News
Donald Trump survives assassination attempt; FBI identifies shooter
Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt Saturday night after a shooter opened fire at his campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania.
Trump was injured in the attack and was quickly rushed offstage, but soon after declared in a statement he was “fine.” The suspected shooter was killed, as was a rally attendee. Two other attendees were critically injured, according to the Secret Service.
Authorities identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, but said they have yet to establish a motive for the shooting. The FBI and Pennsylvania state law enforcement officials said they are working together on what they called an active investigation.
So Far, What You Need To Know
Trump was injured in the attack — video showed blood streaming from his right ear immediately afterwards — and he was rushed to a nearby hospital. His campaign released a statement shortly afterwards saying he was “fine.”
Is Trump OK?
Former President Donald Trump is surround by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally.
On Truth Social, Trump’s social media platform, the former president later said he 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.”
By Saturday night, Trump had left the Butler, Pa., area, according to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. He still plans to attend the Republican National Convention, which begins Monday, according to a statement released after the shooting.
What happened?
A gunman opened fire during Trump’s rally Saturday night near Butler, Pa., at approximately 6:15 p.m., shortly after the former president took the stage.
In video of the incident, multiple popping sounds could be heard before Trump grabs his right ear. Secret Service agents quickly rushed the stage, collapsing on top of Trump in a protective manner. After a few moments, someone is heard saying “shooter down,” and the Secret Service lets Trump up. The presumptive Republican presidential nominee was seen visibly bleeding from the area around his right ear and could be heard asking Secret Service agents to get his shoes as they started to whisk him away to his convoy. Trump also raised his fist defiantly to the crowd.
In a news conference late Saturday night, Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek labeled the attack an “assassination attempt.”
The Secret Service, which is charged with protecting presidents, former presidents, and candidates for the office, described the incident as:
The Secret Service, which is charged with protecting presidents, former presidents, and candidates for the office, described the incident as:
Was anyone else injured?
Yes, the alleged gunman was killed by the Secret Service. A male audience member died in the attack, and two other male attendees suffered critical injuries, according to the Secret Service and Pennsylvania state authorities.
What do we know about the shooter?
The FBI released a statement early Sunday morning identifying the shooter:
“The FBI has identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the subject involved in the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump on July 13, in Butler, Pennsylvania. This remains an active and ongoing investigation, and anyone with information that may assist with the investigation is encouraged to submit photos or videos online at FBI.gov/butler or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.”
Is there still a danger to the public?
While the investigation is still ongoing, Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens said there is “no reason to believe that there is any other existing threat out there.” Investigators said late Saturday that they will continue to try and determine whether the suspect acted alone.
What happens next?
FBI and Pennsylvania officials will continue their investigation jointly, with the FBI leading up the inquiry and local authorities handling the homicide and injuries to the rally attendees.
Rojek said they continue to pursue a motive for the shooting, as well. Officials labeled the location an “active crime scene.”
Law enforcement is also encouraging anyone at the rally or anyone who has any information about the incident to come forward.
As for Trump, the Republican National Convention begins Monday in Milwaukee where he will be nominated as the party’s presidential nominee for a third time. Trump said Saturday night that after the shooting that he would still attend the convention.
Education
TSU’s CommWeek Positions School of Communication at the Forefront of AI, Innovation, and Student Success
HOUSTON, TX — Texas Southern University’s School of Communication is set to host its 44th Annual Media and Communication Conference (CommWeek 2026) from April 6–10 at the Martin Luther King Jr. Building, bringing together a dynamic mix of scholars, students, industry professionals, and civic leaders to examine the future of media in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world.
Widely regarded as one of the School’s signature academic and professional events, CommWeek has evolved into a powerful platform for intellectual exchange, industry engagement, and student-centered learning. This year’s theme, “Beyond the Algorithm: Reimagining Media, Learning & Innovation with AI,” reflects the growing influence of artificial intelligence across journalism, entertainment, digital storytelling, and communication education.
Throughout the week, participants will engage in a series of panels, workshops, masterclasses, and networking sessions designed to explore how emerging technologies are reshaping media ecosystems. Discussions will address critical topics such as AI-driven content creation, ethical considerations in automated communication, evolving media business models, and the future of audience engagement.
According to Interim Dean Dr. Alan K. Caldwell, CommWeek represents a strategic opportunity to elevate the School’s academic and professional profile.
“Communication Week represents more than a conference; it is a powerful platform to strengthen the School of Communication’s brand, showcase the excellence of our students and faculty, and highlight the innovative work happening across our programs,” Caldwell said. “By bringing together industry leaders, scholars, and alumni, we create collaborative connections that position our school as a hub for forward-thinking communication education.”
