In a chilling incident, former US President Donald Trump was hastily escorted off stage after gunshots rang out at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday. The 78-year-old Trump appeared to be injured, with blood visible on his face, but his campaign confirmed he was “fine” and being treated at a medical facility.
The suspected shooter was reported dead, along with one bystander, according to US media. The Secret Service confirmed Trump’s safety and expressed gratitude to law enforcement and first responders for their swift action.
#WATCH | Gunfire at Donald Trump's rally in Butler, Pennsylvania (USA). He was escorted to a vehicle by the US Secret Service
"The former President is safe and further information will be released when available' says the US Secret Service.
(Source – Reuters) pic.twitter.com/289Z7ZzxpX
— ANI (@ANI) July 13, 2024
President Joe Biden, who is set to face Trump in the 2024 election, condemned the violence, stating, “There is no place for this kind of violence in America.” Other politicians, including Barack Obama and Mitch McConnell, also denounced the incident, emphasizing the need for civility and respect in politics.
The shooting has heightened tensions in an already volatile political climate, with the November election approaching. The incident occurred shortly after Trump took the stage at his final campaign rally before the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee next week.
Witnesses described chaos and confusion as shots were heard and screams rang out. Trump was seen grimacing and clutching his ear before being escorted off stage by Secret Service agents. The rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, was promptly evacuated, with agents declaring it an active crime scene.
As the investigation unfolds, the incident has sparked widespread concern about political violence and the need for increased security measures to protect public figures.
Comments