have already contacted the Secret Service for a briefing and am also calling on Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to appear for a hearing. The Oversight Committee will send a formal invitation soon.”

Secret Service says suspect fired toward stage from ‘elevated position outside of the rally venue’ — 9:08 p.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

The Secret Service said in a statement that at about 6:15 p.m. “a suspected shooter fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside of the rally venue.”

Secret Service personnel “neutralized the shooter,” who is now deceased, the statement said.

”One spectator was killed, and two spectators were critically injured. This incident is currently under investigation. and the Secret Service has notified the FBI,” the statement said.

Trump says bullet pierced ‘upper part’ of his right ear — 8:58 p.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

In a post to his Truth Social account, Trump said he was “shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part” of his right ear, and “knew immediately that something was wrong.”

”I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin,” he wrote. “Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening.”

Trump said “nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead.”

He thanked the Secret Service and law enforcement officials who responded and offered his condolences to the family of the person who was killed at the rally and another person who he said was “badly injured.”

‘It’s chaos,’ Butler County district attorney says in CNN interview — 8:40 p.m.

By Heather Ciras, Globe Staff

The shooter was outside the rally area, Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger said in an interview with CNN.

The rally itself had metal detectors, but not much is known yet about the area surrounding it.

”He was outside the grounds, so to speak,” Goldinger said. “He was outside the grounds and that’s something that we’re going to have to figure out how he got there.”

He declined to speak about the shooter, however.

”I have not been given any information [about the shooter], and I am not sure we have that information yet.”

The scene was still very active, he added.

”It’s chaos. I have been told it’s chaos,” he said. “I can’t even give you a number of people who are there but it’s really crazy right now.”

Vice President Harris responds to shooting at Trump rally — 8:30 p.m.

By Lissandra Villa de Petrzelka, Globe Staff

Vice President Kamala Harris said she, like the president, was also briefed on the shooting.

”Doug and I are relieved that [Trump] is not seriously injured. We are praying for him, his family, and all those who have been injured and impacted by this senseless shooting,” Harris said in her statement, where she also thanked first responders.

“Violence such as this has no place in our nation. We must all condemn this abhorrent act and do our part to ensure that it does not lead to more violence.”

Biden says he hopes to speak with Trump, condemns political violence — 8:26 p.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

President Biden said in remarks from Delaware on Saturday night that he has been thoroughly briefed on the Trump rally and has tried to contact the former president and is hoping to speak with him soon.

Biden condemned political violence in the country, calling it “sick” and saying “we cannot allow this to be happening.”

He thanked Secret Service and state agencies who responded.

”The bottom line is the Trump rally, the rally should have been able to be conducted peacefully without any problem. The idea that there’s political violence or violence in America like this is just unheard of. It’s just not appropriate. Everybody, everybody must condemn it.”

When asked if it was an assassination attempt, Biden declined to weigh in.

”I don’t know enough to... I have an opinion, but I don’t have any facts, so I want to make sure we have all the facts before I make any more comment,” he said.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. calls on Americans to ‘unite in prayer’ for Trump — 8:15 p.m.

By Hayley Kaufman, Globe Staff

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose own father and uncle were cut down by gunmen, called on Americans to “renounce all violence” and unite in prayer for Trump.

Trump was whisked offstage after a shooting at a rally in Pennsylvania, and what appeared to be blood could be seen on his face.

Kennedy’s uncle, President John F. Kennedy, was shot and killed in Dallas in 1963 while he rode in a presidential motorcade. His father, Robert F. Kennedy, was shot and killed five years later in Los Angeles during his own run for president.”

Now is the time for every American who loves our country to step back from the division, renounce all violence, and unite in prayer for President Trump and his family,” Kennedy said in a post on X.

Democratic Governor of Pennsylvania confirms state police on scene of rally — 8:07 p.m.

By Lissandra Villa de Petrzelka, Globe Staff

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, put out a statement calling political violence “absolutely unacceptable.”

The governor’s statement said he had been briefed on the shooting, adding that Pennsylvania State Police were on the scene “and working with our federal and local partners.”

”Lori and I are praying for President Trump, the Secret Service officers who protected him, those attending the event, and all of the first responders still on the scene,” Shapiro said.

Biden says he’s been briefed on shooting, thanks Secret Service for quick action — 8:04 p.m.

By Lissandra Villa de Petrzelka, Globe Staff

President Biden released a statement on Saturday evening saying he had been briefed on the shooting. He was expected to deliver remarks in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

”I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well. I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information,” Biden said in a statement. “Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it.”

House Majority Leader Scalise, a one-time shooting victim, lashed out at Democrats — 8:00 p.m.

By Jim Puzzanghera, Globe Staff

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who was gravely wounded during a 2017 shooting, lashed out at Democrats for “fueling ludicrous hysteria” about Trump.

