False Report Circulates on Trump’s Ear Injury After Assassination Attempt
A photo circulating on social media recently claims to show former President Donald Trump with no apparent injury to his right ear, despite reports of an assassination attempt that left him wounded. However, fact-checking reveals that this image, presented as evidence of Trump’s unscathed condition, is misleading and pertains to an event from September 17, 2022. It was taken during a rally for then-U.S. Senate candidate J.D. Vance in Youngstown, Ohio, nearly two years ago. In contrast, Trump appeared at the Republican National Convention with a noteworthy white bandage on his right ear following a shooting at a rally held in Butler, Pennsylvania, over the weekend.
Social media users have amplified the false narrative, posting the older image and misrepresenting the timeline of events. One particularly viral post noted, “The top part of his ear grew back,” while another stated, “This image of Trump was taken today. There is absolutely nothing wrong with his ear,” claiming everything about Trump is "a con or a grift." These posts garnered thousands of likes and shares, illustrating how quickly misinformation can spread online.
The original photograph shows Trump at a rally in 2022, standing behind Vance as he spoke at the podium. The edited versions, however, have cropped out Vance to focus solely on Trump, thus distorting the context of the image. This deceitful usage of an older photo paints an inaccurate picture of Trump’s current condition, leading many to believe he was not injured despite clear evidence from the recent incident.
Following the assailant’s attack, who was identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from suburban Pittsburgh, the former president’s injury was visibly documented. Crooks unleashed a barrage of gunfire from a rooftop during the rally, targeting Trump and ultimately resulting in his own death at the hands of Secret Service personnel. The shooting also claimed the life of Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old fire chief who intervened to protect his family.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is treating the attack as a potential act of domestic terrorism, although the agency has not disclosed a definitive ideological motivation behind the shooting. This has added a layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation, as authorities strive to understand the factors leading to such a severe act of violence against a political figure.
As misinformation continues to proliferate online, organizations like the Associated Press are stepping up their efforts to combat false narratives. By thoroughly fact-checking claims and providing accurate context, they aim to counter misleading information that can misinform the public and hinder an informed dialogue regarding serious issues such as political safety and violence. This ongoing struggle against misinformation underlines the critical need for vigilant media practices and responsible consumption of information by the public.