In a shocking development during an election rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, former US president and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump got injured after a series of gunshots fired at him when he was on the podium addressing the crowd as part of his campaign in the run-up to November elections against Joe Biden. Trump was seen covering his ear which was bleeding as Secret Service Agents escorted him down the stage for immediate medical assistance.
As per the latest information, the shooter was neutralized and killed by the Agents a few minutes after he tried to attack Trump. This the first attempt to assassinate a president or presidential candidate since Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981. It comes amid a deeply polarized political atmosphere, just four months from the presidential elections and days before Trump is to be officially named the Republican nominee at his party’s convention.
While Trump was speaking at the rally, a pop sound was heard after which he clutched his ear. Two more shots were heard as he crouched down on the stage. It took two minutes from the moment of the first shot for Trump to be placed in a waiting SUV.
US President Joe Biden condemned the alleged assassination attempt against Donald Trump at his Pennsylvania rally, which reportedly also killed one bystander. “I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well. I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information,” Biden said in a statement shortly after the incident.
In his first reaction to shooting at his rally, Donald Trump said he”was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of his 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,” he said in a statement.
“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 added.
Trump was seen pumping his fist in the air, with the crowd cheering, as he was escorted out by the Secret Service.