“Gunhots were just fired at Trump’s rally in PA. Screaming could be heard on the live stream,” said an X post from reporter Reese Gorman Saturday.
Former President Donald Trump – the presumptive GOP presidential candidate – was in Butler, Pa., for a campaign rally . He is expected to become the official candidate next week during the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisc. As of Saturday evening, multiple outlets were reporting that the event is being investigated as an assassination attempt, including CBS News and the Associated Press .
In a press conference that began late Saturday night , the Federal Bureau of Investigation also said it was being investigated as an assassination attempt and provided updates on the incident. Officials said they are working on identifying the suspected shooter. CBS News reported that the suspected shooter was a Pennsylvania man in his 20s.
Here’s how Trump described the incident in his own words, per a Truth Social post:
“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!”
NBC News shared video of the former president apparently walking down the stairs of his plane during the early morning hours Sunday.
“Pray for President Trump,” said conservative commenter Laura Loomer on X. Gorman said the president was taken away by secret service after holding up a fist.
According to CBS News , the Secret Service confirmed that Trump was safe and his campaign confirmed he was being checked out at a local hospital after showing a fist as he got into an SUV and was taken away in a motorcade.
The outlet noted that Trump appeared to duck down and grab for his ear when the shooting sounds were heard, and photos appear to show blood trickling from above his ear.
“Secret Service has implemented protective measures and the former President is safe,” said Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement, per CBS. “This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available.”
In a follow-up statement , Guglielmi said that the suspect shooter fired multiple shots from an elevated position outside the rally venue. He confirmed that the individual was neutralized and is now deceased. One spectator was killed and two others were critically injured, he added. The incident is under investigation.
President Joe Biden was also briefed about the situation by Secret Service, said reports.
“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,” said the Trump campaign in a statement.
CBS News sources said: “Secret Service agents did engage the suspect.”
Reporter Jake Rosen of CBS interviewed a rally attendee who claimed to be an emergency room doctor. That person said he saw a person with a headshot wound that exposed “brain matter” and resulted in “lots of blood.”
After news of the shooting came out, reactions began to pour in on social media.
“I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery,” said Elon Musk .
“Violence targeted at any political party or political leader is absolutely unacceptable,” said Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro .
“Sara and I were shocked by the apparent attack on President Trump. We pray for his safety and speedy recovery,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu .
Biden also issued a statement on the incident.
“I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania,” he said. “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. Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it.”
In a press conference after the incident, Biden said everybody must condemn what happened at the rally. He said that he hopes to speak with Trump today and will continue getting updates from federal agencies. The president also said he could not confirm whether the incident was an assassination attempt. Later Saturday, Biden confirmed that he spoke to Trump.
Check back for updates.
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