Donald Trump was shot in the correct ear by a gunman who opened hearth at a marketing campaign rally within the state of Pennsylvania, however social media customers are sharing a photograph they declare reveals the previous US president was additionally hit within the chest. That is false; the Republican businessman has solely mentioned his ear was injured, and the picture circulating on-line depicts a crease in a Secret Service agent’s jacket.
“WHEN TRUMP GOT SHOT IT APPEARS THAT THE BULLETS PIERCED HIS SUIT,” says a July 13, 2024 X post sharing a photograph circling Trump’s torso.
Comparable claims have circulated elsewhere on X, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Threads — together with in Spanish, French, Russian, Korean, Portuguese, Chinese, Tamil and Vietnamese.
Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, opened fire throughout a July 13 Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, killing one attendee and critically injuring two others earlier than a Secret Service sniper staff shot and killed him. The FBI is investigating the motive for the assault (archived here).
Trump said on his social media platform Reality Social {that a} bullet had “pierced the higher a part of my proper ear” (archived here).
He didn’t point out getting hit within the chest, opposite to the claims circulating on-line.
A reverse picture search revealed the original picture was taken by Related Press photographer Evan Vucci (archived here).
The high-resolution photograph reveals the supposed bullet gap in Trump’s chest is, actually, a fold below the shoulder pad within the jacket of one of many Secret Service brokers evacuating him from the stage.
One other angle captured by Vucci reveals no bullet gap in Trump’s jacket.
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump raises his fist as he’s rushed off stage after an assassination try throughout a marketing campaign rally in Butler, Pa. @apnewspic.twitter.com/VoAYqRC4QV
— Evan Vucci (@evanvucci) July 14, 2024
Footage taken by AFP photographer Rebecca Droke and graphic footage of the capturing additionally depict no chest wound.
Rebecca DROKEAFP
Many social media posts go a step additional, claiming a bulletproof vest saved Trump’s life.
The Secret Service — which is below intense scrutiny over the capturing — declined to touch upon whether or not Trump was sporting a bulletproof vest, citing the continuing investigation.
AFP contacted the Trump marketing campaign for added remark, however a response was not forthcoming.
AFP has debunked different claims in regards to the tried assassination of Trump here.
