Donald Trump’s campaign has confirmed that the former president is “fine” after an incident involving apparent gunshots at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The unsettling event unfolded as Trump was addressing a crowd of several thousand people.
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act,” campaign 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 reassured the public that “the former President is safe.”
Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger stated in a phone interview that the suspected gunman was dead and at least one rally attendee was killed.
The incident occurred while Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, was showcasing a chart of border crossing numbers. The crowd was suddenly disrupted by loud bangs, and Trump was seen reaching for his neck, with what appeared to be blood on his face. Agents from his protective detail swiftly rushed the stage as Trump ducked behind the riser, and screams echoed through the crowd.
Despite the chaos, Trump managed to stand back up, pumping his fist, which was met with cheers from the audience.
The police quickly began vacating the fairgrounds, treating it as a crime scene. President Joe Biden was briefed on the situation and received updates from top security officials, including Kimberly Cheatle, Director of the United States Secret Service, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and White House Homeland Security Adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall.
In a show of support, Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., posted a photo on X (formerly Twitter) showing Trump with a raised fist and a bloody face, captioned: “He’ll never stop fighting to Save America.”
Prominent Republican figures, including North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, Florida Senator Marco Rubio, and Ohio Senator JD Vance, who are on Trump’s shortlist for vice president, expressed their concern. Rubio shared an image of Trump being escorted off stage with a streak of blood on his face, accompanied by the words “God protected President Trump.”
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, issued a statement condemning the violence, stating, “Violence targeted at any political party or political leader is absolutely unacceptable. It has no place in Pennsylvania or the United States.” Pennsylvania state police were present at the rally site as part of the security detail.
The situation remains under investigation as the community grapples with the shock of the incident. More information is expected to be released as authorities continue their inquiry into the shooting.
