Former President Donald Trump was rushed offstage by Secret Service during a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday after possible confirmed gunfire broke out at the venue. The incident is now being investigated as a possible assassination attempt.
Update 8:42 pm: Former President Trump posted an update about his condition to Truth Social, saying that the bullet grazed his right ear, sending his condolences to the family of the unidentified victim(s), and saying that nothing is yet known about the shooter.
Update 9:30 pm: The Secret Service has officially confirmed that at least one person was shot and killed in the crossfire during the shooting. The suspected gunman was also confirmed to have been neutralized.
“US Secret Service personnel neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased,” a statement from the agency said. “US Secret Service quickly responded with protective measures and the former president is safe and being evaluated. One spectator was killed, two spectators were critically injured. The incident is currently under investigation and the Secret Service has formally notified the Federal Bureau of investigation.”
The former president took the stage just after 6 p.m. EST and had been speaking for only a few minutes when a rapid series of loud popping sounds rang out. Trump clapped a hand to the side of his head, then threw himself to the ground behind his podium as security swarmed the area.
Trump threw up a defiant fist to the crowd as he was escorted away, but he appears to have sustained an injury to his right ear.
Law enforcement sources suggest that a shooter with a scoped rifle fired from a position on the roof of a building outside of the rally venue.
Butler County district attorney Richard Goldinger told the Associated Press in a phone interview a suspected gunman was killed at the scene. Multiple sources have corroborated that a possible shooter was eliminated by Secret Service agents. Per the AP, “the shooter was engaged by members of the U.S. Secret Service counterassault team and killed.”
One, possibly two attendees are also believed to have been killed.
“An incident occurred the evening of July 13 at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania,” the Secret Service said in a statement. “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.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives has been brought in to assist the Secret Service. “ATF is responding to assist the U.S. Secret Service and other law enforcement partners,” the agency said. “This is a top priority. We have no further comment at this time.”
Despite the chaos, Trump appears to be otherwise unharmed, and his campaign released an update shortly after he was evacuated.
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act,” spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement. “He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow.”
President Joe Biden has also been made aware of the situation, per an update from his staff.
“The President has received an initial briefing on the incident at Former President Trump’s rally,” the White House said in a statement.
President Biden followed this with a statement, saying that he is “grateful to hear that [Trump is] safe and doing well” and condemning political violence.
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.
Jill and I are grateful to the Secret…
— President Biden (@POTUS) July 13, 2024
In response to what many are speculating may have been an attempt on the Republican presidential nominee’s life, Tesla founder Elon Musk posted a statement to X endorsing Trump in the 2024 election and wishing him a speedy recovery.
I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery pic.twitter.com/ZdxkF63EqF
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 13, 2024
Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. posted a statement calling on Americans to “step back from the division, renounce all violence, and unite in prayer for President Trump and his family.”
Now is the time for every American who loves our country to step back from the division, renounce all violence, and unite in prayer for President Trump and his family.
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) July 13, 2024
Join Patrick Bet-David and the Valuetainment Home Team for a live emergency podcast for the latest coverage of this incident.
Stay tuned to VT.com for the latest updates on this breaking story.
Connor Walcott is a staff writer for Valuetainment.com. Follow Connor on X and look for him on VT’s “The Unusual Suspects.”
Got a hot scoop or an idea for a story? Connect with the VT writers on Minnect!
Add comment