It is suspected that Former President Donald Trump was injured by gunfire during a campaign rally.
CNN reported that Secret Service agents rushed former President Donald Trump off the stage after he fell to the ground amidst loud explosions at a campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania, on the evening of July 13th.
Following the explosions, Trump fell and was shielded by Secret Service agents. He was helped to his feet by security personnel, with blood visible on his face.
Trump was then escorted into a vehicle and evacuated from the scene. The incident occurred just after he had taken the stage to begin his rally.
“We heard a series of… loud explosions. At first, I thought: Are those fireworks? Suddenly, people started screaming,” said Alayna Treene, a CNN reporter covering the rally.
The Secret Service confirmed that Trump is safe and that protective measures are being enforced.
Anthony Guglielmi, Chief Communications Officer for the U.S. Secret Service, stated: “An incident occurred on the evening of July 13th at a Trump campaign rally in Pennsylvania. The Secret Service implemented protective measures, and the former President is safe. The Secret Service is actively investigating and will release additional information as it becomes available.”
This incident followed a busy day of campaigning for both Donald Trump and Joe Biden in the 2024 presidential race.
According to the White House, President Joe Biden received initial briefings about the incident at Trump’s Pennsylvania rally.
Several of Trump’s allies and potential vice-presidential picks tweeted messages of support and prayers for the former President.
Florida Senator Marco Rubio: “Praying for President Trump and everyone at the rally in Pennsylvania today.”
Ohio Senator JD Vance: “Everyone, please join me in praying for our President Trump and everyone at the rally. I hope everyone is okay.”
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum: “Please join Kathryn and me in praying for President Trump, his family, and everyone at the rally today. We all know President Trump is stronger than his enemies. Today, he showed it.”
South Carolina Senator Tim Scott: “Praying for President Trump and everyone at the rally in Pennsylvania. May God protect them all.”
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem: “Pray for Donald J. Trump… May justice be swiftly served against the perpetrator.”
Senator Bill Hagerty posted a photo of Trump with his right ear covered in blood, along with a message: “Pray for our President @realDonaldTrump. He is the strongest person I know.”
CNN reported, citing law enforcement sources, that the shooter involved in the incident at Trump’s campaign rally in Pennsylvania has been “neutralized.”