PENNSYLVANIA.- Former President Donald Trump was removed from the stage by security at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, after loud bangs, apparently gunshots, were heard in the crowd.
Trump was showing a chart with numbers on border crossings when pops began to sound from the crowd. Trump could be seen reaching his right hand toward his neck. He then stood up and there was blood above his right ear, but he is said to be OK.
He quickly hid behind the podium as his security team rushed onto the stage and shouts could be heard from the crowd. The outbursts continued as the officers guarded him on stage.
The crowd cheered as Trump stood up and raised his fist.
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their swift action during this heinous act. He is doing well and is being examined at a local medical facility. More details will follow.” — Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung.
Police began clearing the fairgrounds shortly after Trump left the stage.
“The Secret Service has implemented protective measures and the former president is safe. This is now an active Secret Service investigation and more information will be released when it becomes available,” Anthony Guglielmi, chief of communications for the Secret Service, which is in charge of the security of presidents and former presidents in the United States, said on X.
Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., posted an X-rated photo of Trump, fist raised and bloodied face in front of an American flag, with the words: “He will never stop fighting to save America.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson posted on X that he was praying for Trump.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, said in a statement on X that he had been briefed on the situation and that Pennsylvania State Police were present at the event site.
“Violence directed against any political party or political leader is absolutely unacceptable. It has no place in Pennsylvania or the United States,” he said.
As he left church in Rehoboth Beach, President Joe Biden simply replied, “No,” when asked if he had been briefed on the incident.
Source: With information from AP and AFP