One of the two men shot at former President Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania earlier this month has been released from the hospital. Pittsburgh’s Allegheny General Hospital announced that 57-year-old David Dutch, a Marine veteran, was discharged on Wednesday. Dutch had been placed in a medically induced coma after being shot in the chest and liver at the rally.
David Dutch, a resident of New Kensington, was released from Allegheny General Hospital following an 11-day stay. The incident occurred at the Republican presidential nominee’s outdoor rally on July 13 in Butler, PA, where Dutch was struck twice by gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, who opened fire from a nearby rooftop in an assassination attempt on Trump.
The shooting left Dutch critically injured, with bullets hitting his chest and liver. Despite the severity of his injuries, Dutch’s recovery has been remarkable, leading to his discharge from the hospital. Dutch’s resilience and the medical team’s efforts have been widely commended.
In a separate development, the father of Thomas Matthew Crooks spoke publicly for the first time since the assassination attempt. Seen leaving a grocery store in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, on July 22, Crooks’ father expressed the family’s need for privacy during this difficult time. “We just want to try to take care of ourselves right now. Please, just give us our space,” he stated. He also mentioned that the family would release a formal statement once advised by their legal counsel.
Thomas Matthew Crooks was killed by a Secret Service sniper after he began shooting at the rally. Investigators have determined that the AR-15 rifle used in the attack was legally purchased years earlier by Crooks’ father. The family is said to be fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
The rally, intended to bolster support for Trump’s campaign, was marred by the violent incident, raising concerns about security and safety at political events. The assassination attempt has drawn significant media attention and sparked debates on gun control and political violence.
Dutch’s release from the hospital marks a positive turn in a story fraught with tragedy and tension. His return home is a testament to his strength and the care he received. As the investigation continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers faced by public figures and the importance of security measures at large gatherings.
