Former President Donald Trump was wounded after multiple gunshots rang out at a rally for the former president in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday.
Trump was in the middle of his speech when multiple loud shots were heard and Trump suddenly appeared to reach for his ear.
Secret Service agents immediately swept in to protect Trump, getting him down to the ground before leading him off the stage to safety. Just before he was led away, Trump momentarily stopped the agents so that he could pump his fist to the crowd, earning a roar of cheers from his supporters.
“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,” Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung reportedly said in a statement.
Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Penn., was at the rally and told Fox News that he heard 8-10 shots. He also said that it appeared multiple people were hit.
“Butler county district attorney Richard Goldinger tells me Trump was grazed by gunfire but is safe. An audience member was killed and the shooter is dead. Another person is in serious condition, the prosecutor said,” Washington Post Staff Writer Meryl Kornfield reported.
The Butler County district attorney told the Associated Press (AP) that the shooter and one attendee were killed.
The Secret Service provided further details in a statement.
During former President Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on the evening of July 13th at approximately 6:15 p.m., a suspected shooter fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside of the rally venue. US Secret Service personnel neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased. US Secret Service quickly responded with protective measures and the former president is safe and being evaluated. One spectator was killed, two spectators were critically injured. The incident is currently under investigation and the Secret Service has formally notified the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
President Joe Biden issued a statement about the shooting, condemning political violence and saying “I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well.”
“It’s sick,” Biden told reporters in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. “We cannot allow for this to be happening. We cannot condone this.”
“The idea that there’s political violence or violence in America like this is just unheard of,” Biden told reporters. “It’s just not appropriate. Everyone – everybody – must condemn it. Everybody.”
Only a few days before the apparent shooting, President Joe Biden said during a private call with donors, “I have one job, and that’s to beat Donald Trump. I’m absolutely certain I’m the best person to be able to do that. So, we’re done talking about the debate, it’s time to put Trump in a bullseye.”
This story is breaking and will be updated as more information becomes available.
