GoFundMe 'authorized' by Trump for Butler, PA, victims exceeds $6.4m; Elon Musk donates $100k
President Trump authorized a GoFundMe page which has exceeded $6,400,000 in donations so far
Former President Donald Trump's campaign launched a GoFundMe in support of the victims and their families of the Butler, Pennsylvania, rally shooting.
During a campaign event in Butler, about 45 minutes outside of Pittsburgh, a gunman opened fire in an apparent assassination attempt on Trump's life. Several shots rang out, and Trump was shot in the ear. He was quickly covered by Secret Service agents before he was evacuated from the stage.
The FBI identified the shooter as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park.
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is rushed offstage during a rally on July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images / Getty Images)
One rally attendee was killed, and two others were injured. The shooter was shot and killed by the Secret Service. The victims' names have yet to be disclosed.
Trump's campaign revealed the GoFundMe and the link has been shared across social media platforms in an attempt to promote the $1 million goal of contributions.
Lynne Patton, Senior Advisor to Trump, shared the link to her Instagram story the day after the shooting and encouraged social media users to donate.
The page, which was launched by Meredith O’Rourke, Trump's campaign national finance director, reads: "President Donald Trump has authorized this account as a place for donations to the supporters and families wounded or killed in today’s brutal and horrific assassination attempt. All donations will be directed to these proud Americans as they grieve and recover. May God bless and unite our nation."
Elon Musk donated $100,000 on Monday night, the first night of the Republican National Convention.
Other major donors include Sen. Rick Scott of Florida and his wife, Ann, American musician Kid Rock and UFC president each shelled out $50,000. The UFC, Heritage Foundation, American Hartford Gold, Alex Brola, CEO of Credit Glory, and an anonymous donor also contributed $50,000 each.
Former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy donated $30,000 to the cause. Ramaswamy joined Fox News' Martha MacCallum and John Roberts to discuss how fortunate Trump is to be alive following the violence.
A gift of $25,000 was contributed by Happy Dad President, John Shahidi.
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Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is rushed offstage during a rally on July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania. | Getty Images
"I personally believe that God intervened today," he said.
He went on to address Americans and implore them, no matter whom they are voting for, to come together.
"This is unacceptable in the United States of America," he said. He added that in the U.S., Americans are provided the right to free speech and open debate and should exercise their First Amendment rights versus carrying out violent attacks.
Other donors include former GOP candidate, Doug Burgum, and his wife Kathryn, who donated $2,500 to the GoFundMe page.
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Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, donated $10,000 to the cause and Ben Shapiro contributed $15,000.
Donors have left comments attached to their donations expressing condolences, prayers and good wishes to the families and President Trump. As of Sunday, the GoFundMe page had exceeded $6,400,000 in donations.
The FBI continues to investigate the attack and the shooter.