Trump ‘fine’ after shooting at rally, campaign says. Prosecutor says gunman and 1 attendee are dead
BUTLER, Pa. (AP) — Donald Trump’s campaign said in a statement that the former president was “fine” after a shooting at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. A local prosecutor says the suspected gunman and at least one attendee are dead. Two other spectators are critically injured.
Trump said in a social media post he was “shot with a bullet” in the upper part of his right ear.
“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.”
The Secret Service said in a statement that “the former President is safe.”
Law enforcement told ABC News that the shooter fired as many as eight rounds from an AR-style rifle while perched on a rooftop adjacent to the venue, about 200 to 300 yards away. The shooter was killed by U.S. Secret Service, a law enforcement spokesperson added.
Law enforcement officials say the shooting is being investigated as an attempted assassination of the ex-president.
Butler County district attorney Richard Goldinger said in a phone interview that the suspected gunman was dead and at least one rally attendee was killed. Two others are in critical condition, according to the U.S. Secret Service.
Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, was showing off a chart of border crossing numbers during his last rally before the Republican National Convention opens Monday when the apparent shots began.
As the first pop rang out, Trump said, “Oh,” and grabbed his ear as two more pops could be heard and he crouched down.
Someone could be heard saying near the microphone at Trump’s lectern, “Get down, get down, get down, get down!” as agents tackled the former president. They piled atop him to shield him with their bodies, as is their training protocol, as other agents took up positions on stage to search for the threat.
Screams were heard in the crowd of several thousand people. The bangs continued as agents tended to him on stage.
Trump got to his feet moments later and could be seen reaching with his right hand toward his face. There appeared to be blood on his face.
The crowd cheered as he got back up and pumped his fist.
His motorcade left the venue moments later. His condition was not immediately known at that time.
Police began vacating the fairgrounds shortly after Trump left the stage in what local officers described as a crime scene.
Trump’s full statement on social media said, “I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania. Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured. It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”
President Joe Biden was briefed on the incident, the White House said. He received an updated briefing from Kimberly Cheatle, the director of the United States Secretary Service, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and White House homeland security adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall.
Biden spoke out following the shooting, saying, “everybody must condemn” attack at Trump rally and that he hopes to speak to the former president.
Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., posted a photo on X of Trump, his fist raised and his face bloody in front of an American flag, with the words: “He’ll never stop fighting to Save America.”
Tom Emmer, the Congressman for Minnesota’s 6th District, posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) following the incident.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also posted on X, expressing his concern for the safety of former President Trump and rally attendees.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers also released a statement on X, saying, “My thoughts are with President Trump and all of the folks attending today’s rally in Pennsylvania. Thank you to the first responders who acted quickly, putting themselves and their safety at risk in order to respond to a horrific act of violence and keep people safe.”
The Republican National Convention is set to begin on Monday in Milwaukee. In his statement, Gov. Evers said, “My staff and I are in contact with those coordinating security planning for the RNC and will continue to be in close communication as we learn more about this situation. We cannot be a country that accepts political violence of any kind—that is not who we are as Americans.”
A spokesperson for the Milwaukee Host Committee said, “President Trump is in my prayers after surviving this assassination attempt. We are also heartbroken that reports indicate that at least one innocent person has been killed and perhaps others have been injured. This horrific violence has no place in America. Guests have already begun to arrive in Wisconsin, and we look forward to working with the Republican National Committee to welcome everyone to Milwaukee this week.”
Several other political leaders from Minnesota chimed in on X Saturday evening.
Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach said on Facebook, “Please join me in praying for President Donald Trump.”
Meanwhile, Rep. Brad Finstad said, “Tragic scene in Butler, Pennsylvania this afternoon. Thankful for the quick actions by the Secret Service and the response by local law enforcement to maintain the public’s safety throughout this heinous act. Political violence has no place in our democracy. Please join me in praying for our country, for President Trump, and his speedy recovery.”
Sen. Amy Klobuchar said, “I am horrified by what happened at the rally today. My thoughts and prayers are with former President Trump, his family, those injured, and the family of the rally participant who was killed. Violence has absolutely no place in our democracy.
Congresswoman Betty McCollum said, “Political violence has absolutely no place in the United States and should be strongly condemned by everyone. I am relieved that former President Trump is safe and thankful for the quick response of law enforcement.”
A spokesperson for the Minnesota GOP said on Facebook, “Please stop and pray for President Trump and his family. Absolutely horrific.”
Ken Martin, Chair of the Minnesota DFL, released the following statement Saturday evening, “We are glad that President Trump is safe. Violence has no place in our politics and the Minnesota DFL unequivocally condemns this appalling and horrific act.”
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Ohio Sen. JD Vance, the three men on Trump’s shortlist for vice president, all quickly sent out statements expressing concern for the former president, with Rubio sharing an image taken as Trump was escorted off stage with his fist in the air and a streak of blood on his face along with the words “God protected President Trump.”
“My prayers are with President Trump, the attendees, and the injured after this terrifying event. Pray also for our law enforcement officers who moved swiftly to protect as many people as they could. Violence has no place in our political discourse. Finally, I am praying for the safety and peace of every American to speak, associate, organize, and vote – freely and without fear,” said Senator Mark Johnson in a statement on Saturday.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, said in a statement on X that he had been briefed on the situation and Pennsylvania state police were on hand at the rally site.
“Violence targeted at any political party or political leader is absolutely unacceptable. It has no place in Pennsylvania or the United States,” he said.
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