According to CNN, there were multiple gunshots at former U.S. President Donald Trump’s campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13th, U.S. time. The incident occurred about 10 minutes into Trump’s speech. After the explosion, Trump fell to the ground. Secret Service agents quickly removed him from the stage. Visible blood stains were seen on Trump’s face and ear. The former U.S. President was then placed in a vehicle and evacuated from the scene.
CNN reporter Alena Chine, who was present at Trump’s campaign rally, stated, “We heard a series of explosions. At first, I thought they might be fireworks. Suddenly, people started screaming.”
Trump’s spokesperson, Step True, stated that the former President was fine. True said, “Former President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their swift actions. He is currently fine and being examined at a local medical facility. We will provide further information later.”
Trump stated in a Truth Social post that he “knew immediately that something was wrong when I heard the whistling, the gunfire, and instantly felt the bullet pierce my skin.”
“I want to thank the U.S. Secret Service and all of Law Enforcement for their swift response to the shooting at the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Most importantly, I want to send my condolences to the family of the person who was killed at the rally, and also to the family of another person who was seriously injured. It is unbelievable that such an act could happen in our Country. At this time, we do not know anything about the shooter, who is now deceased. I was shot with a bullet that went through the top of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong when I heard the whistling, the gunfire, and instantly felt the bullet tear through my skin. There was a lot of blood, so I realized what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”
President Joe Biden’s campaign team sent a memo to staff, obtained by CNN, immediately after the shooting at former President Donald Trump’s campaign rally, urging staff to “refrain from making any comments on social media or in public.”
“We also ask everyone to pause all proactive campaign communications on all platforms and in all circumstances until we have more information,” campaign manager Julie Chávez Rodríguez and chairperson Jen O’Malley Dillon wrote in the memo obtained by CNN.
They began by saying that as more information becomes available, they “are grateful to the members of law enforcement who responded immediately and wish Trump a speedy and full recovery.”
Biden is being briefed by senior U.S. officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
The U.S. Secret Service confirmed that former President Donald Trump remained safe after the incident at his campaign rally. Anthony Guglielmi, the Secret Service’s communications director, stated, “An incident occurred on the evening of July 13th at a Trump campaign rally in Pennsylvania. The Secret Service implemented protective measures, and the former President remains safe. We are actively investigating the matter and will release information once results are available.”
Journalists at the event described the Republican presidential candidate raising his fist as he was escorted by the Secret Service into a vehicle. CNN reported that Trump’s spokesperson said the former President was taken to a local hospital for emergency care. Armed police officers were seen on rooftops near the stage where Trump was standing.
U.S. President Joe Biden stated that he did not have detailed information about Trump being shot, but a White House statement later confirmed that Biden had been briefed on the incident. Several prominent figures quickly spoke out about the incident and wished Trump a speedy recovery, including tech billionaire Elon Musk.
Currently, based on the provided information, the possibility of an assassination attempt on Trump is conceivable, but no definitive conclusions can be drawn without more specific details about the origin and nature of the gunshots, as well as the extent and cause of Trump’s injuries. A thorough investigation by authorities will be necessary to determine the exact nature of this incident.