On Friday, the FBI confirmed that former President Donald Trump was struck in the ear by a bullet or a fragment from it during an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. The statement resolved ongoing speculation about the nature of Trump’s injury, which had been a subject of debate following the attack.
Earlier in the week, FBI Director Christopher Wray testified before Congress that it was uncertain whether the projectile was a bullet or shrapnel. This testimony sparked backlash from Trump and his allies, who insisted that Trump was definitively hit by a bullet. Trump publicly criticized Wray’s comments and reaffirmed his claim on social media, describing the injury as a bullet wound.
Additional analysis by trauma surgeons supported the notion that Trump’s wound was consistent with a bullet graze rather than shrapnel. These experts noted that the injury’s linear appearance and the nature of high-velocity rounds suggested it was caused by a bullet.
The FBI’s confirmation on Friday aimed to address the controversy and affirm the nature of the injury. The investigation into the attempted assassination continues, with the FBI dedicating significant resources to the case. The attack resulted in Trump’s injury, the death of a spectator, and critical injuries to two others.
The incident has also led to political fallout, with House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senator Lindsey Graham criticizing Wray’s earlier statements and calling for clarification. The FBI has stated that it remains committed to a thorough investigation of the attack.
FBI Perspective:
The FBI confirmed that a bullet, whether whole or fragmented, struck Trump’s ear during the assassination attempt. They had previously suggested uncertainty about whether the projectile was a bullet or shrapnel
Trump’s Perspective:
Trump and his allies insist that he was struck by a bullet, not shrapnel or any other debris. Trump and his supporters argue that FBI Director Christopher Wray’s earlier testimony was incorrect, and they criticized Wray for his uncertainty
Additional Analysis:
Some sources, including trauma surgeons, have analyzed the nature of Trump’s injury. They suggested that the wound was consistent with a graze from a bullet rather than shrapnel.
National Broadcasting Company:
FBI confirms that a bullet struck Trump’s ear during assassination attempt
Cable News Network:
Trump was struck by bullet in assassination attempt, FBI says
Washington Post:
A bullet — or bullet fragment — hit Trump during assassination attempt, FBI says