Donald Trump raised his fist at the crowd as he was evacuated by security agents
Donald Trump was rushed off the blood-stained stage after a series of shots were fired at a campaign rally Saturday in Pennsylvania.
When the bangs were gone, Trump grimaced and reached for his right ear, where blood was clearly visible on his cheek and mouth.
Agents took to the podium, surrounded the Republican candidate and escorted him off the stage as Trump raised his fist to the crowd in defiance.
The shocking incident will fuel anxiety in a country already nervous about the prospect of political unrest and harassment in the run-up to November’s election battle between Trump and President Joe Biden.
“The former president is safe,” the Secret Service said in an X post.
His campaign said he was “fine” and being examined at a medical center.
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act. He is safe and is being examined at a local medical center. More details will be released,” spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement.
Dead shooter
The alleged shooter was confirmed dead, along with a bystander, US media reported.
“Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger said two people are dead, including an apparent gunman,” the Washington Post reported. A second bystander may also have been hit.
The apparent shooting occurred shortly after Trump took the stage at his final campaign rally before the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee next week.
The rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, turned into scenes of chaos as loud bangs were heard and shouts and screams rang out.
“Let me get my shoes,” Trump was heard saying into the microphone as security officers helped him to his feet.
Agents placed the 78-year-old tycoon in an SUV as he once again raised his fist to the crowd.
“This is an active crime scene,” Secret Service officials told reporters, ordering them to leave the area.
“We saw a lot of people fall down, looking confused. I heard gunshots,” said John Yeykal of Franklin, Pennsylvania, who was attending his first Trump rally.
Biden received initial briefings from the head of the Secret Service and the Secretary of Homeland Security, the White House said.
US politicians reacted with shock to the incident.
Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he was “horrified by what happened at Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania and relieved that former President Trump is safe.”
“Political violence has no place in our country,” he added.
Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell added: “Tonight, all Americans are grateful that President Trump appears to be OK after a despicable attack on a peaceful rally. Violence has no place in our politics.”
Billionaire Elon Musk reacted by quickly supporting Trump.
“I fully support President Trump and hope for his speedy recovery,” Musk wrote on X, which he co-owns with automaker Tesla, while sharing a video of Trump raising his fist as he was escorted away.
This story originally appeared on Ndtv.com read the full story
