Trump Safe After Shooting Incident at Pennsylvania Rally
Former President Donald Trump’s campaign announced that he is “fine” following a shooting at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. According to local authorities, the suspected gunman and at least one attendee have been confirmed dead.
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act,” spokesman Steven Cheung stated. “He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow.”
The Secret Service affirmed that “the former President is safe.”
Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger reported that the suspected gunman was dead, along with at least one rally attendee.
The incident occurred as Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, was showcasing a chart of border crossing numbers during his final rally before the Republican National Convention. Suddenly, gunfire erupted, prompting Trump to grab his ear and crouch down.
Nearby, someone shouted, “Get down, get down, get down!” as agents tackled Trump. He was seen reaching for his face, which appeared to have blood on it. Agents quickly surrounded him, and he ducked behind the riser. Despite the ongoing bangs, Trump got back up, prompting cheers from the crowd as he pumped his fist.
Trump’s motorcade swiftly departed the venue. His condition was not immediately known.
Authorities began clearing the fairgrounds shortly after Trump left, declaring it a crime scene.
President Joe Biden was briefed on the incident by top officials, including Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and White House homeland security adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall.
Donald Trump Jr. posted a photo on X of his father, his face bloodied but his fist raised, captioned: “He’ll never stop fighting to Save America.”
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, and Ohio Sen. JD Vance, all on Trump’s shortlist for vice president, quickly issued statements expressing concern. Rubio shared an image of Trump being escorted off stage with the caption “God protected President Trump.”
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro condemned the violence in a statement on X, saying, “Violence targeted at any political party or political leader is absolutely unacceptable. It has no place in Pennsylvania or the United States.”