Photo Courtesy : AP
BUTLER, Pa.: Former President Donald Trump was swiftly taken offstage with blood visible on his head and ear after gunfire erupted during a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.
Trump’s campaign assured the public of his safety, and in a subsequent post on Truth Social, Trump detailed how a bullet grazed his right ear, causing significant bleeding. One spectator at the rally was reported dead, and two others were critically injured. Law enforcement confirmed the shooter, who fired from an elevated position outside the rally’s security perimeter, was neutralized.
Trump, speaking for approximately six minutes before the incident, was shielded by Secret Service agents who quickly escorted him to safety amid chaotic scenes and screams from the audience.
Political Leaders Condemn Pennsylvania Rally Attack, Urge National Unity
Following a shooting incident at a rally in Pennsylvania where former President Donald Trump was targeted, political leaders from across the spectrum have united in condemning the violence and calling for national unity.
The incident occurred shortly after Trump began speaking, prompting swift action from law enforcement. A spectator was fatally shot, and several others were injured, including a nephew of Rep. Ronny Jackson, who sustained a neck wound.
Law enforcement, led by the FBI and supported by the Secret Service, state, and local authorities, are treating the incident as an assassination attempt. Initial reports suggest the shooter fired from outside the event’s security perimeter.
In response, President Joe Biden denounced the attack as “sick,” emphasizing the need to condemn such violence unequivocally. Vice President Kamala Harris expressed relief that Trump was not seriously harmed and reiterated that political violence has no place in American society.
House Speaker Mike Johnson and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro both issued statements condemning the attack as a heinous act of political violence. Shapiro emphasized that violence against any political figure is unacceptable.
Leaders from both parties took to social media to express support and prayers for Trump’s recovery, urging Americans to come together in the face of such divisiveness. Meanwhile, Trump’s campaign and the Republican National Committee assured supporters that despite the incident, plans for the upcoming Republican National Convention remain unchanged.
The investigation into the attack continues, with authorities working to ascertain the motives behind the shooting.
