The crowd ducked for cover and former President Donald Trump touched his neck and then crouched beneath the podium as shots rang out at the Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania today. There appeared to be blood on his hands as Secret Service rushed to him.
The shots were heard at 6:13 p.m. Trump was bleeding from around his ear as agents escorted him to a motorcade. He put his fist in the air and gave it a pump as blood could be seen splashed across his face. Screams could be heard from the crowd, which numbered in the thousands.
The shocking incident happened just before the Republican National Convention begins on Monday, when he will be formally nominated for president.
Trump had been talking about the increase in illegal aliens crossing the border when the shots were fired to his left. Smoke rose from a section of the bleachers and officials quickly shouted for the people to take cover.
The apparent shot that hit him came millimeters away from blowing off his head. How a weapon got through the security station, were there are metal detectors and hand-screening of bags, is unclear.
Update: Eye-witnesses said the shots came from a man with a rifle on a nearby roof. He was shot and killed by Secret Service.
Steven Cheung, a Trump spokesman, said is “fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility.” Cheung said the former president was thankful to law enforcement and first responders for their quick action.
After he left the podium, officials in camouflage clothing escorted someone from the bleachers and cordoned the area with crime-scene tape. Blood was seen on the bleachers.
President Joe Biden said he had not been briefed, but the Secret Service put out a statement:
“An incident occurred the evening of July 13 at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania. The Secret Service has implemented protective measures and the former President is safe. This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available.”
An updated statement was issued by the Secret Service: “During former President Trump’s campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on the evening of July 13th at approximately 6:15 p.m., a suspected shooter fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside of the rally venue. US Secret Service personnel neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased. US Secret Service quickly responded with protective measures and the former president is safe and being evaluated. One spectator was killed, two spectators were critically injured. The incident is currently under investigation and the Secret Service has formally notified the Federal Bureau of investigation.”
Later, the White House put out a statement: “I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania. 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. We must unite as one nation to condemn it.
USA Today wrote, “Trump removed from stage by Secret Service after loud noises startles former president, crowd.”
CNN wrote, “Secret Service rushes Trump off stage after he falls at rally.”
The shooter was dispatched by Secret Service as he lay on the roof of a nearby manufacturing building.
This story will be updated. Check back.