”For weeks Democrat leaders have been fueling ludicrous hysteria that Donald Trump winning re-election would be the end of democracy in America,” Scalise, a Louisiana Republican, wrote on Twitter. “Clearly we’ve seen far left lunatics act on violent rhetoric in the past. This incendiary rhetoric must stop.”

Scalise was among six people injured in a shooting at a practice in Alexandria, Va., for the annual Congressional baseball game. Scalise nearly died from the injuries.

The gunman, James Hodgkinson, was shot by police at the scene and died shortly afterward. He had posted criticism of then-President Donald Trump and support for Senator Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent, on social media.

In 2021, the FBI re-classified the incident domestic terrorism after releasing a report earlier that year determining that the shooter was attempting to be killed in “suicide by cop.” Scalise had objected to the initial determination, saying, “I was shot by a deranged Leftist who came to the baseball field with a list of Congressional Republicans to kill. This was NOT “suicide by cop.” End of story.”

‘There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy,’ Obama says — 7:58 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Former president Barack Obama said in a statement, “There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy.” He added that while details were still scarce, “we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics.”

Mass. officials condemn political violence after Trump rushed from rally — 7:56 p.m.

By Nick Stoico and Adam Sennott, Globe Staff and Globe Correspondent

Several elected officials from Massachusetts took to social media Saturday evening with messages condemning political violence and expressed well wishes for Trump after he was rushed off the stage.

READ MORE

Trump campaign thanks law enforcement, first responders — 7:47 p.m.

By Hayley Kaufman, Globe Staff

Dan Scavino Jr., a senior advisor to the Trump 2024 campaign, posted a statement from the campaign on X, formerly Twitter.

”President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act. He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow.”

The statement is signed by Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for the Trump campaign.

Shooter dead and rally attendee killed at Trump event, Butler County district attorney tells AP — 7:30 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Butler County district attorney Richard Goldinger said in a phone interview with the Associated Press that the suspected shooter was dead and at least one rally attendee was killed.

Here’s where Trump’s rally was — 7:26 p.m.

By Christina Prignano, Globe Staff

Vice President Harris has been briefed — 7:26 p.m.

By Jim Puzzanghera, Globe Staff

Vice President Kamala Harris’s office has sent through a pool note on the incident in Pennsylvania.

The note reads: “Vice President has received an initial briefing on the incident at Former President Trump’s rally.”

See reactions from members of Congress — 7:21 p.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

President Biden is being briefed — 7:15 p.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

President Biden is being briefed on the rally by Kimberly Cheatle, director of the United States Secretary Service, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and Liz Sherwood-Randall, assistant to the president and homeland security advisor, the White House said.

See photos of Trump rushed off stage — 7:13 p.m.

By Globe Staff

See more photos here.

Secret Service says Trump is safe, incident is under investigation — 7:07p.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesperson for the United States Secret Service, said on X that “an incident occured” on Saturday evening at a Trump rally, and the former president “is safe.”

“This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available,” the statement said.

Pence says he is ‘praying’ for Trump — 7:04 p.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

Former vice president Mike Pence said on X that he and his wife are “praying for President Trump and urge every American to join us.”

Trump says he is ‘fine’ in statement and says he is being checked at a medical facility — 6:48 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Trump says he is “fine” in statement and says he is being checked at a medical facility after being pulled off stage at a rally following loud bangs in the crowd.

Donald Trump hurried off stage at Pennsylvania rally by security detail — 6:25 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Donald Trump was whisked off the stage at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania after loud noises rang through the crowd.

Trump could be seen reaching with his right hand toward his neck. There appeared to be blood on his face.

He quickly ducked behind the riser as agents from his protective detail rushed the stage and screams were heard in the crowd of several thousand people. The bangs continued as agents tended to him on stage.

The crowd cheered as he got back up and pumped his fist.

His motorcade has since left the venue. His condition was not immediately known.

Police began vacating the fairgrounds shortly after Trump left the stage in what local officers described as a crime scene.

The U.S. Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies did not immediately respond to messages.

Leaving Mass in Rehoboth Beach, President Joe Biden simply responded, “No,” when asked if he’d been briefed about the incident.

House Speaker Mike Johnson posted on X, the website formerly known as Twitter, that he was praying for Trump.

How George Clooney and the big donors in Hollywood ditched the Biden campaign — 4:20 p.m.

By The New York Times

George Clooney published his essay in The New York Times breaking publicly with President Biden, and the president’s relationship with Hollywood was torn asunder.

The fallout from the Clooney essay has ricocheted across the worlds of politics and entertainment. It has turned Hollywood, America’s drama capital, into ground zero for the impasse between the Biden campaign and the major donors who increasingly do not want it to proceed.

READ MORE

Saturday, July 13

Trump heads to Pennsylvania for pre-convention rally as VP announcement looms — 12:48 a.m.

By the Associated Press

Donald Trump will have one last chance Saturday to unveil his vice presidential pick on a rally stage before the Republican National Convention kicks off in Milwaukee next week.

