Trump rally shooting: Gunman and audience member dead – as former president injured and rushed off stage
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Two people have died after a gunman opened fired at a Donald Trump rally in Pennsylvania – with the former president also suffering a bullet wound to his ear.
The US Secret Service confirmed a suspected gunman fired “multiple shots” toward the stage from what they described as an “elevated position outside of the rally venue”.
They said the gunman had been “neutralised” by US Secret Service personnel and was now dead. The agency also confirmed a spectator had been killed and two others critically injured.
Trump said a bullet pierced the upper part of his ear during the incident, which took place while he was giving a speech on stage.
“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 realised then what was happening,” he said in a post on his Truth Social platform.
“I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of law enforcement, for their rapid response.
“Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured.
“It is incredible that such an act can take place in our country.”
Trump shooting latest: Bloodied Trump shouts ‘fight’ as he’s rushed off stage
Pic: AP
The incident unfolded as Trump was giving a speech at the rally in Pennsylvania. Suddenly, he appeared to fall to the ground clutching his ear.
He was quickly surrounded by armed security and stayed down for around a minute. Screams from the audience rang out as the scene unfolded.
Trump then rose to his feet, pumped his fist in the air, and shouted “fight”, before being whisked off stage and into a vehicle.
He was quickly driven away from the scene. Video appeared to show blood coming from his ear as he left the stage.
The US Secret Service said Trump was now “safe” and that it had implemented protective measures around him.
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It also said that an investigation had been launched – and that it was treating it as an attempted assassination.
“This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available,” Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said in a post on X.
The FBI also said its agents were at the scene: “The FBI will continue to work jointly with the US Secret Service as the investigation moves forward.”
Pic: AP
Trump’s campaign said he was “fine” following the incident.
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act,” spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement.
“He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow.”
Meanwhile, Trump said a bullet pierced the upper part of his ear during the incident, which took place while he was giving a speech on stage.
“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 realised then what was happening,” he said in a post on his Truth Social platform.
“I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of law enforcement, for their rapid response.
“Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured.
“It is incredible that such an act can take place in our country.”
Pic: AP
President Joe Biden said he had been briefed on the shooting and said there was “no place in America for this kind of violence”.
“It’s sick. Sick,” he said in a press briefing in Delaware.
“We cannot allow for this to be happening
He called for the nation to “unite” and “condemn it”.
Mr Biden said he had attempted to contact Trump following the shooting.
“I tried to get a hold of Donald – he’s with his doctors. Apparently, he’s doing well. I hope I get to speak to him tonight.”
Republican senator for Ohio, J.D. Vance, said in a post on the X social media platform: “Everyone join me in praying for our President Trump and everyone at that rally. I hope everyone is ok.”
Police snipers return fire after shots were fired at Trump. Pic: AP
Pic: AP
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said: “My thoughts and prayers are with former President Trump.
“I am thankful for the decisive law enforcement response. America is a democracy. Political violence of any kind is never acceptable.”
Former president Barack Obama wrote on X: “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.
“Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery.”
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UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said in a post on X: “I am appalled by the shocking scenes at President Trump’s rally and we send him and his family our best wishes.
“Political violence in any form has no place in our societies, and my thoughts are with all the victims of this attack.”
Israel’s president, Benjamin Netanyahu, also shared a post on X: “Sara and I were shocked by the apparent attack on President Trump. We pray for his safety and speedy recovery.”
Hungary’s president Viktor Orban wrote: “My thoughts and prayers are with Donald Trump in these dark hours.”