KUALA LUMPUR – Former US president Donald Trump was rushed off stage by Secret Service agents Saturday after a series of loud bangs that sounded like possible gunshots were heard at the start of a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
Trump was seen with blood on his right ear as he was surrounded by security agents, who rushed him off the stage as he pumped his first to the crowd, AFP reported.
The “former president is safe,” the Secret Service said after Trump was bundled into an SUV and driven away.
“This is an active crime scene,” Secret Service officers told reporters, ordering them out of the area.
“We saw a lot of people go down, looking confused. I heard the shots; it sounded like between firecrackers and a small calibre handgun,” said John Yeykal from Franklin, Pennsylvania, who was attending his first Trump rally.
The disturbance took place shortly after Trump took the stage at his final campaign rally before the Republican Party convention starts Monday in Milwaukee.
Anadolu Agency reported Trump’s spokesperson Steven Cheung said the former president “is fine.”
“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,” he said in a statement.
The shooting is being investigated as a possible assassination attempt, CNN reported, citing law enforcement officials.
The shooter was killed by the Secret Service, according to a source from the agency, said CNN. An attendee of the rally was also killed.
The Secret Service said it implemented protective measures and the former president is safe, according to the report.
“This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available,” it said.
President Joe Biden said he has been briefed on the shooting.
“I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well. I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information,” he said.
“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.”
Reactions from across the political and business worlds began pouring in with Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, denouncing the shooting.
“Violence targeted at any political party or political leader is absolutely unacceptable,” he said.
And billionaire tech investor Elon Musk announced he is endorsing Trump for president.
“I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery,” he wrote on X. – July 14, 2024