A shooting took place at former President Donald Trump's campaign rally in Pennsylvania at 6:11pm on July 13th - the incident is being investigated as an attempted assassination of the former president and presumptive Republican nominee.
Law enforcement officials have confirmed that the suspected gunman and at least one attendee were killed. The Secret Service, responsible for the safety of the former president, issued a statement assuring the public that "the former President is safe."
While it was not immediately clear whether Trump was shot, his campaign quickly released a statement stating that he was "fine" and being checked out at a local medical facility. President Trump expressed his gratitude to law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during the heinous act. Spokesman Steven Cheung conveyed Trump's appreciation in a statement, adding that more details would follow. According to two officials who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity, the shooter was not an attendee at the rally and was killed by U.S. Secret Service agents.
The officials revealed that the shooter was engaged by members of the U.S. Secret Service counterassault team and subsequently neutralized. This highly trained tactical team accompanies the president and major party nominees to confront any active threats while other agents focus on safeguarding and evacuating the protected individual.
Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger confirmed that the suspected gunman was dead and at least one rally attendee was killed. The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Eyewitnesses described the terrifying moments when the shots rang out. As Trump was addressing the crowd and showcasing a chart of border crossing numbers, a popping sound was heard.
The former president instinctively put his hand to his ear, and as more shots were fired, he crouched down. Secret Service agents immediately sprang into action, shielding Trump with their bodies and ensuring his safety. Screams erupted from the crowd as chaos ensued. Video footage captured the intense moments as agents tackled the former president and secured the area.
Trump, showing resilience, got to his feet shortly after and raised his fist, saying "fight, fight, fight." Following the incident, Trump's motorcade left the venue, and police began evacuating the fairgrounds, treating the area as a crime scene. President Joe Biden was briefed on the incident, and the White House assured that appropriate measures were being taken.
Support and concern poured in from political figures including Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., who posted a photo of his father with a bloody face and raised fist in front of an American flag. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, and Ohio Sen. JD Vance, all potential vice presidential candidates, expressed their concern for the former president's well-being. As the investigation continues, the nation remains on edge, hoping for answers and justice in the wake of this tragic event.