Donald Trump addressed the assassination attempt in a post on Truth Social, in which he confirmed that a bullet "pierced the upper part of my right ear."
"I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania. Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured. It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead. 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!" he wrote.
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Former President Donald Trump is receiving medical attention right now at a hospital in Pennsylvania following what law enforcement are describing as an assassination attempt. The former President’s son, Donald Trump, Jr., said that he has spoken to his father, and he is safe.
Law enforcement in Butler, PA are saying that the shooter was killed by Secret Service, and video from the scene shows a body on the roof of a building outside of the security perimeter, about 400 feet from the stage where Trump was speaking.
In addition to the gunman, at least one spectator was killed, and NBC News is now reporting that a second person at the rally is also in critical condition.
A short time ago, President Biden condemned today’s shooting, and said, “there is no place for this type of violence in America.”
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The shooting at a rally for former President Donald Trump is now being called “an assassination attempt” by law enforcement.
Video from the scene in Butler, Pennsylvania shows a body on the roof of a building about 400 feet away from where the former President was speaking at a campaign rally.
Although Donald Trump had blood on his face as he was taken from the stage, he is reportedly safe.
Law enforcement officials say the gunman, as well as an individual attending the rally are both dead.
This is a developing story.
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Statement from Donald Trump's Campaign:
"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."
— Steven Cheung, Trump spokesperson
Earlier:
Former President Donald Trump was escorted off stage by Secret Service agents during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday (July 13) afternoon. According to the New York Times, loud popping sounds were heard as Trump fell to the ground before security rushed the stage. The agents then helped Trump up and rushed him off the stage.
Trump, who had blood on his ear, pumped his fist at the crowd as he was taken away.
Steven Cheung, a spokesman for the former President, said that Trump is "fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility."
Trump was just getting into his campaign speech when the shots rang out.
"And then the worst president in the history of our country took over. And look what happened to our country. Probably 20 million people [came in illegally]. And, you know, that's a little bit old, that chart... that chart's a couple of months old. And if you want to really see something that sad, take a look at what happened over..." Trump said before he fell to the ground.
Anthony Guglielmi, Chief of Communications for the U.S. Secret Service, said that the agency is leading the investigation into the incident.
"An incident occurred the evening of July 13 at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania. The Secret Service has implemented protective measures, and the former President is safe. This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available," Guglielmi wrote on X.
This is a breaking story.
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Statement from 9th District Congressman Morgan Griffith:
After a gun-related incident at a Butler, Pennsylvania rally resulted in U.S. President Donald Trump being taken off stage by secret service, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:
“Any and all forms of political violence are unacceptable. The event in Butler, Pennsylvania involving President Trump is a deeply concerning development. As we wait to hear more from authorities, I urge all Americans to pray for the victims of this incident, the people of Pennsylvania and President Trump.”
Photo: Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images News / Getty Images