Media outlets initially avoided mentioning that shots were fired at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday where former President Donald Trump was escorted away with blood dripping down his face after an apparent assassination attempt.
The Trump campaign released a statement shortly after the shooting that Trump is “fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility.”
Footage of the incident showed Trump ducking behind the podium before being escorted away by Secret Service with blood on his ear. He raised his fist in the air several times as he left.
Secret Service agents shot and killed the suspected gunman, law enforcement officials said, according to The Wall Street Journal. One other person reportedly died at the rally as well.
Shooting just happened at The Trump rally pic.twitter.com/Xs1dVL1H3T
— Acyn (@Acyn) July 13, 2024
CNN’s original headlines said the Secret Service “rushes Trump off stage after he falls at rally.”
MSNBC and NBC both said Trump was moved offstage after “loud popping noises” were heard.
The Washington Post said Trump was “escorted away after loud noises” at the rally.
People Magazine said there were “loud bangs” at the rally.
USA TODAY said “loud noises startled” the former president and the rally crowd.
Senator March Rubio (R-FL) criticized a post to X from CNN that did not mention loud noises or shots.
“Really? No mention of the attempt to kill him?” Rubio posted on X.
“Another one!” Rubio posted in a separate tweet pointing to a different headline.
Some political commentators criticized the media as well.
“The media is absolutely s***ing the bed,” said Tom Bevan, president of RealClearPolitics.
Many of the media outlets later updated their headlines as more details about the shooting came out.
“Loud noises” is the talking point the press have settled on for their headlines.
The Post, USA Today, the AP.
When they tell you who they are, believe them.
— Bonchie (@bonchieredstate) July 13, 2024
Yes, Washington Post…
GUNFIRE is USUALLY VERY LOUD… https://t.co/0zgDK3cRQl pic.twitter.com/c28MaiARGH
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) July 13, 2024
Really? No mention of the attempt to kill him? pic.twitter.com/fcc5AV0dPn
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) July 13, 2024
Another one! pic.twitter.com/TEV4v4fNBU
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) July 13, 2024
Here's CNN. pic.twitter.com/XnwQcWcqQe
— Stephen L. Miller (@redsteeze) July 13, 2024
Someone tries to assassinate the presumptive GOP candidate for president. And behold, your media:
WaPo: “loud noises”
CNN: “Trump falls”
NBC: “popping noises” pic.twitter.com/xeYRAlWFrM— Rachel Bovard (@rachelbovard) July 13, 2024
Donald Trump Rushed Off Stage After Loud Bangs at Rally: Live Updates https://t.co/88UMMoRWWo
— People (@people) July 13, 2024
Really? No mention of the attempt to kill him? pic.twitter.com/fcc5AV0dPn
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) July 13, 2024