Trump’s rally in western Pennsylvania, at the Butler Farm Show just outside Pittsburgh, comes as the former reality TV star and tabloid hound continues to tease his pick, working to drum up maximum attention and hype.

READ MORE

In ‘blue wall’ push, Biden defiantly says he’s ‘not going anywhere’ at Michigan rally — 9:58 p.m.

By the Associated Press

President Biden on Friday forcefully defied the growing number of critics in his own party who have called on him to exit the race, pivoting to warnings about a second Trump term and declaring he was “not done yet.”

As a raucous Detroit crowd chanted “don’t you quit!” and “we got your back!” Biden said — again — that he was still running for reelection and vowed to “shine a spotlight on Donald Trump” and what the Republican would do if he returned to the White House.

READ MORE

By The Washington Post

Meta announced Friday it’s rolling back heightened restrictions on Trump’s social media accounts — an effort to give the Republican presidential contender more leeway to share content in a heated campaign season.

The social media giant said it’s loosening the more rigorous consequences for Trump if he breaks their content rules, such as those that bar hate speech, incitement to violence and voter suppression. The heightened penalties facing Trump’s accounts were introduced following his two-year suspension from Facebook and Instagram.

READ MORE

At Detroit rally, Biden addresses candidacy questions and says he is staying in the race — 7:58 p.m.

By the Associated Press

President Biden acknowledged speculation about his candidacy during a rally in Detroit but insisted that he is running.

“I’m not going to change that,” he told a raucous crowd in a high school gym.

“You made me the nominee,” Biden said, referring to the millions of Democrats who backed him in the primaries. “You the voters. You decided. No one else. And I’m not going anywhere.”

He added that he is “the only Democrat or Republican that has beaten Donald Trump ever, and I’m going to beat him again.”

As he took the stage Friday evening, the president was greeted with a deafening cheer and chants of “Don’t you quit!” In his remarks, Biden also proclaimed that “Motown is Joetown” and vowed to win Michigan again in the 2024 election.

GOP official bashes Biden ahead of Detroit rally — 6:26 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley is bashing Joe Biden ahead of the president’s rally Friday in Detroit.

Whatley says Biden “is so unpopular that members of his own party want him out of the race,” including Michigan Rep. Hillary Scholten

“Voters in Michigan and around the country are looking to President Trump to bring real leadership back to the White House, restore peace through strength, and Make America Great Again,” Whatley said in a statement.

Maine Senator Susan Collins says she will write in Nikki Haley on her ballot in November — 5:57 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Collins, a longtime moderate Republican senator from Maine, didn’t vote for Donald Trump for president in 2016 or 2020.

And the third time will not be the charm, because she said Friday that she intends to write in the former South Carolina governor, who is not on the ballot.

“I publicly endorsed Nikki Haley, and I wanted her to win. She’s still my favorite candidate, and I think she could do a great job. She’s my choice, and that’s how I’m going to express it,” Collins told WMTW-TV.

In 2016, Collins said she wrote in then-House Speaker Paul Ryan for president over Trump.

Collins is the only New England Republican in Congress and the only Republican holding statewide office in Maine, where Trump has twice won an electoral vote.

Representative Mike Levin says Biden should drop out after Hispanic Caucus call — 3:23 p.m.

By the Associated Press

The steady drip of defections from Biden’s camp has continued today as vulnerable Democratic Representative Mike Levin of California called on him to let someone else take over at the top of the ticket.

Levin put out the statement shortly after Biden joined a call with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

The representative from a competitive district in Southern California said he’s heard from hundreds of constituents and supporters since Biden’s faltering debate performance.

He called the president an “outstanding leader,” but said he’s no longer sure he can prevail against the “incalculable threat” posed by Trump.

“It is time to move forward. With a new leader. Together,” he said in a statement.

Looking to shore up congressional support, Biden sets weekend meeting with Democratic caucuses — 1:50 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Biden is expected to meet virtually Saturday with members of the two largest Democratic caucuses on Capitol Hill as he looks to rebuild momentum for his reelection campaign even as the number of Democrats calling for him to step aside increases.

Biden will take his campaign message to members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and the New Democrats Caucus, according to two people familiar with the plans, as he is expected to face a number of concerns about his ability to serve another four years in office. The people were granted anonymity to discuss the timing of the private meetings.

Trump calls picking his VP ‘a highly sophisticated version of ‘The Apprentice’ — 1:37 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Trump is comparing his vice presidential search to the reality TV show he helmed years ago.

“It’s like a highly sophisticated version of ‘The Apprentice,’” Trump said on the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show amid intense speculation over his pick.

The presumptive GOP nominee once again made clear his preference to unveil his pick at the Republican National Convention, which kicks off Monday in Milwaukee.

Trump said he’d “love to do it during the convention” or “just slightly before the convention, like Monday.”

