The FBI confirmed late Friday that former President Donald Trump was indeed struck by a bullet during the assassination attempt on July 13, resolving earlier uncertainties about the incident. This update followed Trump's criticism of FBI Director Christopher Wray's congressional testimony, which had left questions about what hit Trump at his Pennsylvania rally.
In its statement, the FBI clarified that the bullet, possibly fragmented, came from the rifle of the deceased assailant. This announcement came after Trump lambasted Wray for suggesting that it was unclear whether Trump was hit by a bullet or another object during the rally, as per ABC News.
Trump took to Truth Social on Thursday to express his frustration over Wray's comments to Congress, where Wray had briefed lawmakers on the investigation into the shooting that killed one rally attendee and wounded two others.
During his testimony on Wednesday, Wray told the House Judiciary Committee that the bureau had not yet determined if a bullet or shrapnel grazed Trump's ear. This statement drew a sharp rebuke from Trump, who accused the FBI of negligence.
Wray explained to lawmakers that the FBI was still examining bullet fragments from the Butler, Pennsylvania, rally site to determine the exact nature of the injury. He noted that a bullet, whether whole or fragmented, could have caused the grazing and landed elsewhere.
In response to Wray's testimony, Texas Rep. Ronny Jackson, a former White House physician who served under Trump, disputed Wray's uncertainty in a letter. Jackson insisted there was no evidence suggesting anything other than a bullet struck Trump and urged Congress to correct the record.
Jackson, who has been treating Trump since the incident, aligned his assessment with the doctors at Butler Memorial Hospital. However, the hospital has not released any official medical reports regarding Trump's injury or treatment.
The FBI's statement on Friday acknowledged the injury from the assassination attempt but maintained that the investigation is ongoing. The bureau's Shooting Reconstruction Team continues to analyze evidence, including bullet fragments, from the scene.
In his Truth Social post, Trump reiterated that a bullet had hit him, dismissing any speculation about shrapnel or glass. He stated that the hospital had identified the injury as a "bullet wound to the ear," supporting his claim.
At his campaign rallies, Trump has begun to frame the incident as a testament to his commitment to democracy, often stating that he "took a bullet for democracy."
In the same social media post on Thursday, Trump criticized Wray, vowing to dismiss the FBI director if he wins a second term. This declaration underscores the ongoing tension between Trump and Wray, adding another layer of complexity to the investigation and its political ramifications.