Former President Donald Trump was rushed off the stage by Secret Service agents after a gunman opened fire at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday. The incident, occurring on the eve of the Republican National Convention, is being investigated as a possible assassination attempt, with live rounds reportedly fired from outside the security perimeter.
The Secret Service reported that a shooter “fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside of the rally venue,” and agents “neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased.” Law enforcement sources said the shooter, perched on a rooftop 200-300 yards from the venue, fired as many as eight rounds from an AR-style rifle.
One spectator was killed, and two others were critically injured. Trump was seen with apparent blood on his right ear as he was escorted off stage, mouthing “fight” and pumping his fist.
A spokesperson for Trump stated, “President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act. He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility.”
In a statement on Truth Social, Trump confirmed he “was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear,” adding, “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”
The incident sparked condemnation and support from political figures. President Joe Biden called the act “sick” and emphasized that such violence has no place in America. Vice President Kamala Harris expressed relief that Trump was not seriously injured, stating, “Violence such as this has no place in our nation.”
Donald Trump Jr. reported his father is in good spirits and remains under observation at the hospital. Eric Trump praised his father’s resilience, calling him “the fighter America needs.” Ivanka Trump described the shooting as “senseless” and expressed her love for her father on social media.
During the rally, Trump was discussing immigration when shots rang out, causing chaos. Dave McCormick, running for U.S. Senate, described the scene, noting that “seven or eight” shots were fired, leading people to panic and drop to the ground.
After the incident, Trump, with visible blood on his ear and face, was quickly led off stage, still pumping his fist. Heavily armed security personnel secured the area.
The Secret Service confirmed the occurrence and emphasized that the investigation is ongoing. The White House stated that President Biden received an initial briefing on the incident.
In response to the shooting, there was a heightened police presence outside Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. Pennsylvania Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro condemned the violence, calling it “absolutely unacceptable.”
Various political figures, including Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, called for prayers for Trump and those affected by the incident.
The ATF is assisting the U.S. Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies in the investigation, treating it as a top priority.
