Former President Donald Trump was swarmed by Secret Service agents and rushed off stage as possible shots were heard during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania Saturday in what appears to be a possible assassination attempt.
There appeared to be blood on his right ear as he was being taken off stage, as Trump was seen mouthing "fight" and pumping his fist.
A spokesperson for Trump said in a statement, "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."
ABC News reports that according to Butler County District Attorney Richard A. Goldinger, one bystander is “confirmed dead,” and “possibly a second” bystander is dead as well, Goldinger added. The shooter is also reported to be dead.
Officials say live rounds were apparently fired from outside the security perimeter.
According to ABC News, Dave McCormick who's running for U.S. Senate was in the front row of the rally. He said he heard "seven or eight" shots fired."People started to panic," he said. "Everyone dropped to the ground."
Trump began his speech at around 6 p.m. and was only shortly into his speech when a disturbance caused the Secret Service to swarm the former president, according to ABC News. He was then led off the stage quickly, pumping his fist on stage and also as he was helped into a vehicle to be taken away.
The Secret Service said in 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."
President Joe Biden has issued a statement on what officials briefed on the situation said was a possible assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a rally on Saturday evening.
"I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania," he said. "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."
He continued, "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."
Donald Trump issued a statement:
"Violence targeted at any political party or political leader is absolutely unacceptable," Pennsylvania Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro said in a statement. "It has no place in Pennsylvania or the United States."
Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, a possible vice president pick, wrote on social media, "Everyone join me in praying for our President Trump and everyone at that rally. I hope everyone is ok."
Another vice presidential hopeful, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, also posted on X asking for prayers for Trump and those at the rally. "Praying for President Trump and all those attending the rally in Pennsylvania today."
This is a Developing story - updates will be published.
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