While lip-reading expert Nicola Hickling exclusively tells Nick Swift that Donald Trump was yelling “Fight! Fight! Fight!” as the Secret Service hauled him offstage during a deadly shooting at a Pennsylvania rally, the former president was uncharacteristically reserved in a series of Truth Social posts following the tragic event. As Republicans immediately began to blame Joe Biden and political rhetoric from Democrats for the shooting, Trump’s top priority was paying respects to a member of the crowd who was killed and another who was struck during the assassination attempt.
“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,” Trump wrote roughly two hours after the shooting. “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. It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country.”
Trump posted another statement on July 14, the morning after the shooting, and again, the former president was surprisingly restrained. He did not place blame on Biden or the Democrats, but instead, simply spoke in generalities. “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,” Trump wrote. “I truly love our Country, and love you all.” Other Republicans did not follow Trump’s lead.
