Former President Trump was rushed off the stage by the Secret Service at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, after gunshots rang out, leaving two attendees hurt and the alleged shooter dead.
Former President Donald Trump was rushed off the stage by the Secret Service at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, after gunshots rang out, leaving two attendees injured and the alleged shooter dead.
The gunfire broke out shortly after Trump began speaking at the rally at the Butler Farm Show grounds. The former president had just begun to fire up the crowd when as many as five shots were heard, and he went down, surrounded by Secret Service agents.
Trump Escapes Assassination Attempt at Pennsylvania Rally
As they led him away, with what appeared to be blood on his cheek and his right ear, he raised his arms defiantly.
The frantic scene captured rally-goers racing out after shots rang out. Trump was heard telling his security team, "let me get my shoes," as they brought him to his feet and hustled him off-stage.
Trump Escapes Assassination Attempt at Pennsylvania Rally
The shooter is dead and two other rally-goers are injured, a law enforcement source told Fox News' Jacqui Heinrich.
In a statement, the Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said that they have "implemented protective measures."
Trump Escapes Assassination Attempt at Pennsylvania Rally
"An incident occurred the evening of July 13 at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania," Guglielmi said. "The Secret Service has implemented protective measures and the former President is safe. This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available."
In a statement, Trump's communication director, Steven Cheung, said that the former president "is fine."
Trump Escapes Assassination Attempt at Pennsylvania Rally
"President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act," Cheung said. "He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility."
The incident is still under investigation, and the motive for the shooting is unknown.
Trump Escapes Assassination Attempt at Pennsylvania Rally
Trump has been holding a series of rallies in recent weeks, as he considers a possible run for president in 2024. The rally in Butler was one of several he is scheduled to hold in Pennsylvania.
The shooting comes just over a month after the mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, in which 19 children and two teachers were killed. The Uvalde shooting reignited the debate over gun control in the United States.
Trump Escapes Assassination Attempt at Pennsylvania Rally
The shooting at the Trump rally is a reminder of the dangers that political figures face, especially in the current climate of political division. It is also a reminder of the importance of gun control, and the need to find ways to prevent future tragedies.
