Former President Donald Trump was rushed off stage at a political rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday. As he was speaking, sounds described as a series of “pops” rang out. The former president reached for the right side of his neck and then dropped to the floor behind the lectern. Secret Service security agents swarmed the stage to cover him with their own bodies. Several additional “pops” followed before Mr. Trump was assisted to his feet.
Secret Service and law enforcement escorted Mr. Trump off stage with what appeared to be a bleeding wound on his ear. He received evaluation at a nearby medical facility and his campaign released a statement saying that he was “fine.”
Tragically, at least one attendee at the rally died, according to Associated Press reports. The Associate Press attributed that information to Butler County district attorney Richard Goldinger. The identity of the attendee was not immediately known.
The alleged shooter also died at the scene. Early reports stated that the gunman was not an attendee at the rally. The shooter’s location was not identified, but officials speaking on the condition of anonymity said the shots came from outside the rally perimeter.
An investigation is underway. Pennsylvania law enforcement officials are treating the incident as an apparent assassination attempt.
Political figures from both Democratic and Republican parties condemned the violence and expressed relief that former President Trump was not seriously injured. Several also expressed concern and grief for the loss of life and said they were praying for the former president and the wounded and deceased.
