Written by Matt Alexander @therealazmatt
Former President Donald Trump was rushed off the stage by U.S. Secret Service agents during a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday after shots were fired, causing panic among the crowd. The incident took place in Butler, a city about 35 miles north of Pittsburgh. Trump appeared to have blood on his ear and was seen being taken to a vehicle by the Secret Service.
The shooter and one audience member were killed in the shooting, according to Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger. Trump is currently safe and is expected to survive, according to two senior law enforcement officials briefed on the matter.
The shooting occurred shortly after Trump began his speech. Witnesses reported hearing multiple loud bangs, and the Secret Service quickly surrounded the former president and led him away from the stage. Trump was seen pumping his fist as he was escorted off the stage and into a vehicle.
The Secret Service said in a statement that Trump is “fine” and that the incident is being investigated. A spokesperson for Trump said in a statement that he “thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act.”
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa.
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is helped off the stage at a campaign event in Butler, Pa., on Saturday, July 13, 2024.
People take cover as U.S. Secret Service agents surround Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump on stage at a campaign rally, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa.