Former US President Donald Trump was indeed grazed by a bullet during an assassination attempt earlier this month, according to the FBI. The confirmation comes after FBI Director Christopher Wray faced criticism for expressing doubt over whether it was a bullet or shrapnel that hit Trump’s ear.
The FBI stated in a brief announcement that former President Trump’s wound resulted from a bullet fired from the rifle of Thomas Matthew Crooks, who was later identified as the shooter. The incident occurred on July 13 when Trump was delivering a speech at an open-air campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The bullet struck Trump in the ear, causing a minor injury, while one person died and two more were injured in the attack. The shooter, Crooks, was killed by a sniper from the Secret Service.
The FBI’s clarification follows the controversy stirred up during Wray’s testimony before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday when he expressed uncertainty over whether the wound was caused by a bullet or shrapnel. This stance led to strong criticism from both Republicans and Trump himself, who accused Wray of undermining public trust in law enforcement agencies like the FBI.
Trump’s personal physician, Ronny Jackson, also disagreed with Wray’s statement, arguing that there is “no evidence that it was anything other than a bullet.” The New York Times and the Washington Post likewise reported that photographs of Trump’s injuries are consistent with a wound from a bullet and not shrapnel.
FBI Director Christopher Wray was not alone in facing criticism for their handling of the assassination attempt. Kimberly Cheatle resigned as the head of the Secret Service on July 23, admitting that her agency had failed to adequately protect Trump during the event.