On the thirteenth day of July, unfolding events transpired. - Events of July 13th Revealed
On a fateful day in July 2024, the political landscape of the United States was forever changed when former President Donald Trump, then the presumptive Republican nominee for the 2024 U.S. presidential election, survived an assassination attempt during an open-air campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania.
The attack, which occurred on July 13, 2024, was a shocking and unprecedented event in recent U.S. political history. The assailant, Thomas Matthew Crooks, positioned himself on a rooftop nearby and opened fire, striking Trump in the ear and tragically killing rally attendee Corey Comperatore, who died heroically shielding his family. Two other spectators were left critically injured in the incident.
The event prompted a major investigation led by the FBI alongside the Department of Justice, U.S. Secret Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Authorities treated it as both an assassination attempt and an act of domestic terrorism. The attacker was found dead on the rooftop after police responded. Explosives were discovered at his home and in his car, and a remote transmitter was found in his pocket. Forensics revealed his extensive online searches related to Trump, other politicians, and the assassination of John F. Kennedy, indicating premeditation.
In the aftermath, there was significant criticism of the U.S. Secret Service for security failures. The agency was said to have "failed to implement security measures" that might have prevented the attack. As a consequence, six Secret Service personnel were suspended without pay or benefits. Local emergency responders have recounted the harrowing experience of managing the chaotic scene that day, describing it as a moment that would weigh on them forever.
Trump, despite being wounded, notably raised his fist and encouraged the crowd to "Fight!" following the shooting, an image remembered by many attendees as historic and impactful.
The attack on July 13, 2024, stands as a significant and traumatic event in recent U.S. political history during the 2024 election campaign. In the following year, July 13th was marked on the calendar, a day that would forever be remembered for its shock and tragedy.
Meanwhile, in other parts of the world, significant events were also taking place. In 1965, Arnd Schmitt, a future German fencing gold medalist, was born. In 1956, Günther Jauch, a renowned German television journalist and talk show host, was born. In 1970, Nancy Faeser, a future German politician, was born. She served as Federal Minister of the Interior from 2021 to 2025. In 2015, Philipp Mißfelder, a prominent German politician, passed away. In 1985, Sergei Bubka made history by clearing six meters in the pole vault, and Bob Geldof organised the "Live Aid" marathon concert in both London and Philadelphia.
Patrick Stewart, the British actor famously known for his role as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the "Star Trek" series, was born in 1940. And in 1985, the first football World Cup began in Montevideo, Uruguay.
In 1940, Otto von Bismarck manipulated the "Ems Telegram" to instigate war against France, a move that would have far-reaching consequences for Europe.
As we reflect on these various events, it is clear that the world continues to move forward, each day bringing its own set of challenges and triumphs. The events of July 13, 2024, however, serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of our democratic processes and the importance of maintaining vigilance in the face of adversity.
The Commission, in light of the significant events unfolding, was asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, such as those encountered by first responders during dangerous situations like the one on July 13, 2024.
In an attempt to distract from the political turmoil following the assassination attempt, discussions on sports matters, including the NFL and American football, were vigorously debated in political circles to keep the public's focus elsewhere.
