Secret Service agents escorted former president Donald Trump off the stage at his rally in western Pennsylvania on Saturday afternoon after multiple gunshots were fired.
Trump could be seen bleeding from his right ear as he was being led offstage into the safety of the crowd. Trump raised his fist in defiance before Secret Service escorted him away to his motorcade. The shocking interruption occurred less than ten minutes into the rally in Butler, Pa.
Secret Service immediately killed the shooter stationed outside Trump’s rally, Butler County district attorney Richard Goldinger and law-enforcement officials told the Associated Press. An audience member was also killed, and a separate attendee is believed to be in critical condition.
Trump’s campaign said he is “fine” in a statement, adding that he is being checked at a local medical facility.
“An incident occurred the evening of July 13 at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania,” Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said in an official statement. “The Secret Service has implemented protective measures and the former President is safe. This is now an active Secret Service investigation, and further information will be released when available.”
Immediately following the incident, lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle expressed prayers for Trump’s health and the safety of the rally’s attendees.
Several Republican lawmakers, most notably including Trump’s top three choices to be his running mate, made public statements in support of the former president. Trump is reportedly considering Governor Doug Burgum (R., N.D.) and Senators J.D. Vance (R., Ohio) and Marco Rubio (R., Fla.) for the vice-presidential slot on the ticket.
“Praying for President Trump,” House speaker Mike Johnson (R., La.) wrote in a brief social-media post.
House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries (D., N.Y.) and Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) were among the top Hill Democrats to denounce the political violence.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris received an initial briefing about the incident, the White House initially said. Nearly two hours after the shooting, Biden said he was briefed and wished his opponent well.
“I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well. I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information,” the president said. “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.”
The Democratic incumbent first heard the news while walking out of church in Rehoboth Beach, Del., on his vacation. Asked if he’d heard what happened, he reportedly responded with a “no” and returned to his residence.
