Ex-MSNBC Host Downplays Trump Assassination Attempt: He ‘Supposedly’ Got Shot In The Ear

During a conversation on CNN on Thursday night, former MSNBC host Touré appeared to make the incredible suggestion that President Donald Trump had not really been shot in the ear during an assassination attempt on July 13, 2024, at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The attempted assassin, Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, was killed by law enforcement at the rally; fire captain Corey Comperatore was fatally shot when he dived on members of his family to protect them.

The discussion on CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip featured Touré, Scott Jennings, Adrienne Elrod, Ben Ferguson, and Elie Honig. It centered on the White House report that President Trump had swelling in his legs, a benign condition.

“Throughout the time that we have seen him on the public stages, this is not the most intelligent person we have,” Touré insisted. “This is not the best analysis of information. He does not have a lot of information at his fingertips as far as things that he knows. So, if there is a cognitive problem…”

“They have not always been forthcoming about his health,” Elrod declared.

“He supposedly got shot in the ear,” Touré stated.

“Woah, woah, woah. Did you say ‘supposedly’?” Jennings said, shocked.

“Supposedly, that’s where we are now?” Ferguson chimed in.

“All I know is l went to the Republican National Convention and he had a bandage on his ear. He had blood on his face,” Jennings said, later turning to Touré and asking, “Did he — did he get shot or not? You’re saying you think he didn’t get shot?”

“Scott, I know that you want to revisit this issue,” Phillips interjected.

“I think it’s an important question. Are there still people that are truthers on this?” Jennings persisted.

“Touré, did he get shot? “ Phillips queried.

“I wasn’t there,” Touré backtracked. “I don’t know. I don’t know. I would like to hear from his doctor. “

UNHINGED: Touré on CNN last night: President Trump "supposedly got shot in the ear."@ScottJenningsKY: "Woah, woah, woah. Did you say 'supposedly'?"@benfergusonshow: "Supposedly, that's where we are now."

Abby Phillip: "Touré, he was shot in the ear."

This is where the… pic.twitter.com/0aSOeVPtg4

— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) July 18, 2025