FBI Confirms Donald Trump Struck by Bullet in Assassination Attempt

Nearly two weeks after Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt, the FBI confirmed on Friday that the former president was indeed struck by a bullet during the incident at a Pennsylvania rally.

FBI’s Statement

The FBI released a one-sentence statement clarifying the cause of Donald Trump’s injuries: “What struck former President Trump in the ear was a bullet, whether whole or fragmented into smaller pieces, fired from the deceased subject’s rifle.” This definitive statement comes after ambiguous comments earlier in the week from FBI Director Christopher Wray, which had led to confusion and speculation.

Initial Confusion and Conspiracy Theories

Director Wray’s previous comments appeared to cast doubt on whether Trump had actually been hit by a bullet, fueling conspiracy theories on both sides of the political spectrum. Trump and his allies expressed fury over the lack of clarity, while federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and Secret Service, had refrained from providing detailed information.

Trump’s Account and Medical Updates

Trump’s campaign had been tight-lipped about the specifics of his injuries and treatment, with updates coming primarily from Donald Trump himself or his former White House doctor, Ronny Jackson. Despite skepticism, Jackson has maintained that Trump was struck by a bullet, describing the wound as “a 2 cm wide wound that extended down to the cartilaginous surface of the ear” and stating that Trump received a CT scan at Butler Memorial Hospital.

Tension with Federal Law Enforcement

The FBI’s delayed confirmation has exacerbated existing tensions between Trump and the federal law enforcement community. Trump and his supporters have long accused agencies like the FBI of bias and weaponization against him, an accusation Wray has consistently denied.

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Political and Public Reactions

At an event in West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump addressed the FBI’s statement, expressing disdain for the suggestion that he was struck by anything other than a bullet. He also noted the FBI’s apology, which drew boos from the crowd. Trump’s campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, criticized the media for questioning the facts of the assassination attempt and dismissed conspiracy theories as reckless and politically motivated.

Medical and Investigative Findings

Ronny Jackson reiterated his diagnosis in a letter, asserting there was no evidence to suggest Trump was struck by anything other than a bullet. The FBI also confirmed that its Shooting Reconstruction Team is continuing to examine evidence from the scene, including bullet fragments.

Ongoing Security Concerns

Since the July 13 assassination attempt, Trump has shifted his events to indoor venues, citing safety concerns. However, he has announced plans to resume outdoor rallies with enhanced Secret Service protection.

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Conclusion

The FBI’s confirmation that Trump was struck by a bullet brings some clarity to the events of July 13. As the investigation continues, Trump’s campaign remains focused on addressing security concerns and countering misinformation.