State Police to increase presence in Mass. after Trump rally shooting

Massachusetts State Police said it will immediately increase presence in “highly trafficked” areas of the Commonwealth after a shooting at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. 

“There is no known connection or direct threat to Massachusetts at this time,” the agency said in a statement released Sunday.

Governor Maura Healey has been briefed on the situation and State Police says they will “continue to provide situational updates” to the Governor and the Executive Office of Public Safety. 

The shooting is under investigation as an assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump, the FBI said. Trump sustained a minor injury to his right ear and plans to appear at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on July 15th. A former fire chief attending the rally was also killed.

FBI identified the gunman as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, from Bethel, Pennsylvania. He died at the scene. 

“Political violence has no place in this country, and all Americans must condemn it,” Governor Healey said in a statement published to X after the shooting.

Political violence has no place in this country, and all Americans must condemn it.

I’m grateful for the swift response from law enforcement. I’m relieved the former President appears to be safe and my thoughts are with all who were at today’s rally.

— Maura Healey (@MassGovernor) July 13, 2024

State Police urges anyone who sees any suspicious behavior or activity to report it by calling MSP Fusion Center at 1-508-820-2233 or email [email protected].