(AFP) – Donald Trump was rushed off stage smeared in blood after a series of gunshots were fired at a campaign rally on Saturday in Pennsylvania.
As bangs ran out, Trump grimaced and clutched a hand to his right ear, where blood was clearly visible across his cheek and mouth.
Agents swarmed onto the podium, surrounded the Republican candidate and escorted him roughly off the stage, as Trump raised a fist to the crowd in defiance.
The shocking incident will fuel anxiety in a country already on edge about the prospect of unrest and political harassment in the run-up to the November election battle between Trump and President Joe Biden.
“The former president is safe,” the Secret Service said in a post on X.
His campaign said he was “fine” and being checked at a medical facility.
“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,” said spokesman Steven Cheung in a statement.
– Shooter dead –
The suspected shooter was confirmed dead, along with one bystander, US media reported.
“Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger said two people are dead, including an apparent shooter,” The Washington Post reported. A second bystander may also have been hit.
The apparent shooting took place shortly after Trump took the stage at his final campaign rally before the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee next week.
The rally in Butler, Pennsylvania descended into scenes of chaos as bangs were heard and screams and shouts rang out.
“Let me get my shoes,” Trump was heard saying on microphone, as security agents helped him back to his feet.
Agents bundled the 78-year-old tycoon into an SUV, as he once more raised his fist to the crowd.
“This is an active crime scene,” Secret Service officers told reporters, ordering them out of the area.
“We saw a lot of people go down, looking confused. I heard the shots,” said John Yeykal from Franklin, Pennsylvania, who was attending his first Trump rally.
Biden has received an initial briefing by the head of the Secret Service and the Secretary of Homeland Security, the White House said.
US politicians reacted with shock to the incident.
Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he was “horrified by what happened at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania and relieved that former President Trump is safe.”
“Political violence has no place in our country,” he added.
Republican minority leader Mitch McConnell added: “Tonight, all Americans are grateful that President Trump appears to be fine after a despicable attack on a peaceful rally. Violence has no place in our politics.”
Billionaire Elon Musk reacted by quickly endorsing Trump.
“I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery,” Musk wrote on X, which he owns along with car manufacturer Tesla, as he shared a video of Trump pumping his fist while being escorted away.
burs-dk/bgs – Gregory WALTON
© 2024 AFP
