Former President Donald Trump was rushed off the stage at a campaign rally in Butler, Pa., north of Pittsburgh, Saturday after shots rang out.
On video, it appeared Trump had blood on his ear, but officials say he is okay. Area law enforcement and the Secret Service say the incident is being investigated as an assassination attempt.
"An incident occurred the evening of July 13 at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania. 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." Secret Service Spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi tweeted at 6:47 p.m.
In video from the event, scheduled ahead of this week's Republican National Convention, Trump is speaking when popping noises, would could have been shrill shots, are heard. Trump briefly grabbed his right ear, then crouched down on his own power as a few more popping sounds ring out. Secret Service agents covered him as armed guards secured the stage.
He got up under his own power, with blood clear on his ear and right cheek. He clenched his fist to the crowd and mouthed, "Fight," before being led off the stage.
The video is available here: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/secret-service-rushes-trump-stage-shots-fired-pennsylvania-rally-rcna161735
According to national media members on the scene, Trump was just a few minutes into his rally speech when the incident happened. He was rushed into his motorcade and taken from the scene. Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung said, "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."
A local district attorney in the area of the Butler event confirmed the shooter and one rally attendee were killed and two others were injured. There is no information yet about the shooter, other than they were outside the perimeter of the outdoor rally venue, on the rooftop of an adjacent building, therefore not subject to the security measures of the venue.
There was a buzz around the Butler event, as Trump was expected to announce, or at least hint at, his 2024 presidential running mate.
From Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt released the following statement after a violent incident at President Donald Trump’s campaign rally in Pennsylvania:
“My prayers are with President Trump and those in attendance at the rally— and we should all feel so thankful for the swift response by the Secret Service and law enforcement. While details are still coming in, we can’t tolerate attempts to thwart democracy with political violence. Period.”
From the Oklahoma State Attorney General Genter Drummond:
“The bullets of madmen have altered the course of American history many times, but not today. Thank God President Trump is safe. Amid reports of multiple injuries and possible fatalities at this horrific shooting, every American must reject political violence and resolve to settle our policy differences at the ballot box. The future of our Republic depends on it.”
Oklahoma Senate Pro Tem Senator Greg Treat released the following statement:
“My prayers are with President Trump and hope for a speedy recovery after being shot at this afternoon during his rally. This is an act of senseless violence that should never be tolerated. The Secret Service, law enforcement and first responders are all owed a special debt of gratitude for their quick response, as we continue to get more details on this heartbreaking incident.”
Minutes after issuing a statement regarding the shooting, President Joe Biden addressed the public from Rehoboth Beach, Del., where he's spending the weekend.
"I have tried to get ahold of Donald through his doctors, apparently he's doing well," Biden said. "There's no place in this country for this kind of violence; it's sick. It's one of the reasons we have to work to unite this country. We can't allow for this to happen, or condone this. I want to thank the Secret Service and the state agencies. The idea that there's political violence like this is unheard of and inappropriate."
Released on X (formerly Twitter) the Secret Service posted:
"the shooter, who is now deceased. U.S. Secret Service quickly responded with protective measures and Former President Trump is safe. One spectator was killed, and two were critically injured. This incident is currently under investigation..."
