Former U.S. President Donald Trump reassured that he is fine after being shot at during an election rally in Pennsylvania. He announced that he was hit by a bullet in his right ear after being evacuated from his rally on Saturday following the sound of gunfire.
He posted on his platform "Truth Social," "A bullet struck me, penetrating the upper part of my right ear." He added, "It’s outrageous that something like this could happen in our country."
The Republican presidential candidate was removed from the stage during the rally after the sounds of what appeared to be gunfire rang out at the event in Pennsylvania. Trump was seen with blood on his right ear while surrounded by security personnel who escorted him off the stage. During his evacuation, Trump raised his fist to the crowd.
Reports indicated that a person in critical condition was coincidentally next to the former president, while Trump himself sustained a scratch. The shooter was subdued according to Secret Service agents.
Trump had just started his speech when the gunfire was heard, prompting Secret Service agents responsible for the safety of current and former presidents to help him up and escort him from the stage to his vehicle. During his evacuation, Trump raised his fist amid cheers from his supporters.
This was Trump's last rally before the Republican conference, where he is expected to be formally named the party's candidate to face Democratic opponent Joe Biden in the November elections.
Trump was seen ending his speech at the Pennsylvania rally after the gunfire incident and left the event under heavy security while bleeding from his ear. The Secret Service worked to protect him and move him to safety.
Fox News reported that the White House said: "President Biden has been informed about the shooting incident at Trump’s rally." The Secret Service announced that Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is "safe" now following the shooting incident that occurred on Saturday during a large rally in Pennsylvania.
Secret Service communications official Anthony Guglielmi stated on X that "the Secret Service took precautionary measures and the former president is safe," mentioning that "an investigation is currently underway" and "more information will be released when available."
Gunfire was heard at the rally where the Republican presidential candidate appeared somber, raising his right hand to his right ear as shown in recorded footage. A senior government official told CBS News, "Trump is fine, we have implemented precautionary security measures, and further investigation is ongoing."
U.S. media reported that the shooter had been arrested and mentioned information about a possible death of a person who may have been the shooter. Senator Rick Scott commented, "It is clear that this was an assassination attempt on President Trump."
In a statement from Trump's spokesperson: "The President thanks the Secret Service for protecting him." The Governor of Pennsylvania stated: "Violence aimed at any party or political leader is completely unacceptable and has no place."
