Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was whisked off the stage at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania overnight Sunday after apparent gunshots rang through the crowd. Trump was safe after the incident, according to the U.S. Secret Service. The person who opened fire and another attendee at the rally were killed, the Butler County District attorney said.
In a tweet posted on social media X, a couple of hours later, Donald Trump said he was injured by a bullet that 'pierced' the top of his ear. He thanked 'The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania.'
'I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear,' he said. 'I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!'
Trump was showing off a chart of border crossing numbers when bangs started ringing through the crowd. Trump could be seen reaching with his right hand toward his neck. There appeared to be blood on his face.
He quickly ducked behind the riser as agents from his protective detail rushed the stage and screams rang out from the crowd. The bangs continued as agents tended to him on stage.
The crowd cheered as he got back up and pumped his fist. His motorcade has left the venue.
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Donald Trump whisked off stage in Pennsylvania after apparent gunshots rang through the crowd
Trump spokesman Steven Cheung said that the former president was “fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility.” He added that Trump “thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act.”
Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement that Trump “is safe” after “an incident occurred” at his rally in Pennsylvania. He did not provide further details.
Police began vacating the fairgrounds shortly after Trump left the stage. The Butler County district attorney said that one person was believed to be dead, a reporter with ABC affiliate WTAE said on X. There was no information about the shooter.
The U.S. Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies did not immediately respond to messages.
U.S. President Joe Biden said at first he was not briefed on the reported shooting, speaking to reporters as he walked out of church in Rehoboth, Delaware.
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Donald Trump whisked off stage in Pennsylvania after apparent gunshots rang through the crowd
Later on, Biden called for an end to political violence, saying in televised remarks that the former president appeared to be doing well.
"There's no place in America for this kind of violence. It's sick," Biden said, adding that he has been thoroughly briefed on the matter and planned to talk to Trump. "Everybody must condemn it."
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he was "horrified" by the incident, but was "relieved" to learn Trump was safe. "Political violence has no place in the United States," he said.
U.S. House Majority Leader Mike Johnson said on X he was "Praying for President Trump."
U.S. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell wrote: "Grateful Trump appears to be fine, violence has no place in U.S. politics."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he and his wife Sara were "shocked" by the "apparent attack" on the former U.S. leader. "Sara and I were shocked by the apparent attack on President Trump. We pray for his safety and speedy recovery," he posted to X.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted a message of support for the U.S. presidential hopeful on social media shortly after the attack, reading, "God Bless Trump ❤️."