- Donald Trump was rushed off stage after an incident at his campaign rally on Saturday.
- Dramatic photos show Trump with blood on his face.
- Trump pumped his fist in the air as Secret Service agents led him away.
Former President Donald Trump was quickly escorted off stage at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday evening after a series of loud noises were heard.
Secret Service agents were captured in photos rushing to help Trump, with blood splattered on his face, particularly around his ear, as he was removed from the scene while brandishing his fist.
A Trump spokesperson expressed gratitude to law enforcement and first responders for their quick response.
The Secret Service has confirmed that the former president is now safe and is currently undergoing a medical evaluation at a nearby facility. More updates will be provided soon.
Journalists at the scene said there had been a succession of loud noises before the secret service intervened.
This is an active crime scene,” Secret Service agents told reporters, ordering them to leave the area.
“We saw a lot of people coming down, looking confused. I heard the gunshots, it sounded like firecrackers and a small-caliber handgun,” said John Yeykal of Franklin, Pa., who was attending his first Trump rally.
Washington Post reporter Meryl Kornfield first reported that Butler County Prosecutor Richard Goldinger said two people were dead, including an apparent shooter.
The prosecutor did not immediately respond to a call and email from Business Insider.
The attack, carried out by a gunman who law enforcement said was later killed by the Secret Service, was the first attempted assassination of a president or presidential candidate since the assassination by Ronald Reagan in 1981.
It comes in a deeply polarized political atmosphere, just four months before the presidential election and days before Trump is officially named the Republican nominee at his party’s convention.
Addressing the nation about two hours after the shooting, President Joe Biden said he was relieved that Trump was “doing well.” He said he was unable to reach Trump ahead of his remarks and pledged to update the public later Saturday whether he would speak as well as additional details about the investigation.
“We cannot allow this to happen,” Biden said. “The idea that there is such violence in America is simply unheard of.”
Biden, speaking without a teleprompter, said he was waiting for additional information before officially calling the attack an assassination attempt against the former president.
“I have an opinion, but I don’t have any facts,” he told reporters, pledging to provide updates as he learned more.
POLICY VIOLENCE AGAIN SHAKE AMERICA
The perils of campaigning took on new urgency after the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy in California in 1968, and again in 1972, when Arthur Bremer shot and seriously wounded George Wallace, who was running as an independent on a sometimes controversial campaign program. compared to that of Trump. This led to increased protection of candidates, although threats persisted, notably against Jesse Jackson in 1988 and Barack Obama in 2008.
Presidents, especially after the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963, have even greater levels of security. Trump is a rarity as a former president and current candidate.
Trump could be heard on the video saying at least twice, “Let me take my shoes, let me take my shoes,” with another voice saying, “I got you, sir.”
Trump stood up moments later and could be seen reaching his right hand toward his face. There appeared to be blood on his face. He then raised his fist in the air and appeared to say the word “Fight” twice in front of his crowd of supporters, prompting loud cheers and then chants of “USA.” USA. USA.”
Watch the video below;
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