Donald Trump appears to have survived an assassination attempt.
At a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday, the former US president – who is a Republican candidate for the same office in the 2024 election – was removed from the stage by agents after several loud bangs were heard in the crowd.
Soon after, Trump grabbed him by the ear and hid behind the podium.
When he appeared, Trump’s face was covered in blood, and someone said, “The gunman is down.”
BREAKING: Shooting at Trump rally pic.twitter.com/Db72Yru2Qo
— FJ Newman (@fj_newman) July 13, 2024
Trump was then taken to a car and removed from the scene, but not before repeatedly pumping his fists and making defiant expressions.
“He’s fine,” a campaign spokesman now says.
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act. He is in good condition and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will be released at a later date.
A pool reporter at the scene, speaking on behalf of reporters who were not at the scene, said:
“The Secret Service immediately went to report President Trump. Residual explosions were then heard in the pool. Agents grabbed Trump and he was seen shaking his fist in the air.
President Joe Biden has received an initial briefing on the apparent shooting, according to the White House.
As the messages continued to come in, U.S. Secret Service communications director Anthony Guglielmi released this news:
On the evening of July 13, an incident occurred at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania. The Secret Service has taken protective measures and the former president is safe.
This is currently under active investigation by the Secret Service and we will release further information as it becomes available.
Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are traveling to Pennsylvania to assist at the Trump rally, according to a spokesman.
At this time, we don’t know the extent of Trump’s injuries, although the former commander-in-chief is being examined at a hospital in the area.
“Praying for Donald J. Trump,” said South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, one of many politicians to post on social media after the near-tragedy.
“Praying for the United States of America. He is the strongest man I have ever met. No one has ever gone through what he went through. May the evil attackers receive speedy justice.
Added North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, who has been considered a possible choice for Trump’s running mate:
“Please join Katherine and me in praying for President Trump, his family, and everyone attending today’s rally.”
It was unclear who the shooter was or whether anyone had been arrested.
We will update this article when further news becomes available…
UPDATE: The Washington Post reports that a spectator was killed and the shooter has died.
UPDATE: TMZ reports that Trump was struck by a piece of glass from a teleprompter, which was struck by a bullet.
UPDATE: President Biden issued the following statement:
“I have been informed of the shooting that occurred at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania. I am glad to hear that he is safe and doing well. While we await further information, my thoughts go out to him and his family and everyone who attended the rally. pray.
“Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. This type of violence will not be tolerated in America. We must unite as a nation to condemn this act.
