Former US President Donald Trump was escorted off the stage with blood on his ear and cheek after a shooting at a political rally in Pennsylvania.
The Secret Service reported that its personnel killed the shooter, while one spectator was killed and two others critically injured.
Trump's campaign confirmed that the presumptive Republican presidential nominee is "fine" and being assessed at a medical facility.
"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. More details will follow," the campaign's spokesperson, Steven Cheung said.
“Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
“I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”
The shooting occurred during a rally where Trump was speaking on stage. Gunshots rang out, and Trump, who grabbed at the side of his face, was quickly ducked behind the riser as Secret Service agents rushed to protect him. Images from the scene showed blood on Trump's face and ear.
As Trump was escorted to a vehicle, he raised a fist to the crowd, which began chanting "USA, USA."
Politicians across the spectrum have expressed support for Trump and condemned the violence.
President Joe Biden stated, "There’s no place for this kind of violence in the US."
“I plan on talking to him shortly. I hope when I get back to the telephone,” he said in Delaware.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also issued a statement describing the incident as "confronting" and emphasized that "there is no place for violence in the democratic process." Albanese expressed relief upon hearing reports that Trump is safe.
The Secret Service said the gunman fired multiple shots toward the stage from an “elevated position” outside of the rally.
Here is the latest information from our investigation. We are grateful to the Secret Service team and our law enforcement partners for their swift action. Our thoughts go out to the families affected by this tragedy. pic.twitter.com/E8FazqtUVZ
— Anthony Guglielmi (@SecretSvcSpox) July 14, 2024
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 13, 2024
