Attack on Trump, he is shot during a rally
During a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, former President Donald Trump was hit by a bullet to the top of the right ear. The incident resulted in the death of the shooter and at least one member of the public, while two other people were seriously injured. The Secret Service said Trump was safe after he was quickly escorted off the stage with his face bloodied.
The shot at Trump at the campaign rally
Former President Donald Trump was shot and wounded during his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The bullet hit Trump in the upper right ear. Secret Service agents intervened quickly and they neutralized the attacker, which was located on an adjacent building. At least one member of the public has died and two others are in critical condition.
Trump's statement
Donald Trump confirmed via social media that he had been hit by a bullet and expressed his closeness to the deceased victim during the accident. He also stated that the Secret Service responded promptly, ensuring his safety.
The FBI statement
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) described the incident as an assassination attempt against the former president and launched a detailed investigation. Kevin Rojek, special agent in charge of the FBI's Pittsburgh office, asked the public to share any information helpful to the investigation.
The testimonies of those present
Spectators at the rally described the scene as chaotic and bloody. Many initially confused the gunshots with bursts of fireworks. Some witnesses said they saw people hit by bullets and rescued by other participants.
Rico Elmore, one of the speakers at the rally, described providing first aid to an injured attendee, with a bleeding head. Joseph Meyn, a doctor present in the audience, witnessed the entire scene and tried to help.
Political and international declarations
Comments from some US politicians
After the incident, numerous politicians expressed their indignation and their closeness to Trump. President Joe Biden condemned the incident and said he had spoken to Trump, offering his support. The president also decided to return to Washington to continue receiving updates on the investigation.
Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri called for a thorough investigation into the event, while Sen. Rick Scott of Florida called for a hearing before Aug. 1 to discuss the incident.
International reactions
Various world leaders expressed their shock at the incident and expressed their closeness to Trump through social media. They include Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Honduran President Xiomara Castro de Zelaya and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
Investigations underway
According to authorities, the attack was planned and carried out from a high position. The shooter, not yet identified, he's been killed by Secret Service agents. The area was immediately cordoned off and internal investigations were launched by various federal agencies.
The historic shootings of other presidents
Throughout the history of the United States, several presidents and presidential candidates have been the targets of assassination attempts. Assassination attempts including, among others, President Andrew Jackson, President Theodore Roosevelt, and President Ronald Reagan. Four presidents, Abraham Lincoln, James A. Garfield, William McKinley, and John F. Kennedy, were assassinated during their terms in office.