Donald Trump was whisked off the stage at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania after apparent gunshots rang through the crowd. He quickly ducked behind the podium as agents from his protective detail rushed the stage and screams rang out from the crowd.
Trump’s Condition: In a statement shared by his campaign, a Trump spokesman said the former president is “fine” and is being checked at a medical facility. The Secret Service also said in a statement that “the former President is safe.”
Shooter and Attendee Killed: A shooter is dead and a rally attendee was killed, the Butler County District Attorney tells AP.
Biden Briefed: The White House said President Joe Biden has received an “initial briefing” on the incident.
Recent Developments:
Trump Campaign Advisor Deletes Post: Trump campaign senior adviser Chris LaCivita responded to the shooting with a post on X. “well of course they tried too keep him off the ballot, they tried to put him in jail and now you see this …,” he wrote. The post was later deleted.
Secret Service Statement: The shooter was engaged by members of the U.S. Secret Service counterassault team and killed, according to two officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing investigation.
Obama’s Statement: Former President Barack Obama said in a statement, “There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy.” He added that while details were still scarce, “we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics.”
Law Enforcement Investigation: The shooting at former President Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania is being investigated as an attempted assassination of the former president and presumptive Republican nominee, law enforcement officials say.
Condemnation of Political Violence: “Political violence is terrifying. I know,” said former Rep. Gabby Giffords. “I’m holding former president Trump, and all those affected by today’s indefensible act of violence in my heart. Political violence is un-American and is never acceptable—never.”
Increased Police Presence in NYC: A spokesperson for New York Mayor Eric Adams said that out of “an abundance of caution,” the city’s police department will increase its presence across the city, including at Trump Tower and 40 Wall Street.
Insights and Reactions:
David McCormick’s Eyewitness Account: Pennsylvania Republican Senate candidate David McCormick, who was sitting in the front row, told Politico that it appeared someone behind him was shot. “All the sudden shots started to crack, someone behind me appears to have been shot,” McCormick said. “There’s lots of blood, and then the Secret Service were all over President Trump.”
Secret Service Protection: Trump, as a former president, retains Secret Service protection for life under federal law. As the presumptive Republican nominee who is frequently in the public eye, he received added protective assets.
Biden’s Updated Briefing: President Biden received an updated briefing on the Trump rally incident from Kimberly Cheatle, the director of the United States Secret Service, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and White House homeland security adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall.
Buttigieg’s Statement: Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg called this a “horrible moment” in a statement Saturday and said he was encouraged to hear Trump was doing well. He added that “an entire nation must speak with one voice today to completely and unequivocally reject all political violence.”
Source: APNews