Conference Chair Dr. Anthony Obi Ogbo (left) and Interim Dean Dr. Alan K. Caldwell: CommWeek has evolved into a powerful platform for intellectual exchange, industry engagement, and student-centered learning.
In addition to its academic significance, CommWeek plays a vital role in advancing student success. A key highlight of the conference is the Dean’s Banquet and Scholarship Awards, which raises funds to support academically talented and financially underserved students. These scholarships help reduce financial barriers, cover tuition and educational resources, and improve student retention and graduation outcomes.
For Conference Chair Dr. Anthony Obi Ogbo, CommWeek 2026 represents both a continuation of tradition and a bold step toward the future of communication education.
“CommWeek is where scholarship meets practice and where innovation becomes accessible,” Ogbo said. “This conference is not only about examining the future of media—it is about preparing our students to lead it. By integrating academic rigor with industry insight, we are building a platform that empowers our students, strengthens our institutional identity, and fosters meaningful collaborations that extend far beyond the classroom.”
The conference also emphasizes experiential learning, offering students direct access to industry professionals, hands-on workshops, and career development opportunities. These interactions provide invaluable exposure to real-world practices and help bridge the gap between academic training and professional application.
As a historically Black university with a long-standing commitment to cultural responsiveness and community impact, Texas Southern University continues to position its School of Communication as a leader in preparing students for both local and global media landscapes. CommWeek reinforces this mission by creating an inclusive space where diverse voices, perspectives, and ideas can thrive.
Open to students, alumni, and the broader community, CommWeek 2026 is free to attend and serves as a testament to TSU’s commitment to accessibility, innovation, and academic excellence.
For more information and the full conference schedule, visit www.soc-commweek.com.
As the US-Israel and Iran war enters its 6th week, the Iranian military has responded to Donald Trump‘s threats from the Sunday outburst. The president warned Iran that they would be “living in hell” if they didn’t open the Strait of Hormuz. Responding to Trump’s Sunday rant, Iran’s military responded that if he plans to harm the civilians, then their retaliation would be far stronger and larger in scale.
Following threats from Donald Trump, the Iranian military issued a statement warning that if civilian infrastructure is impacted, they will not remain silent, and their retaliation would be more severe. The statement read, “If attacks on civilian targets are repeated, the next stages of our offensive and retaliatory operations will be much more devastating and widespread.”
This statement comes amid Trump’s outburst on Truth Social, where he demanded that Iran open the Strait of Hormuz or face serious consequences. Naming potential targets, he said, “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!!” Threatening Iran further, he added, “Open the F*ckin’ Strait, you crazy b*st*rds, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH!” He concluded his post with, “Praise be to Allah.”
Additionally, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, the speaker from Iran’s Parliament, also responded to Trump’s public threats on X (formerly Twitter). He noted that his “reckless” moves are pushing the US into “living hell” for every person residing there. Condemning the president’s latest tweet, he added, “Our whole region is going to burn because you insist on following Netanyahu’s commands. Make no mistake: You won’t gain anything through war crimes.”
In a follow-up tweet, Qalibaf wrote that the only solution to this conflict is for the president to start respecting the Iranian people and to put a stop to this “dangerous game.”
Burbank, Calif. — What began as a seemingly happy two-year marriage ended in confrontation and police involvement after a Burbank woman allegedly used multiple electronic tracking devices to monitor her husband’s movements, authorities and sources familiar with the situation said.
According to information obtained by this outlet, the marriage between Amos and Yolanda deteriorated after Yolanda allegedly placed Apple AirTags, Tile trackers, and a GPS tracking device on Amos’ vehicle and personal belongings without his knowledge. The devices reportedly allowed her to monitor his location in real time and reconstruct his daily movements across the city.
Friends of the couple said the marriage appeared stable during its early years, with the pair often seen together at community events and social gatherings. However, tensions reportedly escalated when Yolanda began confronting Amos about his whereabouts, referencing locations and timelines he had not shared with her.
The situation reached a breaking point when Yolanda allegedly tracked Amos to an apartment complex in Burbank, where she believed he had gone without informing her. Sources say she arrived at the location shortly after he did, leading to a heated confrontation in the parking area of the building. Neighbors, alarmed by raised voices, contacted local authorities.
Burbank police responded to the scene and separated the parties. While no arrests were immediately announced, the incident marked the effective end of the couple’s marriage, according to individuals close to Amos.
Legal experts note that the unauthorized use of tracking devices may raise serious privacy and stalking concerns under California law, depending on intent and consent. Law enforcement officials have not publicly disclosed whether an investigation remains ongoing.
The case underscores growing concerns about the misuse of consumer tracking technology, originally designed to help locate lost items, but increasingly implicated in domestic disputes and surveillance-related allegations.
As of publication, neither Amos nor Yolanda had publicly commented on the incident.
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