BUTLER, Pa. Donald Trump was the apparent target of an assassination attempt during a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday, according to law enforcement officials. The former president, with his ear covered in blood, was swiftly pulled away by Secret Service agents. His campaign later confirmed he was “fine.”
The shooter, who law enforcement officials said was subsequently killed by the Secret Service, marked the first assassination attempt on a president or presidential candidate since Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981. This incident unfolds amid a highly polarized political climate, just four months before the presidential elections and days before Trump is to be officially named the Republican nominee at the party’s convention.
A local prosecutor confirmed that the suspected gunman and at least one attendee are dead.
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act,” spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement. “He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow.”
The Secret Service also issued a statement saying, “the former President is safe.” Donald Trump Jr., Trump’s eldest son, shared that he spoke to his father on the phone and that “he is in great spirits.”
“There’s no place in America for this type of violence,” President Joe Biden remarked. “It’s sick. It’s sick.”
Two officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, informed The Associated Press about the ongoing investigation. They confirmed that the shooter was not an attendee at the rally and was killed by U.S. Secret Service agents.
The officials elaborated that the shooter was engaged by members of the U.S. Secret Service counterassault team and killed. This heavily armed tactical team travels with the president and major party nominees to confront active threats while other agents focus on safeguarding and evacuating the protectee.
It remains unclear whether Trump was struck by gunfire or was injured as he was pulled to the ground by agents.
Butler County district attorney Richard Goldinger confirmed in a phone interview that the suspected gunman was dead and at least one rally attendee was killed.
Rally Disrupted by Gunfire
Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, was showcasing a chart of border crossing numbers during his last rally before the Republican National Convention when the apparent shots began.
Within two minutes from the first shot, Trump was placed in a waiting SUV.
As Trump was speaking, a popping sound was heard, and the former president put his right hand up to his right ear as people in the stands behind him appeared shocked.
As the first pop rang out, Trump said, “Oh,” and grabbed his ear. Two more pops followed, and he crouched down. Additional shots were then heard.
Near the microphone at Trump’s lectern, someone shouted, “Get down, get down, get down, get down!” as agents tackled the former president. They piled atop him to shield him with their bodies, following training protocol, while other agents took positions on stage to search for the threat.
Screams erupted from the crowd of several thousand. A woman’s scream was particularly loud. Subsequently, voices were heard saying “shooter’s down” multiple times before someone asked, “are we good to move?” and “are we clear?” Then, someone ordered, “Let’s move.”
Trump could be heard on video saying twice, “Let me get my shoes, let me get my shoes,” with another voice saying, “I’ve got you, sir.”
Moments later, Trump got to his feet and reached toward his face with his right hand. Blood appeared to be on his face. He then pumped his fist in the air and seemed to mouth the word “Fight” twice, prompting loud cheers and chants of “USA. USA. USA” from the crowd.
The crowd cheered as he got back up and pumped his fist.
His motorcade left the venue shortly afterward. Video showed Trump turning back to the crowd and raising a fist just before being put into a vehicle.
Police began clearing the fairgrounds soon after Trump left the stage, describing the area as a crime scene.
Gary P Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
