Woshington: Former US President and Republican candidate Donald Trump was shot at by an unidentified assailant while speaking at a campaign event in Pennsylvania on Saturday.
“I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear,” Trump informed on social media shortly after. “Much bleeding took place,” he added.
Meanwhile, CNN has reported that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has identified a 20-year-old Pennsylvania man as the suspected shooter at the Trump rally on Saturday. However, his identity has not yet been released.
As the first shot rang out, Trump exclaimed, “Oh!” and grabbed his ear and as two more shots followed, he quickly crouched down.
Amidst the ensuing panic among the crowd, the Secret Service immediately surrounded the Republican nominee. Emerging a minute later, holding his ear, Trump pumped his fist in the air, seemingly mouthing the words “Fight! Fight! Fight!”
Blood could be seen splattered on the right side of his face. Cheers erupted from the crowd as he stood up and raised his fist. His motorcade departed shortly thereafter. The Secret Service and Trump’s campaign confirmed that he was safe after the shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania, approximately 30 miles north of Pittsburgh.
According to Reuters news agency, a Trump supporter in the crowd reported hearing about four shots and witnessing the crowd immediately drop down, followed by Trump ducking. “I heard about four shots and I saw the crowd go down and then Trump ducked also real quick. Then the Secret Service all jumped and protected him as soon as they could. We are talking within a second they were all protecting him,” he said.
The witness described seeing a man fleeing and being pursued by officers in military uniforms. Additional shots were heard, but it was unclear who fired them, he said. Snipers had already positioned themselves on the roof of a nearby warehouse, informed the supporter.
The identity and motive of the shooter remains unknown. According to a statement from the Secret Service, the shooter was killed, one rally attendee was deceased, and two other spectators were injured. The incident is being investigated as an assassination attempt, news agency AP reported. The Secret Service said that the shots seemed to have come from outside their secured area.
“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 agency said in a statement.
In a statement released by Trump, he thanked the United States Secret Service and Law Enforcement for their “rapid response on the shooting.” He said: “It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead.”
Describing the shooting incident, Trump said that the bullet pierced the upper part of his right ear. “I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!,” he said.
He also extended condolences to the family of the person who was killed in the rally and the other person who was badly injured. “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,” the communications director for Trump Steven Cheung said in a statement.
The act of violence drew condemnation from both sides of the political spectrum, with Trump’s rival and US President Joe Biden stating, “There is no place in America for this kind of violence.”
Former President Barack Obama also wished Trump a speedy recovery, reiterating, “There is absolutely no room for political violence in our democracy.”
There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy. Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics.…
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 13, 2024
The incident was condemned by Vice President Kamala Harris who said: “Doug and I are relieved that he is not seriously injured. We are praying for him, his family, and all those who have been injured and impacted by this senseless shooting. … We must all condemn this abhorrent act and do our part to ensure that it does not lead to more violence.”