He also said he’s down to a handful of “really, really good candidates.”

“I may be leaning one way and that changing sometimes — you know all of a sudden you see something that you like or you don’t like and you lean a little bit differently ... but we have a very good bench.”

Moulton says House Democrats are staying silent calling on Biden to step aside due to ‘political calculations’ — 1:33 p.m.

By Alyssa Vega, Globe Staff

In an interview with GBH, Representative Seth Moulton of Massachusetts doubled down on his remarks from last week in which he urged Biden to withdraw from the presidential race and “to let new leaders rise up and run against [Trump].”

Moulton said that while most congressional Democrats want Biden to step aside, they are staying silent due to “political calculations.”

“I quickly lost count of how many people were coming up to me after my remarks at caucus and just said, ‘thank you for what you said’,” Moulton said.

“It’s time to be honest about this,” Moulton added. “It’s time to be honest with the American people, with the constituents I represent in Massachusetts, and, frankly, be honest with the president.”

Moulton became the third House Democrat last week to publicly call on Biden to step down as the party’s presidential nominee. Since then, more than a dozen others have called on Biden to withdraw from the race.

Trump’s GOP detractors will meet mere miles from the Republican National Convention — 12:12 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Less than 20 miles away from the RNC podium at Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum, Republicans far afield of Trump will gather to present a different vision for their party.

Under the banner “Principles First,” Republicans who have carved out profiles as Trump detractors — including former RNC Chairman Michael Steele, former Illinois Rep. Joe Walsh, Women4US super PAC founder Stephanie Sharp and onetime adviser George Conway — will call for a different party direction on Wednesday evening in the Pewaukee suburb.

For a Republican National Convention aimed at elevating Trump as the GOP’s near-unanimous choice for president, it’s noteworthy the group was able to book a hall within 20 miles of the convention floor in downtown Milwaukee. Never mind that the event is being held in Waukesha County, where Trump won 60 percent of the vote in 2020.

Colorado representative calls on Biden to step aside — 11:26 a.m.

By the Associated Press

First-term Representative Brittany Pettersen of Colorado called on Biden to drop his reelection bid.

Pettersen says Biden is a “good man,” but she’s made the “painful” decision to join others in her district and the country asking him to step aside so another Democrat can run.

The list of members of Congress calling on Biden to step aside has continued to grow since the president’s news conference, though it’s been more of a steady drip than a powerful wave.

Nearly 20 Democratic lawmakers have called him to step down.

Melania Trump will attend the Republican convention in a rare political appearance, AP sources say — 11:18 a.m.

By the Associated Press

Former first lady Melania Trump will attend the Republican National Convention next week in Milwaukee, according to two people familiar with her plans who spoke on condition of anonymity before full details were released.

Melania Trump has largely refrained from public appearances, noticeably missing key moments such as Donald Trump’s Super Tuesday victory party and his 78th birthday party last month. She also did not accompany the presumptive Republican presidential nominee on any of the days of his more than monthlong hush-money trial in New York.

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House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries met privately with Biden — 10:46 a.m.

By the Associated Press

Jeffries of New York said in a letter to colleagues that he met with the president Thursday evening and “directly expressed the full breadth of insight, heartfelt perspectives and conclusions about the path forward that the Caucus has shared in our recent time together.”

This comes as more than a dozen Democrats in the House have called on Biden to step aside, while others want the president to stay in the race. Jeffries said Democrats have had an “extensive discussion” about the country’s future. And the conversations have been, as he said earlier in the week, “candid, clear-eyed and comprehensive.”

Two White House officials confirmed the meeting but declined further comment.

Analysis

Trump is picking a VP. Biden is fighting for his future. RFK Jr.? Four months to election, he went fishing in Maine. — 8:44 a.m.

By James Pindell, Globe Staff

On Tuesday night, former president Donald Trump jovially teased thousands of supporters at a campaign rally about whether he should announce his vice presidential pick right then and there. In Washington, President Biden hosted a NATO reception of world leaders while members of his own party appeared on television questioning whether he should end his reelection bid.

At the same time, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the independent candidate polling a distant third in the 2024 presidential election, faced a different question inside the flagship L.L. Bean store in Freeport, Maine.

READ MORE

Biden pushes on ‘blue wall’ sprint with Michigan trip as he continues to make the case for candidacy — 8:09 a.m.

By the Associated Press

Four years ago, candidate Joe Biden stood before supporters at a Detroit high school, flanked by Kamala Harris and other rising Democratic stars, and called himself a bridge to the next generation of leaders.

Biden, now a president seeking reelection, returns to the city Friday with many in his party now pleading for him to fulfill that very promise and step aside. But Biden remains defiant that he’ll remain in the race despite a disastrous debate performance that triggered a wave of calls for him to end his candidacy.

READ MORE

Friday, July 12

Republicans are gathering in Milwaukee to nominate Donald Trump again. Here’s what to expect. — 7:36 a.m.

