Failed assassination attempt on Donald Trump, leaves two dead

In a dramatic and chaotic turn of events, former President Donald Trump was hastily escorted off stage during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania after gunshots were fired. Trump, visibly smeared with blood, clutched his right ear, with blood apparent on his cheek and mouth.

As the shots rang out, Secret Service agents quickly surrounded the Republican candidate, escorting him off the stage. Defiantly, Trump raised a fist to the crowd as he was led away. This shocking incident heightens the anxiety in a nation already on edge with the upcoming November election, where Trump is set to face President Joe Biden.

"The former president is safe," the Secret Service confirmed in a post on X. Trump's campaign that reassured the public, stating he was "fine" and undergoing checks at a medical facility. "President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act. He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow," stated spokesman Steven Cheung.

Shooter and Bystander Dead

According to US media reports, the suspected shooter was confirmed dead, along with one bystander. Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger reported, "Two people are dead, including an apparent shooter," with a possible second bystander also injured. The shooting occurred shortly after Trump took the stage for his final campaign rally before the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee next week.

The rally in Butler, Pennsylvania descended into chaos with bangs, screams, and shouts filling the air. "Let me get my shoes," Trump was heard saying on the microphone as security agents assisted him. The 78-year-old was bundled into an SUV, again raising his fist to the crowd.

Active Crime Scene

"This is an active crime scene," Secret Service officers informed reporters, directing them to leave the area. Witness John Yeykal, attending his first Trump rally, said, "We saw a lot of people go down, looking confused. I heard the shots."

Reactions from Politicians and Public Figures

President Biden received an initial briefing from the Secret Service and the Secretary of Homeland Security, according to the White House. Politicians across the spectrum expressed their shock. Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stated, "I am horrified by what happened at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania and relieved that former President Trump is safe. Political violence has no place in our country." Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell added, "All Americans are grateful that President Trump appears to be fine after a despicable attack on a peaceful rally. Violence has no place in our politics."

I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania.

I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well. I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information.

Jill and I are grateful to the Secret…

— President Biden (@POTUS) July 13, 2024

Billionaire Elon Musk quickly endorsed Trump, tweeting, "I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery," while sharing a video of Trump raising his fist as he was escorted away.