The video appeared to show blood on his ear, and armed law enforcement officers were then seen on a roof near the stage where Trump was standing.
(photo credit: REUTERS/BRENDAN MCDERMID)
Multiple shots rang out at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday, with the Republican presidential candidate raising a fist as he was escorted to a vehicle by the US Secret Service, video footage from the event showed.
The shooter at the rally has been neutralized, the US Secret Service confirmed. Additionally, one spectator at the rally was killed, and two other people are in critical condition.
The Secret Service has begun investigating the shooting as an assassination attempt, a source told Reuters.
The video appeared to show blood on his ear, and armed law enforcement officers were then seen on a roof near the stage where Trump was standing.
United States President Joe Biden wrote on X, formally Twitter, that he was briefed about the incident and is grateful Trump is doing well. Biden added that he “is praying for [Trump] and his family and for all those who were at the rally as we await further information.”
“Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it,” Biden concluded.
Trump’s response following the shooting
According to a CNN report, loud bangs were heard before Trump fell.
Agents then helped him stand, and he had blood on his face. He was yelling back to the crowd, raised his fist, and was then evacuated from the scene.
After being evacuated by the Secret Service, Trump posted a statement thanking them, extending his condolences to the family of the person at the rally who was killed, and describing the events that occurred.
“I want to thank The United States Secret Service and all of Law Enforcement for their rapid response to the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania. Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured,” he wrote.
“It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!,” Trump concluded.
Trump safe after shooting incident, investigation underway
After his evacuation, Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung said that the former president was being assessed at a local medical facility.
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act. He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow, Cheung said.
Donald Trump is safe, and protective measures have been implemented around him after an incident at a campaign rally for the former US president on Saturday in Pennsylvania, the US Secret Service said.
“This is now an active Secret Service investigation, and further information will be released when available,” the Secret Service said in a post on X.
Response to the shooting
Following the shooting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded on X, writing, “Sara and I were shocked by the apparent attack on President Trump. We pray for his safety and speedy recovery.”
Furthermore, Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla, said in an X post, “I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery.”
Many US officials have also sent messages of support and prayers, including former US vice president Mike Pence, Leader of the House Democratic Caucus Hakeem Jeffries, Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Governor of Pennsylvania Josh Shapiro.
Former US president Barak Obama reposted on X condemning the shooting, writing, “There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy. Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics. Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery.”
Former US president George W. Bush wrote on X that he is “grateful” Trump is safe following a “cowardly attack on his life.”
As reported by The Jerusalem Post