From trained assassins to rally stage-rushers, here's every known attempt on Trump's life since 2016
Since 2016, Donald Trump has been the target of multiple assassination attempts and credible threats, ranging from stage rushers and armed individuals to foreign-backed plots. These incidents have occurred at rallies, private properties, and public events, with some thwarted by the Secret Service and others resulting in violence. The most serious incident took place in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July 2024, when a gunman shot Trump in the ear and killed a bystander. The White House has condemned rising political rhetoric, while officials debate security measures and the influence of extremist language.
- ▪In July 2024, Thomas Matthew Crooks shot Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, killing one attendee before being killed by Secret Service; Trump was grazed in the ear.
- ▪In April 2026, Cole Tomas Allen was apprehended after a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, marking another high-profile attempt on Trump’s life.
- ▪An Iranian-backed plot in 2024 involved Asif Raza Merchant, a trained operative who aimed to assassinate Trump, Joe Biden, and Nikki Haley, but was arrested after dealing with undercover U.S. agents.
- ▪Ryan Wesley Routh was sentenced to life in prison for attempting to assassinate Trump at his West Palm Beach golf course in September 2024 after being found with a rifle.
- ▪Multiple other incidents include a 2016 stage rush in Ohio, a forklift attack attempt in North Dakota, and a Canadian woman mailing ricin-laced letters to Trump in 2020.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Donald Trump From trained assassins to rally stage rushers, here's every known attempt on Trump's life since 2016 The timeline spans from a 2016 rally stage rush in Ohio to the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting By Elaine Mallon Fox News Published April 28, 2026 1:59pm EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Schmitt warns ‘Trump derangement syndrome’ has ‘metastasized’ after WHCA Dinner shooting After the WHCA Dinner shooting, the White House condemned far-left incendiary rhetoric targeting President Donald Trump. Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., discusses legislation to build a secure White House ballroom after multiple assassination attempts on the commander in chief in less than two years.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Fox News.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Fox News
