Nearly a week ago, a tragic incident occurred at a rally for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. Gunfire erupted, resulting in injuries to former President Trump, the unfortunate death of attendee Corey Comperatore, and severe injuries to two others.
Since the incident at Donald Trump’s rally where he was targeted, public images show him appearing largely unscathed and in good spirits. However, details from the campaign have been sparse regarding Trump’s medical condition, the care he received, and the ongoing monitoring by his medical team.
A comprehensive public evaluation of Trump’s injuries is crucial, both for his health and to provide transparency to voters about the potential future president’s recovery. Gunshot wounds near the head can result in unseen complications such as brain bleeding, inner ear damage, or psychological effects, which require thorough assessment. Drawing from my experience as a trauma neurosurgeon, I’ve witnessed how diligent evaluation post-injury can offer a clear prognosis and aid in a swift recovery.
The initial hour
The first official update on Trump’s health from his campaign arrived approximately 40 minutes after the shooting incident. It stated that Trump was reported as ‘fine’ and was undergoing evaluation at a local medical facility, with assurances that more information would follow.
About two hours later, Trump himself posted on Truth Social, revealing, ‘I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I immediately sensed something was wrong upon hearing a whizzing sound and feeling the bullet tear through my skin.’
During his address at the Republican National Convention later that week, Trump recounted the moment of the shooting without providing additional details about his condition or treatment. Most of the public’s understanding of his injury stems from visual media and secondhand reports.
According to a source familiar with the situation speaking to CNN on Sunday, Trump underwent a series of ‘routine’ tests at the hospital, including a CT scan that yielded normal results.
Despite repeated attempts by CNN to obtain further information from the Trump campaign and Butler Memorial Hospital, details regarding Trump’s condition and ongoing care remain limited. CNN continues to seek comment from the Trump campaign as of Thursday.
Insights into Trump’s Injury
Following the gunfire on Saturday, Trump reacted by raising his right hand to his ear and face. Despite visible blood, he remained conscious and responsive, voluntarily lowering himself to the ground before quickly rising to his feet within moments, with the support of US Secret Service agents surrounding him. Shortly after, he stood, raised his right arm, and actively engaged with the audience, encouraging them to ‘Fight!’ while pumping his fist in the air. These actions, viewed from a medical perspective, indicate positive signs of his condition, suggesting he was not severely injured.
US Rep. Ronny Jackson, Trump’s former White House physician, shared in an interview on Monday’s ‘The Benny Show’ podcast that he personally assessed and bandaged the wound to Trump’s ear. He clarified that the bullet, which did not cause a concussive effect due to its distance from Trump’s head, grazed the top of his ear, resulting in significant bleeding.
After the incident, Trump was swiftly transported to nearby Butler Memorial Hospital. Dr. David Rottinghaus, an emergency room physician at the hospital, confirmed that they had coordinated with the Secret Service ahead of the rally. While Rottinghaus did not treat Trump directly and refrained from commenting on his specific treatment or condition, he highlighted the hospital’s preparedness for such emergencies.
‘We do prepare for incidents like this. We’ve had advanced visits and coordinated plans with the Secret Service and law enforcement in anticipation of potential crises,’ Rottinghaus told CNN. These preparations included reserving an ER bed, deploying clinical teams at the rally venue to handle minor medical issues on-site, and ensuring the hospital was not overwhelmed during any crisis.
When the unexpected occurred, Rottinghaus stated that Butler Memorial Hospital swiftly implemented its emergency plan, securing the facility and redirecting patients to other healthcare providers.
Details surrounding Trump’s medical evaluation remain unclear, including the timing of his CT scan and other tests, the interpretation of these scans, and whether specific examination of his brain was conducted.
In a Monday interview, Jackson reassured that Trump’s wound was dressed and anticipated to heal naturally without further intervention. He expressed confidence in Trump’s recovery, stating, ‘It’s going to heal and granulate on its own.’
Later in the week, Eric Trump mentioned in an interview with CBS News that his father did not require stitches but sustained a significant flesh wound. Despite the injury, Trump has been actively participating in the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, delivering speeches with a visible bandage on his ear while engaging with attendees.
What remains uncertain
All indications suggest a positive outlook. Yet, there’s a notable absence of detailed information regarding the precise diagnosis and treatment of what could have been a severe injury. While the focus has centered on his ear and the right side of his head, potential additional injuries cannot be ruled out. There remains uncertainty about whether he was hit by a direct projectile from the rifle, a secondary projectile, or a combination thereof. Such distinctions often require thorough assessment to ascertain.
The weapon used by the shooter was identified as an AR-15-style firearm, known for its significant kinetic energy. In my surgical experience, I’ve seen the kind of trauma such weapons can inflict, especially in proximity to the head, where they can cause unseen injuries.
These may include fractures to the delicate skull bones, epidural hematomas (bleeding between the skull and brain), and damage to the inner ear bones, potentially leading to hearing loss, vertigo, or dizziness. While a CT scan is typically used to detect such injuries, they may not always be immediately apparent, necessitating close monitoring and possibly repeat scans during hospital observation.
Dr. Kenji Inaba, a trauma surgeon from the Keck School of Medicine, underscores the delayed onset of psychological impacts following such traumatic events. He emphasizes the importance of ongoing vigilance in recognizing and addressing these issues.
While most physical symptoms of an injury typically manifest within days, the Trump campaign has not disclosed whether a comprehensive evaluation was conducted initially or if there has been subsequent follow-up.
While presidents and presidential candidates are not obligated to disclose their medical histories, voters have consistently expressed that the health of their leaders is a significant consideration in elections. Access to more information enables informed decision-making for all.
Dr. Rottinghaus, the physician from Butler Memorial, acknowledged that despite thorough preparation, Saturday brought unexpected challenges. Nevertheless, he described the day as successful due to effective communication, clear planning, and readiness to respond promptly.
Amidst a heightened political climate, this collaborative approach and emphasis on communication could serve as a valuable lesson for candidates as they navigate the rigorous demands of the campaign trail.
