Trump rally shooting: ‘Gunman and audience member dead’ – as former president injured and rushed off stage
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Two people have reportedly died after gunshots were fired at a Donald Trump rally in Pennsylvania – with the injured former president rushed off stage by armed security.
Butler County District attorney told the Associated Press (AP) that a gunman was dead and that a rally attendee had also been killed. One person is also reportedly in critical condition.
Video posted online appears to show police officers dragging a person covered in blood from the crowd – though it is not clear their condition or who they are in relation to the shooting.
Trump shooting latest: Bloodied Trump shouts ‘fight’ as he’s rushed off stage
The incident unfolded as Trump was giving a speech at the rally in Pennsylvania. Suddenly, he appeared to fall to the ground clutching his ear.
He was quickly surrounded by armed security and stayed down for around a minute. Screams from the audience rang out as the scene unfolded.
Pic: AP
Trump then rose to his feet, pumped his fist in the air, and shouted “fight”, before being whisked off stage and into a vehicle.
He was quickly driven away from the scene. Video appeared to show blood coming from his ear as he left the stage.
The US Secret Service said Trump was now “safe” and that it had implemented protective measures around him.
It also said that an investigation had been launched – but gave no further details.
“This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available,” Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said in a post on X.
Pic: AP
Trump’s campaign said he was “fine” following the incident.
“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.”
Pic: AP
President Joe Biden said in a post on X that he had been briefed on the shooting and called for the nation to “unite” and “condemn it”.
“I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well. I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information.
“Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. There’s no place for this kind of violence in America.”
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Republican senator for Ohio, J.D. Vance, said in a post on the X social media platform: “Everyone join me in praying for our President Trump and everyone at that rally. I hope everyone is ok.”
Pic: AP
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said: “My thoughts and prayers are with former President Trump.
“I am thankful for the decisive law enforcement response. America is a democracy. Political violence of any kind is never acceptable.”
Former president Barack Obama wrote on X: “There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy.
“Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics.
“Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery.”
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Israel’s president, Benjamin Netanyahu, also shared a post on X: “Sara and I were shocked by the apparent attack on President Trump. We pray for his safety and speedy recovery.”
Hungary’s president Viktor Orban wrote: “My thoughts and prayers are with Donald Trump in these dark hours.”
