Viral Image of Smiling Secret Service Agents Escorting Trump is EDITED

On July 13, 2024, during a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, potential gunshots were heard, prompting the Secret Service to swiftly secure the stage. Reporters noted several shots, and Former President Donald Trump was escorted away in a motorcade after touching his ear and crouching down. The FBI identified the shooter as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, armed with an AR-style rifle approximately 400 feet from the stage (Source: CBS). Amidst this alarming event that captured global attention, a viral image emerged, showing Trump's Secret Service agents smiling next to him while escorting him out of the scene.

Social Media Posts

We found the mentioned picture rapidly spreading across various online platforms, including Threads and X (Twitter). This image circulated widely, drawing significant attention and sparking debates about its authenticity.

Source | Archive

Source | Archive

As the image has been widely shared, garnering significant attention from the online community, we decided to conduct a fact-check on this matter.

Fact Check

After conducting an investigation, we utilized the Reverse Image Search feature to trace the picture's origin. This led us to the original photo taken by AP photojournalist Evan Vucci, which does not depict the agents smiling as seen in the viral version on social media

The image was published in the news report by AP on July 14th, which can be read HERE.

Evan Vucci reported that he was directly in front of the stage during the rally when he heard several pops, recognizing them as gunfire. He observed Trump walking down the ramp, fist-pumping and waving, with blood on his face. The agents escorted Trump into an SUV, where he continued to pump his fist. Vucci emphasized the importance of documenting such a significant moment in American history. (Source)

Trump and Biden Aftermath Updates

On July 13, 2024, Former President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania, where a bullet grazed his ear. The attack resulted in the death of a spectator, Corey Comperatore, and serious injuries to two others. The gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was killed by the Secret Service. Trump expressed gratitude for his survival and emphasized the need for national unity in his upcoming speech at the Republican National Convention. President Biden condemned the violence and called for a reduction in political tensions.

The incident, involving a legally purchased semiautomatic weapon, has heightened national alert. Republicans have attributed the violence to Democratic rhetoric.(Source: BBC, CNBC)

Conclusion

The viral image circulating on social media, which purportedly shows Secret Service agents smiling while escorting Donald Trump after the shooting incident, is misleading. Our investigation, using Reverse Image Search, traced the original photo to AP photojournalist Evan Vucci, which does not show the agents smiling.