Former President Donald Trump was addressing supporters at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, as part of his 2024 presidential campaign when gunfire erupted. Witnesses reported hearing several pops that sounded like gunshots, prompting Trump to duck behind the podium. When he stood up, blood was visible on his ear. Secret Service agents swiftly escorted him off the stage and into his motorcade. Despite the chaos, Trump managed to pump his fist as the crowd cheered and chanted “USA! USA!” while he was being guided away.
Biden’s reaction
U.S. President Joe Biden, upon hearing about the incident, was leaving church in Rehoboth, Delaware. Speaking to reporters, Biden mentioned that he had not yet been briefed on the events at the Trump rally.
Biden will address the Nation about the assassination attempt on Trump, and the White House issued the following statement:
Biden: “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.”
The incident comes as Trump and Biden are locked in a tightly contested rematch for the presidency, with polls showing a neck-and-neck race. Biden’s recent debate performance against Trump was widely criticized, leading to calls from some Democrats for him to step down, citing concerns over his age and mental acuity. Despite the criticism, Biden has insisted he will remain in the race.
Former President Donald Trump’s campaign announced that he is “fine” following a shooting incident. According to local authorities, the suspected gunman and at least one attendee have been confirmed dead.