Former President Donald Trump was abruptly rushed off the stage during his rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday after shots were fired, resulting in blood on the side of his head and ear.
Driving the news: Despite the alarming incident, Trump is confirmed to be safe and is expected to survive, as relayed by two senior law enforcement officials who were briefed on the matter.
- Approximately six minutes into his speech, Trump reacted to popping sounds by reaching for his face, crouching down, and eventually being surrounded by Secret Service agents who swiftly escorted him offstage and into a vehicle for safety.
- As he was being led away, Trump raised his fists in the air, prompting cheers from the crowd in attendance during the chaotic situation.
- Reporters at the scene initially mistook the sounds for fireworks and observed smoke before law enforcement swiftly secured the area and intervened.
- Attendees at the rally, including a mother and son who shared their experience with NBC News, witnessed injured individuals being carried away amidst screams from the audience.
- Law enforcement officials are investigating the possibility of two additional individuals being shot at the rally, indicating that the threat has been contained.
- While a suspect remains at large, the Secret Service has assured that Trump is safe and an active investigation is ongoing, with updates to be provided as more information becomes available.
- Political figures, including President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, were briefed on the situation, with condemnation of the attack coming from Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, among others.
- Messages of support and prayers for Trump poured in on social media, with both Republicans and Democrats denouncing the violence and expressing solidarity with the safety and well-being of the former president and all affected individuals.
The big picture: Law enforcement officials told the AP they are investigating the incident as an attempted assassination of Trump.
- Butler County District Attorney Richard Godlinger confirmed to media two deaths – one of the alleged shooter and another of a rally attendee. Another person is reportedly in critical condition at a local hospital.
Local leaders react: Valley Republicans expressed dismay over the attempt on Trump’s life.
Today was an attack on President Trump and our nation as a whole.
Thank God he survived this attack and is doing well.
Our condolences and prayers go out to the victims of today’s tragedy and their families.
May God bless America tonight and always.— Kevin McCarthy (@SpeakerMcCarthy) July 14, 2024
As details still emerge from today’s horrifying assassination attempt on President Trump, my heart is heavy. Political violence has no place in our society and Amanda and I mourn the loss of innocent life and extend our deepest condolences to everyone affected.
We are grateful…— Vince Fong (@vfong) July 14, 2024
I am shocked by the news of a shooting at former President Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania today. This was clearly an assassination attempt on a presidential candidate. Political violence is unacceptable, senseless, and un-American.
My thoughts are with former President Trump,…— Rep. John Duarte (CA-13) (@RepDuarteCA13) July 13, 2024
This photo says all you need to know about President Trump—a fighter for America even in the midst of being attacked. I am praying for him and anyone that has been hurt or affected by this heinous act today. Praise God for the secret service heroes and brave law enforcement… pic.twitter.com/EEi89jeWRb— Senator Shannon Grove (@ShannonGroveCA) July 13, 2024
pic.twitter.com/frQIKRXPvG— Michael Boudreaux (@6pointsGoldstar) July 14, 2024
The toughest man in America. They’ve done everything to destroy and harm him. They just ensured his election in a landslide.
Please pray for President Trump and our nation. pic.twitter.com/hPhNuehoi4— Garry Bredefeld (@GarryBredefeld) July 13, 2024