By the Associated Press

For all the usual stagecraft, the Republican National Convention that opens Monday is different from Donald Trump’s previous nominating affairs.

In 2016 and 2020, Trump was the underdog heading into fall and faced criticism from within his own party. This year, he will accept the Republican nomination with his party in lockstep behind him and Democrats in turmoil over President Biden’s viability.

READ MORE

Key takeaways from Biden’s news conference — 10:04 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Biden faced a test that he had avoided so far this year — a solo news conference with questions from the White House press corps.

The news conference was meant to reassure a disheartened group of Democratic lawmakers, allies, and persuadable voters in this year’s election that Biden still has the strength and stamina to be president.

READ MORE

Illinois representative says Biden should ‘step aside’ — 9:44 p.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

Illinois Representative Eric Sorensen said in a statement posted to X after Biden’s press conference that he is asking Biden to withdraw his candidacy and put “country over party.”

Another House Democrat urges Biden to withdraw from campaign — 9:35 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Representative Scott Peters of California also called on the president to abandon his bid for reelection.

Peters said in a statement after Biden’s news conference that Democrats are on a “losing course.”

“My conscience requires me to speak up and put loyalty to the country and to democracy ahead of my great affection for, and loyalty to, the President and those around him,” he said.

Amid some gaffes, Biden holds his own in live news conference — 9:17 p.m.

By Jim Puzzanghera and Jackie Kucinich, Globe Staff

President Biden began his highly anticipated news conference at the NATO summit on Thursday with a clear voice and, aided by a teleprompter, his eight-minute opening remarks were delivered with few verbal stumbles.

But with the first question came the type of mental slip he can’t afford with so many concerns about his mental acuity since his debate debacle.

Asked about his political future and whether he had any concerns about Vice President Kamala Harris taking on Donald Trump if Biden was not the Democratic nominee, he immediately stumbled.

“Look, I wouldn’t have picked Vice President Trump to be vice president, but I think she’s not qualified to be president. So let’s start there, number one,” Biden said, eliciting a couple of gasps from the 150 reporters in the room.

READ MORE

Donald Trump trolls Biden for his press conference mix-up, and Biden’s social media account claps back — 9:05 p.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

After Biden conflated Vice President Harris’s name with Donald Trump’s during the press conference, his opponent took to his Truth Social platform to troll him, repeating Biden’s error and sarcastically writing “Great job, Joe!”

Biden’s personal Twitter account then clapped back.

“By the way: Yes, I know the difference,” the social media account posted. “One’s a prosecutor, and the other’s a felon.”

Kamala Harris served as the district attorney of San Francisco and the attorney general of California before she became a senator. Trump was convicted in May of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in connection to a hush-money payments scheme.

Connecticut representative becomes latest House Democrat to call on Biden to exit race — 8:53 p.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

Representative Jim Himes, a Connecticut Democrat, said in a statement just after Biden’s news conference ended that he hopes “Biden will step away from the presidential campaign.”

”The 2024 election will define the future of American democracy, and we must put forth the strongest candidate possible to confront the threat posed by Trump’s promsised MAGA authoritarianism,” Himes said in a statement posted on X. “I no longer believe that is Joe Biden, and I hope that, as he has throughout a lifetime of public service, he will continue to put our nation first and, as he promised, make way for a new generation of leaders.”

Biden’s news conference has concluded — 8:35 p.m.

By Alyssa Vega, Globe Staff

Biden concluded his news conference, which lasted just under an hour.

Biden again says he doesn’t need to undergo cognitive testing — 8:30 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Pressed about if he would undergo cognitive testing, Biden again said that his job as president was proof of his mental acuity.

The president said he’d taken three “significant and intense neurological exams” conducted by a neurologist, with the most recent in February. He also said he’s “tested every single day” as he tackles the challenges of the White House.

Biden said that if his doctors say they “think I should have a neurological exam again, I’ll do it,” but he added: “No one’s suggesting that to me now.”

Biden says he’s determined to run — 8:29 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Biden is reiterating his determination to run for reelection, despite the growing number of Democratic lawmakers and others who are calling for him to step aside.

“I think it’s important that I allay fears,” he said, referring to campaign appearances on Friday in Detroit and next week in Texas and Nevada.

“I gotta finish this job,” he said. “I gotta finish this job, because there’s so much at stake.”

Democratic governors react to news conference in private viewing — 8:24 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Some Democratic governors are watching the president’s press conference in a private viewing during the National Governors Association.

A couple of groans could be heard as Hawaii Governor Josh Green stepped outside during the news conference. It wasn’t immediately clear what they were responding to.

Green told The Associated Press he supports the president’s choice to run.

“My admiration and love for the president is not going to wane no matter how many ‘moments’ he has,” Green said. The governor said the state loves him because of what he did to help after the Maui fire.

