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The ripple effects of the Trump assassination attempt on Massachusetts
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As extreme heat descends (again) on much of the East Coast, President Biden is calling on Americans to “lower the temperature in our politics.” Following the assassination attempt Saturday on former president and Republican nominee Donald Trump, Biden spoke to the nation from the Oval Office last night, calling for unity and condemning the recent increase in tolerance for political violence.
“We’re neighbors or friends, coworkers, citizens,” Biden said. “Most importantly we are fellow Americans. We must stand together.”
Here’s what we know so far about the shooting, if you’re just catching up. (NPR has a video and photos of the moments in which it all unfolded.)
- The FBI identified the gunman as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. It’s believed he acted alone; no motive has been established. (Crooks was a registered Republican, but also once gave $15 to a Democrat-aligned group.) He was quickly shot and killed by Secret Service.
- The shooting killed 50-year-old rally attendee Corey Comperatore, a father, engineer and volunteer firefighter. Officials say he dove to shield his wife and daughters when the shooting began. Two other rally-goers were also shot, but are now in stable condition. Trump says one of Crook’s bullets “pierced the upper part of [his] right ear,” but has since been checked by doctors and is “fine.”
- What’s next: An AP analysis shows Crooks was able to get astonishingly close to the stage. The Secret Service is now investigating how that was allowed to happen.
Meanwhile in Massachusetts: State police are increasing patrols along highly trafficked areas in response to the attempted assassination. While there is no direct threat to the state at this time, police say the patrols are “out of an abundance of caution.”
- Gov. Maura Healey called for all Americans to condemn political violence in response to the shooting. Read more reactions from Massachusetts’ top elected officials here.
- Members of the MassGOP are in Milwaukee for the Republican National Convention, which will begin as scheduled today. In the aftermath of the shooting, MassGOP Chair Amy Carnevale told WBUR’s Dan Guzman the convention will have an expanded security perimeter, along with some new speakers and agenda changes. However, she says it will otherwise proceed “basically as planned” (including Trump’s speech, which is still set for Thursday). “We’re here to do a job, and that’s to nominate our Republican nominee for president, Donald Trump,” Carnevale said.
In local news: What could be the third heat wave of the summer for many parts of New England begins today. A heat advisory takes effect at 8 a.m. across Eastern and Central Massachusetts, except for the Cape and Islands. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has also declared a heat emergency today through Wednesday, which means the city will open over a dozen cooling centers for all residents.
- How hot will it get? The NWS says we’re looking at mid-to-high 90s in Boston, with a head index of up to 100. It could even feel like 105 degrees Wednesday in some parts of the state.
Reminder: Shuttles are replacing Red Line service at Alewife and Kendall/MIT this morning. The diversion will continue for the next two weeks — and extend to Park Street on weeknights and weekends.
- Cambridge and Somerville commuters, click here for more info on how to get around the partial closure. Bluebikes is also offering up to five free rides during the closure. Just use the code “MBTAREDJULY” in their mobile app.
PSA: Today is the deadline for residents affected by last September’s severe flooding to apply for federal help. FEMA says its “disaster recovery center” at Leominster City Hall will close tonight at 6 p.m.
- Individuals and business owners in Bristol and Worcester counties can also use FEMA’s website, app or helpline to apply for federal loans and grants for losses not covered by insurance.
Closing time: Stop & Shop announced Friday it plans to close 32 grocery stores this year, including eight in Massachusetts. You can read the list of locations slated to close here. It’s part of a previously announced plan by the company to “optimize the store portfolio.”
P.S.— You may have seen chef Jon Kung’s popular TikToks, but tonight you can see him in person at CitySpace. Darryl C. Murphy will host a conversation with Kung about his “third-culture” food journey and his new Chinese-American cookbook. Get tickets here.
