Donald Trump grazed by bullet as shots fired at his Pennsylvania rally, 2 including shooter dead
Trigger Warning: This article contains some graphic information and content that may trigger some readers. Discretion is advised.
BUTLER, PENNSYLVANIA: Former president Donald Trump apparently became the target of an assassination attempt during his appearance at a rally at Butler Farm Show grounds in Pennsylvania on Saturday, July 13.
With his ears covered in blood, Trump was promptly pulled away from the stage by secret service agents, with his campaign telling AP News that he was "fine."
The incident has claimed the life of one rally-goer and left two others critically injured. The suspected shooter has been reportedly killed, according to ABC News.
"US Secret Service personnel neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased. US Secret Service quickly responded with protective measures and the former president is safe and being evaluated," the agency said in a statement.
Gunfire disrupts Donald Trump's Pennsylvania rally
The incident took place shortly after Donald Trump took to the stage at his last rally before the Republican National Convention on July 15. The presumptive GOP nominee was talking about the border crossing numbers when as many as five shots were heard.
"And then the worst president in the history of our country took over. And look what happened to our country. Probably 20 million people (came in illegally). And, you know, that's a little bit old, that chart... that chart's a couple of months old. And if you want to really see something that sad, take a look at what happened over..." he stated, before being interrupted by gunfire.
Trump went down, surrounded by Secret Service agents, reported Fox News. He was placed in the SUV within two minutes. Trump was heard telling his security team, "Let me get my shoes," as they tried to get him off the stage.
While he was led away, Trump appeared to have his right ear and cheek covered in blood, and defiantly raised his arms, prompting loud cheers and chants of “USA. USA. USA.”
Donald Trump is reportedly 'fine'
Donald Trump's communication director Steven Cheung shared in a statement on the tragic incident. He said, "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."
Speaking with Fox News, Donald Trump Jr noted, "I just spoke to my father on the phone, and he is in great spirits. He will never stop fighting to save America, no matter what the radical left throws at him."
Anthony Guglielmi, spokesperson for the US Secret Service, stated, "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 prays for Donald Trump
"I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania. 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," President Joe Biden shared in a statement after the incident.
"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," he added.
Shooting at Donald Trump's rally divides Internet
Netizens are having a varied take on the news of the shooting at Donald Trump's rally in Pennsylvania on X (formerly Twitter).
While some social media users are calling the incident "staged", others are blaming the left wing for the shooting.
"He probably set it up himself, so he could get a bump," shared one person.
He probably set it up himself, so he could get a bump.
— On the Mar-ket-Lago-- Susie G. (@EHansche1) July 13, 2024
"All the left-wing trash with their endless Nazi rhetoric caused this. This is completely their fault," another said.
All the left wing trash with their endless Nazi rhetoric caused this. This is completely their fault
— JT (@DesertRatJT) July 13, 2024
"Maybe we have a gun problem after all," noted one individual.
"He took a bullet for this country! Let’s pray for him," commented another.
He took a bullet for this country! Let’s pray for him.
— USAPatriot (@gobigorgohome28) July 13, 2024
"He's definitely winning now," one person added.
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.