Donald Trump was hurriedly escorted off stage covered in blood after gunshots rang out at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.
As the shots were fired, Trump visibly winced and placed a hand to his right ear, with blood evident on his cheek and mouth.
Security agents swiftly surrounded the Republican candidate, guiding him off the stage while Trump defiantly raised a fist to the crowd.
The startling incident is likely to heighten concerns in a country already tense about potential unrest and political tensions leading up to the upcoming November election battle between Trump and President Joe Biden.
“The former president is safe,” stated the Secret Service in a post on X.
His campaign assured the public that he was “fine” and undergoing medical evaluation at a local facility.
“President Trump appreciates the swift action of law enforcement and first responders during this appalling incident. He is safe and is currently being evaluated at a nearby medical facility. Further details will be provided,” said spokesman Steven Cheung in a statement.
The suspected shooter, along with one bystander, was reported dead according to US media.
“Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger confirmed that two individuals, including an apparent shooter, have died,” reported The Washington Post. There are indications that a second bystander may have also been injured.
The shooting incident occurred shortly after Trump began speaking at his final campaign rally before the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee next week.
Chaos ensued at the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, with shots heard, screams, and shouts filling the air.
“I need to get my shoes,” Trump could be heard saying on the microphone as security personnel assisted him back onto his feet.
Agents quickly escorted the 78-year-old businessman into an SUV, where he once again lifted his fist to acknowledge the crowd.
“This area is now an active crime scene,” informed Secret Service officers, urging reporters to vacate the vicinity.
“I saw several people falling down, looking bewildered. I heard the shots,” recounted John Yeykal from Franklin, Pennsylvania, attending his first Trump rally.
President Biden was briefed on the situation by the Secret Service Director and the Secretary of Homeland Security, the White House confirmed.
US lawmakers reacted with shock to the incident.
“I am horrified by what occurred at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania and relieved that former President Trump is safe,” expressed Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. “Political violence has no place in our country.”
Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell added, “Tonight, all Americans are grateful that President Trump appears to be unharmed after a reprehensible attack at a peaceful rally. Violence has no role in our politics.”
Billionaire Elon Musk swiftly expressed his support for Trump.
“I fully endorse President Trump and wish him a speedy recovery,” Musk posted on X, which he owns along with Tesla, while sharing a video of Trump raising his fist as he was escorted away.
