US President Donald Trump spoke with CBS News’ 60 Minutes program on Sunday, addressing the shooting incident that occurred the previous day at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The interview, recorded at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, marked his first extended public remarks since the attack, in which a gunman opened fire from an elevated position outside the rally venue, injuring Trump and killing one attendee although critically wounding two others.
During the conversation with host Kristen Welker, Trump described the moment he felt the bullet strike his ear, saying he initially thought he had been hit by a fragment from a teleprompter before realizing it was gunfire. He stated that he raised his fist after being rushed off stage by Secret Service agents, a gesture he said was meant to show strength to the crowd.
Trump reiterated his claim that the shooting was politically motivated, alleging without evidence that the attack was part of a broader effort by political opponents to prevent him from campaigning. He did not provide specific details to support this assertion.
The Secret Service confirmed that the gunman, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was neutralized by agents at the scene. The FBI is leading the investigation into the motive and has not released any findings indicating political affiliation or external direction.
Trump used the interview to call for unity, urging Americans to reject violence and come together despite political differences. He also renewed his criticism of the current administration’s handling of border security and inflation, topics he said would remain central to his campaign moving forward.
When asked about his security protocols moving forward, Trump said he would depart those decisions to the Secret Service and his campaign team, noting that adjustments had already been made for upcoming events.
The interview aired as part of the 60 Minutes Sunday broadcast, drawing significant viewership. No further public appearances by Trump were scheduled immediately following the interview.
