Former President Trump After A Bullet Grazed The Side Of His Head/Ear In Apparent Assassination Attempt - Photo by Fox News
BUTLER, PA (WSAU) — Former President Donald Trump left the stage during a Saturday rally in Pennsylvania after shots were fired in what appeared to be an attempt on his life.
According to the New York Post, a bullet grazed the side of Trump’s head five minutes into his speech shortly after 6 p.m. CDT. Reports indicate that the shooter was perched on the roof of a building located 200-300 feet from the stage and utilized an AR-style weapon.
Nine shots could be heard during the rally and in the video of the incident, including three before Trump ducked out of the way.
Trump spokesman Steven Cheung thanked law enforcement for their fast response in a statement to the Post, saying, “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 Butler County District Attorney has confirmed that at least two people have died in the incident including the suspect and one person attending the event. The Secret Service added that at least two people are in critical condition.
The open-air rally was attended by thousands of people. The area is now an active crime scene with the Secret Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms handing the investigation.
President Joe Biden and VP Kamala Harris have been briefed on the matter. Biden was attending mass at his Church in Delaware at the time of the incident. Harris had her own campaign event in the Keystone State on Saturday as well.
The incident comes as officials in Milwaukee are making final preparations for the Republican National Convention on Monday, where Trump is expecting to accept the GOP nomination for President and name his running mate. CBS News reports that a threat assement released Saturday morning did not indicate a specific threat to the event, but did note that the divisive nature of the race and significance of the event could lead to an incident.
Convention organizers have indicates that the incident will not change their plans for the four-day event, which begins Monday. They released the following statement:
President Trump looks forward to joining you all in Milwaukee as we proceed with our convention to nominate him to serve as the 47th President of the United States. As our party’s nominee, President Trump will continue to share his vision to Make America Great Again.
Sincerely,
Donald J. Trump for President 2024 Senior Advisors Susie Wiles & Chris LaCivita
Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley and Co-Chairman Lara Trump
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