Donald Trump appeared to be shot in the ear as gunshots were fired at the former president at a rally in Pennsylvania.
Trump grabbed at the side of his face and blood spattered across his cheek as several popping sounds were heard, sending supporters running for safety.
The former president quickly pumped a fist at the crowd to show he was not severely injured, as Secret Service agents raced to the stage to hurry him away.
Trump’s campaign said he was taken to hospital following the incident, but said he is ‘fine’, and ‘thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act.’
Donald Trump appeared to be shot in the ear as shots were fired at the former president at a rally in Pennsylvania
Trump pumped a fist at the crowd and did not seem to severely injured as he walked on his own off the stage, surrounded by secret service
Trump mouthed the word ‘fight’ at supporters as blood spattered across his face
The gunman was shot dead at the rally, the Butler County district attorney confirmed to the Associated Press. A witness told the BBC agents ‘blew the guy’s head off.’
The DA added that am attendee was also killed at the rally, which was being held in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday afternoon.
Frantic scenes took hold as shots rang out, sending Trump supporters streaming out from the stands and away from the event.
Within seconds, Trump was put to the floor by several Secret Service agents as they protected him from the shooter.
Early reports indicate that around eight to 10 shots were fired, and the press pool said ‘residual bangs’ were heard after Trump hit the floor.
Trump stood up shortly after and pumped his fist at the crowd, leading to chants of ‘USA’ and ‘Make America Great Again.’
He appeared to mouth the word ‘fight’ to supporters at the same moment.
Trump grabbed at the side of his head as he appeared to be hit
Secret Service raced to the stage to protect Trump after shots were fired
Trump had blood streaming down his cheeks as Secret Service agents put him to the floor
The extent of Trump’s injuries are not clear, although he appeared to want to show his supporters that he was okay within seconds of being shot
Trump’s campaign said he was raced to hospital after the shooting, but is ‘fine’
As Trump pumped his fist to the crowd, some were heard cheering his name and chanting ‘USA’ and ‘Make America Great Again’
As he was rushed into SUVs, Trump again flashed a fist at his supporters
The former president appeared to be shot in the ear
Blood can be seen pouring from the side of the former president’s head
Moments before he appeared to be hit, Trump was using a graphic at the rally to speak about illegal immigration.
Secret service encircled Trump within seconds of the shots being fired, and the agency said in a statement that the former president is ‘safe.’
‘The Secret Service has implemented protective measures and the former President is safe. This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available,’ the statement read.
The extent of Trump’s injuries are not clear, although he appeared to want to show his supporters that he was okay moments after being shot.
Trump reacted quickly as a number of shots flew at him at the Pennsylvania rally
Witnesses hug after seeing the assassination attempt
The Secret Service said in a statement it ‘has implemented protective measures and the former President is safe’
Trump’s campaign said in a statement that he ‘thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act’
The extent of Trump’s injuries are not clear, although he appeared to want to show his supporters that he was okay within seconds of being shot
Trump’s rallies are a heavily guarded event
Attendees point to the crowd shortly after shots rang out
Trump’s former Vice President Mike Pence was the first to issue remarks on the shooting, saying on X: ‘Karen and I are praying for President Trump and urge every American to join us.’
A spokesperson for the ATF said agents from the bureau have been deployed to assist with the aftermath of the chaos.
The White House confirmed that President Biden was briefed on the shooting following the incident.
Moments before, Trump was using a graphic at the rally to speak about illegal immigration
Although shots continued to be fired after Trump ducked, there are no early reports of any others injured at the rally
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro condemned the shocking scenes in his state.
‘Violence targeted at any political party or political leader is absolutely unacceptable,’ Shapiro said on X.
‘It has no place in Pennsylvania or the United States. I have been briefed on the situation. @PAStatePolice are on the scene in Butler County and working with our federal and local partners.’
