MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Former President Donald Trump was at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, when chaos erupted. As Trump was addressing the crowd, gunshots rang out, and he was quickly rushed offstage with blood visible on his ear and face. Onlookers screamed as security personnel surrounded Trump and led him away. Despite the blood and apparent injury, Trump could be seen calling out to the crowd and pumping his fist as he was taken to safety.
The Secret Service swiftly announced that Trump was safe. According to law enforcement officials, the incident is being investigated as a possible assassination attempt. The shooter, who was killed by the Secret Service, had been positioned outside the venue, reportedly on a roof, and was described as a sniper. A rally attendee was also killed, and another spectator is in serious condition.
Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger confirmed the details, noting that the shooter was likely several hundred yards away, using a rifle.
President Joe Biden, briefed in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, condemned the violence, stating, “There’s no place in America for this kind of violence. It’s sick.”
Trump’s spokesman, Steven Cheung, reassured the public that Trump was fine and undergoing medical checks. Lawmakers from both parties quickly condemned the attack, emphasizing that political violence has no place in the country.
Former Trump campaign adviser David Urban recounted the harrowing moments when the shots were fired. Dave McCormick, the Republican nominee for Senate from Pennsylvania, was in the front row and witnessed the chaos as Secret Service agents moved to protect everyone.
As the investigation continues, more details are expected to emerge. Various CNN correspondents contributed to additional reporting regarding details surrounding this story.
WZMQ will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Sources:
• Jeremy Herb, Jeff Zeleny, Holmes Lybrand, Evan Perez, CNN • Contributions from Pamela Brown, Zachary Cohen, Kristen Holmes, DJ Judd, Gregory Krieg, Jamiel Lynch, Phil Mattingly, Hannah Rabinowitz, Raja Razek, Morgan Rimmer, Emma Tucker, Whitney Wild, and Ryan Young
*Image Credit: CNN Newsource