Former President Donald Trump was abruptly removed from the stage during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, following reports of possible gunfire that resulted in the deaths of at least two people.
According to ABC News, the alleged shooter and a bystander were killed during the incident, and an FBI investigation is ongoing.
The Secret Service has confirmed Trump’s safety, and his campaign stated that he is currently undergoing evaluation at a local hospital.
Witnesses, including reporters, heard what sounded like multiple shots, prompting the Secret Service to swiftly secure the stage. Footage shows Trump initially touching his ear before crouching to the ground, with some blood visible on his face.
Trump was escorted away in a motorcade, raising his fist as he entered the SUV.
“Secret Service has implemented protective measures and the former President is safe,” a spokesperson for the Secret Service told CBS News.
“This is now an active Secret Service investigation, and further information will be released when available.”
This is the moment former President Donald Trump was shot in side of the head at a rally in a horrifying assassination attempt #DonaldTrump #FYP #thebackcover #backcovernews pic.twitter.com/LsqXybZkm8
— The Back Cover (@backcovernews) July 13, 2024
The Trump campaign released a statement: “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 White House spokesperson noted that President Biden “has received an initial briefing on the incident.”
Donald Trump Jr. shared a photo of the scene on Twitter, stating, “He’ll never stop fighting to Save America.”
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, a potential candidate for Trump’s running mate, posted on social media, “Please join Kathryn and me in praying for President Trump, his family and everyone attending the rally today.”
President Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama were among leaders condemning the violent attack.
“I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania. 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. 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,” President Biden said in a statement.
I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania.
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.
Jill and I are grateful to the Secret…
— President Biden (@POTUS) July 13, 2024
“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 President Obama said.
“Violence has no place in America, especially in our political process. Hillary and I are thankful that President Trump is safe, heartbroken for all those affected by the attack at today’s rally in Pennsylvania, and grateful for the swift action of the U.S. Secret Service,” former President Bill Clinton said.
