Former President Donald Trump was apparently grazed by a bullet at a campaign rally Saturday afternoon in deep red Butler, Pennsylvania.
A rally attendee, however, was killed, Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger told the Washington Post.
Live video showed Trump reach for his right ear before Secret Service agents rushed to protect him, taking the ex-president to the floor of the stage and then whisking him away to his motorcade outside the venue. Trump raised a trademark fist in the air as the agents took him away, a smear of blood on his ear and across his cheek.
Secret Service agents killed a suspect shooter, the Wall Street Journal said.
The U.S. Secret Service shot and killed a suspected shooter at Donald Trump’s rally, according to law enforcement officials. It wasn’t clear what type of weapon the suspect shooter used.
— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) July 13, 2024
Trump spokesman Steven Cheung said the ex-president is “fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility.” He said that Trump “thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act,” the New York Times said.
Little information about the shooting itself was available. The FBI joined other federal agencies to investigate the apparent assassination attempt. The Associated Press reported that the suspected shooter was not an attendee at the rally.
President Joe Biden issued a statement after he was briefed on the incident.
“I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well,” he said. “I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we wait for further information.”
In remarks delivered shortly after the statement, Biden said he hoped to speak with Trump later tonight and reiterated that “there is no place in America for this kind of violence.”
“It’s sick,” the president said.
I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania.
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.
Jill and I are grateful to the Secret…
— President Biden (@POTUS) July 13, 2024
Authorities began evacuating the venue after Trump was taken away, the Times said. Yellow crime scene tape was put up on the left side of the audience area.
Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement that the former president “is safe” following “an incident.” He provided no further details.
Democrats quickly stepped up to condemn political violence, including Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who was the target of a kidnapping plot.
“There is no place for political violence in this country, period,” she said. “This is not how we solve our differences.”
“There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy,” former President Barack Obama said. “Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics. Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery.”
“My thoughts and prayers are with former President Trump,” said Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the House Minority Leader. “I am thankful for the decisive law enforcement response. America is a democracy. Political violence of any kind is never acceptable.”
Republicans called for prayers.
“Pray for Donald J. Trump. Pray for the United States of America,” South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem said. “He’s the toughest man I’ve ever met. Nobody’s been through what he’s been through. May swift justice be brought against his evil attacker.”
“Praying for President Trump and all those attending the rally in Pennsylvania today.” Florida Sen. Marco Rubio said.
Praying for President Trump.
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) July 13, 2024
House Speaker Mike Johnson said he was “praying for President Trump.”
Georgia’s Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene blamed Democrats and the media “for every drop of blood spilled today.”
Someone just tried to ASSASSINATE President Trump.
The Democrats and the media are to blame for every drop of blood spilled today.
For years and years, they’ve demonized him and his supporters.
Today, someone finally tried to take out the leader of our America First and the… pic.twitter.com/38cFXjQdwx
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) July 13, 2024
This is a developing story. Check back for more information.
