Trump campaign launches GoFundMe after shooting

A GoFundMe page set up to support the victims and families of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump has surpassed $200,000.

Alleged gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks killed one man and critically injured two others when he opened fire on Saturday evening during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, grazing Trump’s ear.

The fundraising page, initiated by Meredith O’Rourke, Trump’s adviser and the national finance director of his 2024 presidential campaign, has raised $240,238 from 3,300 donations as of Sunday morning. The fundraising effort aims to reach a goal of $1 million to support the victims and their families.

O’Rourke wrote in the GoFundMe description that the page it is authorized by Trump.

“President Donald Trump has authorized this account as a place for donations to the supporters and families wounded or killed in today’s brutal and horrific assassination attempt,” she wrote.” “All donations will be directed to these proud Americans as they grieve and recover. May God bless and unite our nation.”

The former president, who is the set to be confirmed as the Republican presidential nominee at the party’s nation convention in Milwaukee which starts on Monday, was shot in his right ear at around 6:15 p.m. local time during the rally.

Trump was seen with his face covered in blood as security agents swiftly intervened. Eyewitnesses reported him mouthing the word “fight” as he was escorted off the stage, while the crowd cheered.

Later that night, Trump addressed the situation on his Truth Social platform, expressing gratitude toward the United States Secret Service and law enforcement for their rapid response. He also extended his condolences to the victims’ families.

“I want to thank the United States Secret Service, and all of law enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania. Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured,” he wrote.

“It is incredible that such an act can take place in our country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. He was killed by a Secret Service sniper at the rally, officials said. Crooks, a registered Republican voter, graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022. Further details about his background have not been disclosed.