Former President Donald Trump was rushed off stage and into a car by security after gunshots were reportedly fired during a rally this evening. Trump was speaking in Butler, Pennsylvania, when loud pops were heard. Trump is seen in footage from C-SPAN grabbing his ear before falling to the ground.
Security quickly rushed the stage to cover the former president, including some in combat gear carrying assault rifles.
“Are we good?” one person shouts.
“Shooter is down,” another responds.
Local news is reporting that one person is believed dead, according to the Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger. The person was not identified nor was a manner of death.
After a minute Trump stood up and was escorted away from the stage and into his motorcade. Photos from the scene show him with blood on his face, apparently bleeding from the ear. Trump was speaking at an outdoor rally when the incident occurred. Trump was taken to a medical facility to be treated.
The shooting took place at approximately 6:15 p.m. Eastern Time. Posting to social media hours later, Trump said that a bullet had pierced his ear and that “much bleeding took place.” He thanked law enforcement and the United States Secret Service for their response. “President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act. He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility,” Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement on X. More details will follow.”
The United States Secret Service said on X that it “implemented protective measures and the former President is safe.” In a followup statement, USSS said that a suspected shooter “fired multiple shots from an elevated position outside of the rally venue. United States Secret Service personnel neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased.” The Secret Service is investigating the incident alongside the Federal Bureau of Investigations.
As of this update at 9:11 p.m. Eastern Time, the identities of the deceased, including the shooter, have not been released.
President Joe Biden released a statement saying that he had been briefed on the situation and Trump’s condition.
“There’s no place in America for this kind of violence. It’s sick,” Biden said during a live press conference. He added that he intends to try to reach Trump by phone and speak with him.
This is a developing story.
Update: 7/13/2024: This story has been updated with newer comments from the United States Secret Service and President Joe Biden.
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