Key Points
- Donald Trump’s spokesman says he is doing “fine” after shots were fired at his campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
- The former US president is being treated at a medical facility after appearing with a bloodied ear on stage.
- Two people who attended the rally are dead, including the shooter, US media is reporting.
Former president Donald Trump was rushed off stage by Secret Service agents Saturday after a series of loud bangs that sounded like possible gunshots were heard at the start of a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
Trump was seen with blood on his right ear as he was surrounded by security agents, who rushed him off the stage as he pumped his first to the crowd.
One audience member was killed and the alleged shooter is also dead, the Washington Post reported, citing county officials.
Donald Trump was bundled into a car by Secret Service agents after an alleged shooting at a campaign rally. Source: AAP
The “former President is safe,” the Secret Service said after Trump was bundled into an SUV and driven away.
“This is an active crime scene,” Secret Service officers told reporters, ordering them out of the area.
Trump is “fine” and being checked at a medical facility, he said in a statement.
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act,” spokesman Steven Cheung said.
“We saw a lot of people go down, looking confused. I heard the shots, it sounded like between firecrackers and a small caliber handgun,” said John Yeykal from Franklin, Pennsylvania, who was attending his first Trump rally.
The disturbance took place shortly after Trump took the stage at his final campaign rally before the Republican party convention starts on Monday in Milwaukee.
President Joe Biden has received an initial briefing on the incident, the White House said.
Donald Trump raises his fist in the air while held by secret service agents. Source: AAP
The venue was abandoned with chairs knocked over and yellow police tape around the stage. A helicopter flew above and law enforcement officers walked through the area, the video feed showed. Armed law enforcement officers were also seen on a roof near the stage where Trump was standing.
World leaders condemn ‘political’ violence
Australian politicians joined world leaders and US political figures, including his harshest critical and rivals, to condemn the apparent shooting.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the incident was “concerning and confronting.”
“There is no place for violence in the democratic process.
“I am relieved to hear reports that former President Trump is now safe.”
Bernie Sanders said political violence was “absolutely unacceptable” and wished Trump, and others who may have been hurt, a speedy recovery.
US Senator Chuck Schumer in a statement said: “I am horrified by what happened at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania and relieved that former President Trump is safe. Political violence has no place in our country”.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on X “Sara and I were shocked by the apparent attack on President Trump. We pray for his safety and speedy recovery.”
Former Australian prime minister Scott Morrison said he was “saddened, shocked and appalled at the attempted assassination of President Trump”.
“Prayers for him and his family today, as well as all those who put their own lives at risk to protect those in public life. Prayers also for America and its people, a great democracy and our great friend at this difficult time”.
This is a developing story and this article will be updated.
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