Former President Donald Trump was injured by a bullet during an assassination attempt at his rally in Pennsylvania earlier this month. FBI director Christopher Wray testified that there was still uncertainty about what grazed Trump’s right ear during the incident. The FBI later confirmed that Trump was struck by a bullet from the deceased subject’s rifle. Republican Rep. Ronny Jackson, who previously served as Trump’s physician, stated that Trump was hit by a bullet in his right ear and has reviewed his medical records, confirming that it was a gunshot wound.
In response to Wray’s comments about the incident, Trump criticized the FBI director, stating that he no longer had confidence in the agency and calling for Wray to resign. Trump insisted that the injury was caused by a bullet, contrary to Wray’s suggestion of shrapnel or a bullet graze. The FBI maintained that the shooting was an attempted assassination of Trump and a shooting reconstruction team is examining evidence from the scene, including bullet fragments. Jackson suggested that Congress should correct the hearing record based on the hospital’s confirmation of Trump’s gunshot wound.
Jackson, who has served as physician to several presidents, including Trump and Obama, has faced controversy and demotion by the Navy for inappropriate conduct during his time in the White House Medical Unit. The Pentagon’s investigation found that Jackson had engaged in bullying and reckless behavior, leading to his demotion from rear admiral to captain. Despite these issues, Jackson continued to monitor Trump’s health following the assassination attempt and stated that Trump was recovering rapidly from his gunshot wound. Jackson was elected to Congress in 2020 and represents Texas’ 13th Congressional District.
Trump had appointed Jackson as chief medical adviser and assistant to the president in 2019 but withdrew his nomination to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs in 2018 due to misconduct allegations. Jackson’s involvement in the current controversy surrounding Trump’s injury has added another layer to his already controversial history. The FBI’s confirmation that Trump was hit by a bullet provides further clarity on the incident, which left one rally-goer dead and several others injured. The investigation into the assassination attempt is ongoing, with the FBI continuing to gather evidence from the scene.
