Former President Donald Trump was rushed off stage at his rally in Butler, Pa., after apparent gunshots. The rally ended quickly, and Trump was rushed off the stage by the Secret Service.
It is unclear what exactly happened, though videos have been publicized appearing to show blood near Trump’s ear and on the side of his face.
The former president “is safe,” according to the Secret Service.
Trump’s campaign has since released a statement also confirming Trump’s condition.
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act,” Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement. “He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow.”
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AP Reports: 1 dead, Gunman also killed
According to the Associated Press, the Butler County district attorney, where the rally was held, says the suspected shooter is dead and a rally attendee was killed.
Rallygoers: ‘We love him all the more’
NPR’s Danielle Kurtzleben, who was at the rally covering the event, said the rally in Butler, Pa., had begun with Celine Dion’s music playing in the background. There had been speculation that Trump would announce his vice presidential nominee at this rally.
“As far as Trump rallies go,” Kurtzleben said, this event had “a pretty peppy mood until this happened.”
Kurtzleben told NPR’s Scott Detrow that once the sounds of popping started, she saw Trump and spectators duck down.
In the immediate aftermath of the popping sounds, members of the audience turned to the reporters, saying that this was the media’s fault. She said that people began to leave though some still remain and are shaken.
Kurtzleben said people she’s spoken with have said, “We love him all the more.”
Former GOP Presidential candidates and VP hopefuls immediately respond
Former GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley issued a statement on the social media platform X that the incident “should horrify every freedom loving American.”
“We are lifting up Donald Trump, the entire Trump family, and all in attendance in prayer,” she said.
Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, who is shortlisted to be Trump’s vice president, also called for prayers for Trump and those attending the rally. He also posted a photo of Trump with his fist in the air ashe is pushed off the stage by the Secret Service.
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, who ran for the GOP nomination and is also shortlisted for vice president, is also calling for prayers; as is Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Political rivals of Trump denounce the violence
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and Senate Majority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., both denounced the violence at the rally.
“Political violence of any kind is never acceptable,” Jeffries said in a social media post.
Schumer in a statement said he was “horrified by what happened at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania and relieved that former President Trump is safe.” He echoed that “Political violence has no place in our country.”
Vermont Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders also called the violence “unacceptable.”
“I wish Donald Trump, and anyone else who may have been hurt, a speedy recovery,” he said on the social media platform X, formally known as Twitter.
This is a developing story and will be updated
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