CNN initially downplays Trump assassination attempt, earning conservative lawmakers' ire

CNN initially reported the Saturday assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump as if the former president had merely fallen off a stage – a characterization that swiftly earned condemnation from conservative lawmakers and those commenting on social media.

"Secret Service rushes Trump off stage after he falls at rally," CNN's headline read shortly after news broke that there was possible gunfire at a Pennsylvania Trump rally. 

The headline angered conservative lawmakers, as well as others on social media, who described the headline as "conscious deception" and "disgraceful." 

"'Falls at rally'? Is this a real headline? This is disgraceful," Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., posted to X on Friday evening. 

"Even in a horrifying moment such as this they just can’t help themselves," Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., posted. 

While addressing the crowd in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday evening, Trump was seen abruptly grabbing his right ear before ducking and he hit the ground on stage. Secret Service personnel quickly surrounded Trump before he was escorted off the stage, with his right ear covered in blood. 

Before he was ushered out, Trump appeared to yell "Fight!" while giving a fist pump to the crowd to indicate he was alright.