Donald Trump appears to have survived an assassination attempt.
During a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday, the former US president, who is the Republican candidate for the same office in the 2024 general election, was removed from the stage by Secret Service agents after several bangs were heard in the crowd.
Shortly afterward, Trump grabs his ear and hides behind a podium.
When he comes out, there is blood all over Trump’s face and someone is heard saying that “the shooter is down.”
BREAKING NEWS: Shots fired at Trump rally image.twitter.com/Db72Yru2Qo
— FJ Newman (@fj_newman) July 13, 2024
Trump was then taken to a vehicle and evacuated from the scene, but not before shaking his fists several times while looking defiant.
“That’s fine,” a campaign spokesman says now.
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and emergency services for their swift response during this heinous act. He is doing well and is being examined at a local medical facility. More details will be released soon.”
A reporter who was at the scene, speaking on behalf of journalists who were not there, said this afternoon:
“Secret Service immediately went to cover President Trump. Pool heard residual explosions afterward. Agents grabbed Trump, who was seen pumping his fists in the air.”
According to the White House, President Joe Biden has received an initial briefing about the apparent shooting.
As information continues to come in, Anthony Guglielmi, head of communications for the U.S. Secret Service, has posted this message:
An incident occurred at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania on the evening of July 13. The Secret Service has put in place protective measures and the former president is safe.
This is now an active Secret Service investigation and more information will be released when it becomes available..
Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are on the way to assist with Trump’s Pennsylvania rally, according to a spokesperson.
The extent of Trump’s injuries is not yet known, though the former commander-in-chief is being evaluated at a regional hospital.
“Let us pray for Donald J. Trump,” said South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, one of many politicians who posted on social media in the wake of the near-tragedy.
“Let us pray for the United States of America. He is the toughest man I have ever met. No one has been through what he has been through. May justice be done swiftly against his evil attacker.”
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, considered a possible choice for Trump’s running mate, added:
“Please join Kathryn and me in praying for President Trump, his family, and everyone attending today’s rally.”
There is no information on who the shooter may have been or whether any arrests have been made.
We will update this post when there is more news…
UPDATE: The Washington Post reports that one audience member was killed and the shooter is dead.
UPDATE: TMZ reports that Trump was hit by a piece of glass from his teleprompter that was hit by a bullet.
UPDATE: President Biden has issued this 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. I am praying for him and his family and everyone who was at the rally as we await further information.
“Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for bringing him to safety. There is no place for this type of violence in America. We must come together as one nation to condemn it.”