Questions shift to foreign policy — 8:15 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Biden’s press conference has shifted largely from questions about if he’s up to continuing his reelection campaign to foreign policy.

“There isn’t any world leader I’m not prepared to deal with,” the president said.

He also vowed to maintain a hardline against Russian President Vladimir Putin: “If we allow Russia to succeed in Ukraine, they’re not stopping in Ukraine.”

Biden’s teleprompter-less time fielding questions approaches half-hour mark — 8:13 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Biden gave remarks ahead of the news conference, but teleprompter screens were retracted ahead of reporters’ questions.

Journalists tackle Biden health issue head-on — 8:12 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Journalists at Biden’s news conference charged from the gate with questions about his health, showing no hesitation at tackling the issue head-on.

The first five questioners all asked something about his health — some by itself, some embedded in questions about other things.

Finally, 15 minutes in, a reporter — a non-American — asked about European concerns if Donald Trump were to resume the presidency.

For his part, Biden answered some of the health questions emphatically but, on others, shifted the answers to focusing on the economy, the success of the NATO conference and other non-health-related topics.

Biden tries to calm those worried he’ll have another ‘bad night’ — 8:05 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Biden said the best way to reassure anyone who is concerned about him having another “bad night” is “the way I assure myself and that is: ‘Am I getting the job done?’”

The president said “there’s no indication yet” that he’s slowing down on that front.

Biden had explained his poor debate performance against Trump last month by saying he had a “bad night.”

By the Associated Press

Trump is weighing in live on Biden’s news conference.

The presumptive GOP presidential nominee posted on his social media network a video clip of when Biden said “Vice President Trump.”

Trump added sarcastically at the end: “Great job, Joe!”

Biden says he never suggested he needs an earlier bedtime — 7:59 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Biden is denying that he previously he needs to cut back on his schedule to get to bed by 8 p.m.

The president told reporters that, in previous conversations, what he meant was “it’d be smarter to pace myself a little bit.”

He suggested that working from early in the morning until near midnight was probably not a great idea and suggested that evening fundraisers for his reelection campaign could begin an hour or two earlier going forward.

Biden also vowed that, ahead of his second debate with Trump in September, “I’m not going to be traveling 15 time zones.”

“Pace myself. Pace myself,” he said.

Biden responds defensively to reporter asking about the drama over his political fate — 7:58 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Asked whether the focus on his flubs and the pressure to drop out of the race has become damaging for the United States, Biden pushed back on the question.

“Have you seen a more successful conference?” he asked. “What do you think?”

Biden did not address the question, but he asserted that the just-concluded NATO summit was “the most successful conference I attended in a long time.”

In opening question, Biden is asked about reelection campaign and mixes up Harris and Trump — 7:47 p.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

In the opening question of his press conference, President Biden was asked how he’s considering calls from lawmakers and public figures for him to step aside in the race, as well as his confidence in Vice President Kamala Harris if she were to top the ticket instead of him.

”I wouldn’t have picked vice president Trump to be vice president if I didn’t think she wasn’t qualified to be president,” he said.

It came hours after he mixed up the names of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin before he caught himself.

Biden’s news conference is underway — 7:30 p.m.

By Alyssa Vega, Globe Staff

Biden’s news conference is underway.

He began by speaking about NATO and foreign policy from prepared remarks, contrasting his approach to the alliance with former president Donald Trump’s. Then he’ll take questions from reporters.

Democratic governors gather to watch Biden face the press — 7:22 p.m.

By the Associated Press

As Biden prepares for his high-stakes news conference in Washington, the National Governors Association is meeting for its conference in Salt Lake City.

The nine Democratic governors present for the event filed into a private room to watch a livestream with their staffs and other Democratic officials.

Reporters were not invited in.

Democrats have doubts about Biden’s strength as a candidate, according to polls — 7:07 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Polls conducted after the debate have largely reinforced that Democrats nationwide have doubts about Biden’s ability to lead the ticket in November.

More than half of Democrats, 56%, in a recent Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll said that given Biden’s debate performance, he should step aside and let someone else run. A similar share — more than half — of Democratic voters in a CNN/SSRS poll said the party has a better chance of winning the presidency in November with a different candidate.

Separate from the question of whether he can win, a small but noteworthy chunk of Democrats see a second Biden term as a risky proposition. Around 6 in 10 voters, including about one-quarter of Democrats, said that reelecting Biden as president this November would be a risky choice for the country rather than a safe one, according to a New York Times/Siena College poll.

News conference pushed back — 6:52 p.m.

By the Associated Press

The timing of the news conference Biden has been changed to no earlier than 7 p.m. ET, and could be held later due to events at the NATO summit.

Biden accidentally refers to Ukrainian leader as ‘President Putin’ — 6:39 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Biden was winding down his remarks at an event on the sidelines of the NATO summit with President Volodymyr Zelensky and other leaders when he made an untimely verbal flub: He referred to the Ukrainian leader as “President Putin.”

