Former President Donald Trump claims he was shot in the upper part of his right ear on Saturday during a rally in Butler County, Pennsylvania.
“I immediately sensed something was wrong when I heard shots and felt the bullet tearing through my skin,” Trump stated on Truth Social.
Authorities are treating the incident as an assassination attempt.
“President Trump expresses gratitude to law enforcement and first responders for their swift actions during this terrible event. He is unharmed and is undergoing examination at a local medical facility. More information will be provided,” the Trump campaign announced.
The shooter was killed, and a rally attendee also lost their life, according to Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger. The Secret Service confirmed that two other attendees are in critical condition.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the deceased rally attendee and the severely injured individual. It’s alarming that such an act could occur in our country,” Trump stated on Truth Social.
Trump was addressing the crowd briefly when gunshots rang out. He appeared to grab his right ear or head before ducking down behind the lectern as people in the crowd screamed. The Secret Service quickly moved Trump to safety and evacuated him in a motorcade.
The Secret Service revealed that the suspected shooter fired multiple shots from an elevated position outside the rally venue. An AR-style rifle was found near the shooter, as reported by The Associated Press.
“The Secret Service has taken precautionary measures, and the former president is secure,” stated Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi. “This is an ongoing Secret Service investigation, and more information will be released as it becomes available.”
Biden’s response to the violence at the rally
President Joe Biden, Trump’s likely rival in the upcoming presidential election, was briefed on the situation and addressed the nation Saturday night.
President Biden: “No place for this kind of violence in America”
“There is no room in America for this kind of violence. It’s sickening. It’s sickening,” Biden remarked, stating he tried to reach out to Trump directly. “We need to unite as a nation. This cannot be allowed to happen. We cannot be this way. We cannot tolerate this.”
“The Trump rally should have been peaceful, but the presence of political violence or violence of any kind in America is unacceptable and must be condemned by everyone,” Biden added.
Biden refrained from speculating on whether Trump was the intended target of the assassination attempt.
The White House confirmed that President Biden spoke with Trump late Saturday, but the details of their conversation were not disclosed.
Federal response
Multiple federal agencies have pledged to investigate and gather more information about Saturday’s incident.
“U.S. Secret Service Director Cheatle and I have briefed President Biden on today’s shooting in Pennsylvania,” stated Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “DHS and the Secret Service are collaborating with law enforcement partners to respond to and probe the shooting. We denounce this violence in the strongest terms and commend the Secret Service for their swift response. We are in communication with President Biden, former President Trump, and their campaigns, taking all necessary steps to ensure their safety and security. Safeguarding the presidential candidates and their campaign events is one of our Department’s top priorities.”
House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, R-Kentucky, indicated that Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle will be called to testify before Congress.
“There are numerous inquiries, and the American people demand answers. I have reached out to the Secret Service for a briefing and am urging Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to appear for a hearing. The Oversight Committee will send a formal invitation soon,” he stated.
Republican National Convention
The shooting occurred just before the beginning of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The Trump campaign confirmed that the convention will proceed as planned.
“President Trump eagerly anticipates joining everyone in Milwaukee as we continue with our convention to nominate him for the 47th President of the United States,” stated Trump campaign representatives.
The Republican National Convention is set to commence on Monday and conclude on Thursday.
