Gunfire appeared to erupt at former President Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania while he was speaking on stage — and he was grazed in the ear, law enforcement said. Several gunshots rang out just about five minutes into his speech shortly after 6 p.m., sending Trump to the ground as Secret Service agents jumped in to cover him Trump appeared to grab his ear in the moments before he was taken to the floor by the Secret Service. He was heard asking for his shoes as the guards rushed him away. Soldiers in military gear were seen rushing into the rally. Nine shots could be heard in video of the incident, including three before Trump ducked.
The story is developing.🚨 #BREAKING: SHOTS FIRED AT PRESIDENT TRUMP RALLY IN PENNSYLVANIA pic.twitter.com/eup5YTybS7
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) July 13, 2024
| Statement from Trump Campaign |
| “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. More details will follow.”— Steven Cheung, Trump spokesperson. |
The apparent gunshot sound was heard again several times while agents were on him. People in the crowd screamed.
Someone’s voice was heard through the microphone asking “Are we good?” Secret Service agents in tactical gear stood on the stage, some looking out to the crowd.
A voice was heard saying, “Shooter’s down.” Then a voice said, “We’re clear” and “Let’s move.”
Agents stood up, surrounding Trump. As they moved with him off the stage, Trump lifted his right arm and fist into the air. Blood was seen on the right side of his face.
Shooter dead and rally attendee killed at Trump event in Pennsylvania, prosecutor tells AP
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.
Added: The President may have been clipped by a piece of teleprompter glass struck by a bullet, not by an actual bullet, but two people were hit in the crowd (Newsmax)
The discussion of how the shooting affects presidential politics began within minutes. Axios ran a story this morning headlined, “Biden campaign faces delicate moment after shocking attack on Trump.” It reported that Biden’s campaign has understandably pulled down its campaign ads, since they universally described Trump as a Hitlerian dictator who must be stopped at all costs.
And of course – a few images appearing… EVERYWHERE!
