Former President Trump was bloodied but escaped serious injury when apparent shots rang out while he was speaking Saturday at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
Mr. Trump, 78, pumped his fist several times in defiance as Secret Service agents carried him off the platform after his ear appeared to be struck by something following popping sounds.
Mr. Trump was bleeding from his ear, which he grabbed seconds before ducking to the ground behind his podium. Streaks of blood could be seen on his face.
His campaign spokesman said the former president is “fine.” The Secret Service said Mr. Trump is “safe.”
Journalist Mike Valente of WTAE in Pittsburgh, citing the Butler County District Attorney, reported that one person is believed to be dead in the apparent shooting. CNN, citing law enforcement sources, said the shooter is “no longer an immediate threat.”
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, condemned the apparent shooting.
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“Violence targeted at any political party or political leader is absolutely unacceptable,” he said on X. “It has no place in Pennsylvania or the United States. I have been briefed on the situation.”
He said state police “are on the scene in Butler County and working with our federal and local partners.”
Mr. Trump was speaking at a packed rally in Butler when he hit the stage, appearing to duck following the sounds of popping.
Mr. Trump was showing off a chart of border crossing numbers when bangs started ringing through the crowd. Trump could be seen reaching with his right hand toward his neck.
He was ushered into his car, continuing to pump his fist, and the crowd shouted “USA, USA.”
It’s not clear what hit the president, if anything, but the crowd turned to Mr. Trump’s right to follow the sound and smoke produced at the source of the sound.
The Secret Service called it “an incident” and not a shooting.
“The Secret Service has implemented protective measures and the former president is safe,” the agency said in a statement.
“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,” said Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung. “More details will follow.”
A witness told Fox News it looked as if Mr. Trump was bleeding “above his ear.”
His motorcade has left the venue. His condition was not immediately known.
This is a developing story and based in part on wire service reports.
• Susan Ferrechio can be reached at sferrechio@washingtontimes.com.
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.
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