“And now I want to hand it over to the president of Ukraine, who has as much courage as he has determination, ladies and gentlemen, President Putin,” Biden said.

The room, and Zelensky, gasped at Biden’s gaffe, which the US president quickly sought to clean up.

“President Putin? You’re going to beat President Putin,” Biden said to Zelensky at the event to mark the unveiling of an agreement called the Ukraine Compact. “I’m so focused on beating Putin; we got to worry about it,” Biden explained.

Zelensky joked: “I’m better” than Putin.

Biden agreed. “You’re a hell of a lot better.”

Trump lawyers press judge to overturn hush-money conviction after Supreme Court immunity ruling — 6:24 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Trump’s lawyers are urging the judge in his New York hush-money case to overturn his conviction and dismiss the case in the wake of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on presidential immunity.

The former president’s lawyers wrote in papers made public that prosecutors rushed to try Trump in April and May while the high court was still considering his immunity claims.

“Rather than wait for the Supreme Court’s guidance, the prosecutors scoffed with hubris at President Trump’s immunity motions and insisted on rushing to trial,” Trump’s lawyers Todd Blanche and Emil Bove wrote.

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Auchincloss says Biden should consider ‘strongest possible ticket’ to beat Trump — 6:22 p.m.

By Anjali Huynh, Globe Staff

Representative Jake Auchincloss pushed back on Biden’s comments earlier this week that “elites in the party” wanted him to exit the race, saying that he had heard concerns about the president from voters across his district.

“With respect to the president, it’s not elites,” he told WPRI 12, an East Providence-based news station. “I know he’s saying it’s elites who are ganging up on him — it isn’t. It’s my constituents who are everyday Americans, and he has to earn back their trust and he has to demonstrate his strength.”

Auchincloss, a Democrat who represents Massachusetts’ 4th congressional district, has previously defended Biden in tough spots, including after the Biden administration’s 2021 exit from Afghanistan that drew bipartisan backlash. After the debate, Auchincloss repeatedly expressed support for the president, pointing to the voters who supported Biden in the primaries.

But while Auchincloss declined to join some Democrats in publicly calling for Biden to withdraw, he said that Biden should speak with close advisers and his family “to talk about what is the strongest possible ticket” to defeat Trump and “lead this country for the rest of the 2020s.”

“His legacy right now, I think, is that he’s going to be a top ten president of all time, and I want his legacy to remain that stellar,” Auchincloss said. “What I don’t want is for his legacy to be the man who let Donald Trump come back into the Oval Office.”

Hawaii congressman joins list of Democrats asking Biden to step aside — 5:31 p.m.

By the Associated Press

The number of Democratic members of Congress calling for Biden to drop out of the presidential race is continuing to grow, with U.S. Rep. Ed Case of Hawaii adding his name to the list.

Case said in a statement late Thursday afternoon that it’s unclear whether Biden can perform “the most difficult job in the world” for another four years.

Case acknowledged that replacing him would be “difficult and uncertain” but he did not believe continuing with Biden would be the “best path forward for our country.”

More than a dozen House Democrats have publicly called for Biden to step aside.

Representative Greg Stanton calls on Biden to drop from race — 4:37 p.m.

By Alyssa Vega, Globe Staff

Representative Greg Stanton of Arizona became the latest Democrat to urge Biden to drop his re-election campaign. Stanton said he was one of Biden’s earliest supporters in 2020 but emphasized that the “stakes in this election could not be higher.”

“For our country’s sake, it is time for the president to pass the torch to a new generation of leaders,” Stanton wrote in a statement.

Harris stumps for Biden in North Carolina — 4:36 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Vice President Kamala Harris is vowing that Biden will win in November while acknowledging that recent days haven’t been easy.

“The last few days have been a reminder that running for president is never easy — nor should it be,” Harris said at a campaign event at James B. Dudley High School in Greensboro, North Carolina.

She made no reference to a growing number of Democrats who have urged Biden to leave the presidential race. If he were to do so, Harris might wind up at the top of the Democratic ticket.

Instead, the vice president said of Biden, “One thing we know about our president is that he’s a fighter.”

Donald Trump Jr. to speak before his father’s VP pick at the RNC — 4:00 p.m.

By the Associated Press

The former president’s son will speak before his father’s vice presidential pick next Wednesday night at the Republican National Convention.

The scheduling, first reported by Axios, was confirmed by a person close to Trump Jr. who spoke on condition of anonymity because the official speaking schedule has yet to be released.

But the timing is sure to increase speculation about the chances of JD Vance, the Ohio senator, who is one of Trump’s top contenders for the role. Donald Trump Jr. is close friends with the senator and has been a staunch proponent of his candidacy.

The person close to Trump Jr. cautioned, however, that the former president’s son had been slotted to speak at that time weeks ago.

