Former President Donald Trump was hurried from the stage by officials of the Secret Service after what appeared to be gunshots were heard during a rally in Pennsylvania. In the video, Trump can be seen grimacing and putting his palm to his ear before ducking as loud cracks, which appear to be gunfire, begin to sound.
After being soon surrounded by operatives of the secret service, Trump hurriedly exited the stage and made his way to a vehicle that was waiting for him. The Trump team issued a statement in which they stated that the candidate was "fine" and was being "checked out" at a nearby medical facility.
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act,” spokesman Steven Cheung said.
During the process of being escorted off stage and into a vehicle, the former president looked to have blood on his right ear and raised his fist simultaneously. Shortly after that, armed police officers took their place at the podium.
The Secret Service issued a statement in which they confirmed that Trump was safe and noted that precautions had been taken to ensure his safety.
Trump got shot in the side of the head at his rally in Pennsylvania pic.twitter.com/5xtwgRscOr — Hodgetwins (@hodgetwins) July 13, 2024
In addition, they stated that an active investigation was now being conducted and that additional information will be made public as soon as it was available.
While addressing his fans in Butler, Pennsylvania, the Republican candidate for president had been speaking. Butler is a vital swing state in the election that will take place in November.
The sound of multiple bangs could be heard as Trump discussed his replacement, Vice President Joe Biden, and his administration.
As the sounds of what appeared to be bullets were heard, a number of Trump fans who were standing behind him and holding signs ducked.
Jason was one of the witnesses who reported to the BBC that he heard five rounds fired in rapid succession as they went off. “We see the Secret Service jump on Trump to protect him. Everyone in the crowd dropped down very quickly. He shortly thereafter stood up and put his fist up in the air, said a couple of things,” he stated.
In an interview with the BBC, Tim, who was also present at the protest, stated that he had heard a "barrage" of bullets. "There was a spray which we initially thought was a fire hose, and then the speaker on the right hand side started coming down. Something must have hit the hydraulic lines [which caused it to fall]. We saw President Trump go to the ground and everyone started dropping to the ground because it was chaos,” he said.
A first briefing was sent to President Biden, who is now located in Delaware, his home state, according to the White House. Both parties' politicians have voiced their disapproval of what appears to be an attack.
In a statement, the Democratic Governor of Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro, stated that "violence targeted at any political party or political leader is absolutely unacceptable." Mike Pence, who later served as Vice President, stated that he and his wife were praying for Donald Trump. He also invited "every American to join us" in their prayers.
“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,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a statement.
Netizens were also quick to react to the incident. “Donald Trump just won the election with this historic image. Trump is the brave leader the world needs. PROTECT THE PRESIDENT FROM THE EVIL FORCES WHO WILL STOP AT NOTHING TO DEFEAT HIM BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY,” British journalist Dan Wootton wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
“Leftists sided my MSM have facilitated the attempted murder of Donald Trump. They have much to answer for. Fortunately Trump is fine, although bleeding from the head. This will only make him stronger. Pelosi, Boden, Clinton, MSM and many others are firmly to blame,” another X user said.
Steve Guest even shared a quote by President Joe Biden saying, "We’re done talking about the debate, it’s time to put Trump in a bullseye." The X post prompted Angela Jolen to comment, “Charge him for INCITING AN ASSASSINATION attempt!”
“Trying to jail and then kill Trump and just giving him the two hardest pictures of all time is the biggest backfire of all time. He may win all 50 states,” Tommy Smokes stated. “No words. Donald J Trump for President of the United States. This election is now over,” Candance Owens penned.
Business Time reached out to Donald Trump and President Joe Biden for comments.
