Former President Donald Trump was rushed to a medical facility but appeared to be all right after what sounded like multiple gun shots at a campaign rally he held here Saturday.
The U.S. Secret Service shot and killed a suspected shooter, according to law-enforcement officials.
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act,” campaign spokesman Steven Chueng said. “He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility.”
Details on the suspected shooter weren’t immediately available. It wasn’t clear what type of weapon was used.
The shots rang about 10 minutes into Trump’s speech at a fairground 35 miles north of Pittsburgh. Trump reached for his right ear or neck as Secret Service members jumped to the stage and surrounded him, leading him away. Photos and video showed blood on Trump’s ear and face.
As agents prepared to lift Trump back up, the former president could be heard making a few comments on an audio feed from the stage, as well as members of his security detail. “Shooters down,” one agent said. Trump said, “Let me get my shoes.”
Thousands of people attended the rally, which came just two days before the Republican National Convention begins in Milwaukee, where Trump will formally become the party’s nominee.
President Biden received a briefing shortly after the incident from Kimberly Cheatle, director of the U.S. Secret Service, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Liz Sherwood-Randall, his homeland security adviser, the White House said.
Trump was conscious in the immediate aftermath and pumped his fist in the air several times, attempting to rally the crowd before agents escorted him away to the motorcade. The Secret Service counterassault team immediately took the stage in heavy armor to look for the attacker.
Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said on X that the agency has “implemented protective measures and the former President is safe.”
Guglielmi added that the incident is now an active Secret Service investigation and it would release further information when it becomes available.
As a former president, Trump continues to receive Secret Service protection. As a result, his rallies involve intense security protocols, with attendees being restricted to carrying only small bags and having to pass through metal detectors when they arrive. The Secret Service typically seals off the entrance hours before Trump begins speaking as part of that protocol.
Mark McEvoy, 50, of Weirton, W.Va., was at the rally and said he thought he heard eight to 10 shots. “I saw Trump go down, but then I saw him get up and he raised his hand that he was OK,” McEvoy said.
Colleen Phillips, 62, who uses a walker, said she was about eight rows from the stage when she heard the sounds of gunfire. She joined a few other attendees in prayer. “We had a little prayer circle for President Trump,” Phillips said. “I don’t know what’s wrong with people.”
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R., S.C.) said, “Thank God President Trump appears to be okay. Just another reminder of the times in which we live. We need to pray fervently for anyone who may have been injured at the rally.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) said he was horrified by Saturday’s events and relieved that the former president is safe. “Political violence has no place in our country,” he added.
Shortly after the incident, billionaire Elon Musk wrote on X, “I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery.”
This story will be updated as news develops.
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