Donald Trump has been playing coy about his VP decision and has gone back and forth in interviews when asked whether he has settled on a pick.

Representative Brad Schneider becomes the 11th House Democrat to ask Biden to step down — 3:42 p.m.

By the Associated Press

The Democrat from Illinois is the latest member of the House Democratic caucus to ask for President Biden to step down as the nominee for president. Schneider, who has defended the president’s record in recent days, says in a statement that he was proud to support Biden’s campaign in 2020 but that now is the time for him to “secure his legacy and boldly deliver the nation to a new generation of leadership.”

“In passing the torch now, President Biden has a chance to live up to this standard and seal his place in history as one of the greatest leaders our nation, and history, has ever known,” the statement continued. “I fear if he fails to make the right choice, our democracy will hang in the balance.”

Voters see Biden as less ‘mentally sharp’ but more ‘honest’ than Trump — 3:20 p.m.

By the Associated Press

A new survey from the Pew Research Center underscores how concerned Americans have become about Biden’s mental acuity over the past few years. The poll also found that they are more likely to view Trump as mean-spirited and less likely to view him as honest, compared to Biden.

Only about a quarter of voters say the phrase “mentally sharp” describes Biden very or fairly well. That share has declined 6 percentage points since January and is much lower than it was four years ago, when about half of voters saw Biden as “mentally sharp.”

It’s Biden’s own supporters who are largely driving the decline. About 8 in 10 Biden supporters described Biden as “mentally sharp” in 2020, while only about half do now.

Voters have more confidence in Trump’s mental keenness. The poll found that nearly 6 in 10 voters say the phrase “mentally sharp” describes Trump well, a slight increase from 2020.

Compared to Trump, Biden is more likely to be seen by voters as someone who “cares about the needs of ordinary people” and as “honest.” And they’re considerably more likely to see Trump as “mean-spirited”: Nearly two-thirds of voters say this describes Trump well, while only around 3 in 10 say the same of Biden.

It’s been months since Biden formally faced the press solo — 2:17 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Biden’s high-stakes press appearance scheduled for Thursday night is his first formal solo news conference since November 2023.

The president’s last similar outing came nearly eight months ago when he took questions from reporters after his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in California.

At that news conference, Biden called on reporters from four organizations, one of whom asked two questions.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre jumped in to end the news conference after the fourth reporter, though Biden proceeded to answer an additional nine questions.

Biden’s most recent joint news conference was during the G7 summit last month.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries says conversations about Biden’s candidacy are ‘candid’ and ‘ongoing’ — 1:40 p.m.

By Alyssa Vega, Globe Staff

When asked whether he believes Biden is a liability to Democrats’ most vulnerable members, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said “no.”

”Our conversations have been candid, comprehensive and clear-eyed, and they’re ongoing,” Jeffries said during his weekly press conference.

”As long as those conversations are ongoing, I’m going to respect the sanctity of those conversations until we conclude that process,” Jeffries added.

How Project 2025 became Biden’s rescue plan — 12:40 p.m.

By Sam Brodey, Globe Staff

Project 2025 is an ambitious proposal released last year by the Heritage Foundation, a right-wing think tank that hopes it can offer the blueprint for a second Trump term.

It proposes both sweeping reforms and minor changes for every agency of the federal government: abolishing the Department of Education, pursuing a national abortion ban, implementing a mass deportation policy, and even banning pornography. It would also make employees of the federal bureaucracy much easier to fire in order to erode the “deep state” — a Trump fixation.

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Michigan representative becomes 10th House lawmaker to call on Biden to step aside — 12:18 p.m.

By the Associated Press

Representative Hillary Scholten has become the latest member of Congress to call on President Biden to step aside. She is the 10th House representative to do so.

Scholten, whose district is in the battleground state of Michigan, told The Detroit News that people can’t “unsee” Biden’s terrible debate performance, and she’s hearing from constituents that it’s shaken their confidence in the president.

The first-term Michigan Democrat praised Biden’s legacy but said on X that “it’s time to pass the torch.”

Scholten made history by winning a western district that had been a Republican stronghold for over 30 years. The district’s largest city, Grand Rapids, has been trending more Democratic in recent years, and redrawn congressional maps shifted the district from supporting Trump in the 2020 presidential election to favoring Biden.

Hungary’s Orban will reportedly visit Donald Trump in Florida after NATO summit — 10:45 a.m.

By Bloomberg News

Donald Trump will meet with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Florida on Thursday, multiple outlets reported, less than a week after Orban met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

Bloomberg News and The New York Times reported on the expected meeting, citing people familiar with the matter.

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Thursday, July 11

Biden’s press conference will be a key test for him — 10:15 a.m.

By the Associated Press

Biden will close out the NATO summit in Washington — an event meant to showcase his leadership on the world stage — with a rare solo press conference. His stamina and effectiveness are under the microscope like never before and he’s struggling to quell the Democratic Party’s panic about his chances this November.

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