Former President and presumptive Republican candidate Donald Trump was rushed off stage on Saturday after gunshots were heard during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. The authorities are investigating it as an assassination attempt.
According to videos and photos published by different media outlets, Trump dropped to the floor when gunshot sounds were heard. He made a grimace and was holding his face as he protected himself behind his podium.
Trump appeared to have been hit in his right ear and was seen with blood on his face. He raised his fist to the crowd before being escorted by secret service. He was conscious the entire time.
The incident happened in Butler County. The local district attorney, Richard Goldinger, said that "the suspected gunman was dead, and at least one rally attendee was killed" in a phone interview with the Associated Press.
One of them is the alleged shooter, and the other is a person who was attending the rally, the district attorney told the AP.
Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesperson for the Secret Service, confirmed that the former president is safe. "This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available," he added.
Trump released a statement in his social media platform, Truth Social, thanking the "Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting."
"Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the persona at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured. It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country," he added.
The presumptive GOP candidate said that "nothing is known at this time about the shooter" and that one of the bullets "pierced the upper part of my right year." "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's campaign also released a statement shortly after the incident, with spokesman Steven Cheung saying the presumptive GOP nominee is "fine" and that he thanks law enforcement and first respondents for their prompt response. He is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow," the statement added.
The White House said that President Joe Biden has been briefed on the incident, with his campaign also aware and monitoring the situation, according to NBC News.
Trump's oldest son, Donald Trump Jr., posted on X a picture of his father pumping his fist while being rushed off the stage, saying he will "never stop fighting to Save America."
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said, "All Americans are grateful that President Trump appears to be fine after a despicable attack on a peaceful rally." "Violence has no place in our politics. We appreciate the swift work of the Secret Service and other law enforcement."
Shortly after the incident, billionaire Elon Musk announced his "full" endorsement of Trump and said he hopes for his "rapid recovery."
Different Democratic leaders issued statements of their own, condemning violence and wihsing Trump a speedy recovery. "Political violence is unacceptable. I wish Donald Trump and anyone else who may have been hurt a speedy recovery." "My thoughts and prayers are with former President Trump. I am thankful for the decisive law enforcement response. America is a democracy. Political violence of any kind is never acceptable," said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
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