Trump “safe” after apparent Pennsylvania shooting
Donald Trump was reportedly injured in a possible shooting and was rushed offstage by Secret Service agents during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Sunday evening. According to the most recent news reports, Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger has said two people died in the incident, one of whom is believed to be the shooter.
According to CNN, pool reporters present at the rally heard “a series of loud explosions or loud bangs” before Trump ducked, or perhaps fell to the stage. According to the New York Times, the loud noises came from the bleachers to Trump’s left, and visible smoke was seen from that area. Secret Service agents then “tackled” Trump, helping him up after a brief pause and then rushing him into a vehicle. News photographs taken on the scene appear to show blood on the former president’s face.
A spokesman for the Secret Service said in a statement that Trump was “safe” following the incident, but provided no details. Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said in a social media post that the ex-president was “fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility.”
CNN reported that Trump “was yelling back to the crowd and raising his fist” before being led away. Some reports have suggested Trump’s ear was grazed by a bullet, but that remains unclear. Law enforcement officials began to cordon off the area with crime-scene tape while rally attendees were shepherded away, the Times reported.
President Biden was reportedly briefed on the situation shortly after leaving church services near his vacation home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Numerous politicians and elected officials of both parties, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, have posted messages of support and sympathy on social media.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.