Donald Trump was struck in the ear by a bullet at a rally in Butler, Pa., on Saturday, after a gunman opened fire from an elevated position outside the venue, the U.S. Secret Service said.
The Secret Service “neutralized” the shooter, who is dead, agency spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement. One person in the crowd was killed by the gunfire, and two were critically injured, Guglielmi said.
Trump quickly ducked to the floor, as Secret Service agents covered him. Blood could be seen on his face. Once it was clear that the shooter was down, the agents surrounded the former president and hustled him to his motorcade.
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Trump pumped his fists and appeared to yell “Fight!” — energizing the crowd — as he was escorted out of the venue.
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“U.S. Secret Service quickly responded with protective measures and the former president is safe and being evaluated,” Guglielmi said in a statement Saturday evening.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump extended his condolences to the families of the spectators who were injured or killed.
“It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country,” he wrote. “Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”
Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung added in a separate statement that the former President is “fine” and “is being checked out at a local medical facility.”
President Joe Biden said in a statement that he’s “grateful to hear” that Trump is “safe and doing well” after the shooting incident.
“I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information,” Biden continued. “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.”
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said he’s been “briefed on the situation” and that state police were on the scene working with federal and local partners. “Violence targeted at any political party or political leader is absolutely unacceptable,” Shapiro said in a statement. “It has no place in Pennsylvania or the United States.”
Several politicians issued statements condemning the violence that occurred at Trump’s rally.
Bernie Sanders, U.S. Senator for Vermont, wrote on X, “Political violence is absolutely unacceptable. I wish Donald Trump, and anyone else who may have been hurt, a speedy recovery.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom of California posted on social media, “Violence has NO place in our democracy. My thoughts are with President Trump and everyone impacted at the rally today.”
Read more statements below.
My thoughts and prayers are with former President Trump.
I am thankful for the decisive law enforcement response.
America is a democracy.
Political violence of any kind is never acceptable.
— Hakeem Jeffries (@RepJeffries) July 13, 2024There is no place for political violence in this country, period. This is not how we solve our differences.
I am horrified to learn of this news, and we will be following the situation closely. I am grateful for those in law enforcement who stepped in immediately.
— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) July 13, 2024Please join Kathryn and me in praying for President Trump, his family and everyone attending the rally today.
— Doug Burgum (@DougBurgum) July 13, 2024Political violence is terrifying. I know.
I’m holding former President Trump, and all those affected by today’s indefensible act of violence in my heart. Political violence is un-American and is never acceptable—never.
— Gabrielle Giffords (@GabbyGiffords) July 13, 2024Kelly and I are praying for President Trump and all the attendees of the campaign rally today in Pennsylvania, and we send our gratitude to the law enforcement who responded at the scene.
I have been briefed by law enforcement and am continuing to monitor the developments. This…
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