At least two dead, including shooter, after bloodied Donald Trump escapes assassination attempt
Donald Tump has been evacuated from a campaign rally in Pennsylvania after an attempted assassination, with the Secret Service confirming the shooter has been killed and reports claiming at least one other person died in the attack.
The United States Secret Service has confirmed a shooter who attempted to take the life of Donald Tump during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania has been killed, while at least one other person has been reported dead.
In dramatic scenes, the former president appeared to grab his ear and stagger before agents rushed the stage and protected Trump while they escorted him to safety.
Trump appeared to raise his hand and fist pump to the crowd while protectors helped him to his feet, suggesting he escaped major injury.
The former president was immediately taken to a car and driven away.
Early reports claimed smoke was seen coming from somewhere to the front of the crowd, while federal and state authorities proceeded to enter the crowd with guns drawn as they searched for a shooter.
One person was reportedly killed in the attack, although details over the number of those injured remain scarce.
The Associated Press later said it had spoken with a Butler County district attorney, who confirmed a bystander and the person believed to be the shooter were killed at the scene.
CNN also reported the suspected shooter had been “neutralized,” citing multiple law enforcement sources.
One witness said they had seen a man armed with a rifle climb to the roof of a building outside the rally and then open fire.
Despite reports of multiple gunshots, law enforcement officials said the gunman only shot once before authorities returned fire in his direction.
Heavily armed members of the Secret Services counterassault team engaged the shooter, AP reported, resulting in the death of the attacker.
Meanwhile, the Secret Service confirmed Trump was safe and under “protective measures” following the incident, which they did not describe as a shooting.
The White House also released a statement, confirming President Joe Biden and senior officials were being briefed.
“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 wait for further information,” President Biden said.
US Secret Service chief of communications Anthony Guglielmi said former president Trump was “safe.”
“This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available,” Guglielmi said in a statement on Twitter, now X.
Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung also confirmed the former president was “fine” following the attack.
“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,” he said in a statement.
“More details will follow.”
