Former United States (US) President Donald Trump was abruptly escorted off stage by Secret Service agents at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday, following a series of loud noises resembling gunshots.
The sudden loud bangs and screams sent the crowd into a panic, prompting Trump to calmly remark, “Let me get my shoes,” as security agents rushed to assist him.
Trump appeared to be in distress, clutching his right ear and showing visible blood.
The 78-year-old former president was then quickly escorted into an SUV, where he continued to show defiance by raising his fist to the crowd once more.
The incident has sparked concerns about potential violence and political tensions in the lead-up to the November election between Trump and Pres. Joe Biden.
US media outlets report that the alleged shooter was fatally confronted by law enforcement, and a bystander also tragically lost their life in the incident.
According to Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger, as cited by The Washington Post and ABC News, the total death toll has reached two, including the suspected gunman, with a possibility of a second bystander being injured in the crossfire.
Despite the alarming event, Trump’s campaign has reported that he is receiving medical attention and is doing well.
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.
Trump’s spokesman Steven Cheung in a statement thanked the law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act.
He said: “He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow.”
Trump provided details about his injury, stating: “I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening.”
He also offered his sympathies to the loved ones of the victims, saying: “My heart goes out to the families of those affected by this senseless act of violence.
“Specifically, I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the family of the individual who tragically lost their life at the rally, as well as to the family of the person who was severely injured.”
In the wake of the shooting incident, Biden has released a statement expressing relief that his predecessor is unharmed.
Biden said in a statement on Sunday: “I have been informed about the disturbing events at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania.
“I am thankful to learn that he is safe and recovering well.
“My thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, and all those in attendance, as we await further updates on the situation”
Biden commended the Secret Service for their prompt and effective response in protecting Trump’s life.
He also seized the moment to appeal for national unity and collective condemnation of such violent acts.
He said: “My wife Jill and I are deeply thankful to the Secret Service for their swift actions that ensured Donald Trump’s safety.
“Violence has no place in our society, and we must come together as a nation to denounce it and promote peace and harmony.”
Condemning the incident, former President Barack Obama stated: “violence has no place in our political landscape, and we must uphold the principles of peaceful dialogue and civility in our democratic process.”
United Kingdom(UK) Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his outrage and dismay on Sunday, condemning the ‘disturbing and unacceptable incidents’ that unfolded at the rally.
He emphasized that: “all forms of political violence are utterly reprehensible and have no place in our democratic societies.”
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban extended his condolences to Donald Trump during this difficult time, saying: “My thoughts and prayers are with you in these dark hours.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed concern and hope for a swift recovery, emphasizing the need for civil discourse and responsibility to triumph over hatred and violence in the upcoming election season.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced the shooting as unjustifiable and wished Trump a speedy recovery, emphasizing that violence has no place in the world and must never prevail.
Argentine President Javier Milei pointed fingers at the ‘international left’ for the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, insinuating that they bear responsibility for the violent incident.
Milei alleged that the ‘international left’ is resorting to terrorism out of desperation, fearing defeat at the polls, and seeking to impose their regressive and authoritarian ideology through violent means.
In contrast, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva called for united condemnation of the shooting from all advocates of democracy and peaceful political discourse.
Meanwhile, the Costa Rican government vehemently denounced the attack, closely monitoring the situation and labeling it as ‘unacceptable’.
The presidency emphasized that: “as a champion of democracy and peace, we categorically reject all forms of violence.”
Chilean President Gabriel Boric vehemently denounced the shooting, stating that: “violence poses a threat to democratic values and undermines our collective well-being, and therefore, we must all unite in rejecting it.”
Similarly, Bolivian President Luis Arce stressed that: “despite our profound ideological and political disparities, violence from any quarter must be universally condemned by all of us.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his concern and solidarity with his friend, stating that: “violence has no place in political discourse and democratic societies.”
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need to: “stand firm against any form of violence that seeks to undermine democracy.”
Meanwhile, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te offered his heartfelt condolences to the victims of the shooting, reaffirming that: “any form of political violence is utterly unacceptable in our democratic systems.”
Australia’s Anthony Albanese said he was “shocked by the terrible scenes” at the Trump campaign event, expressing his relief that the former US president was safe.
“This was an inexcusable attack on the democratic values that Australians and Americans share and the freedom that we treasure,” Albanese said.
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Chris Luxon echoed these views, writing: “no country should encounter such political violence.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara expressed their shock and dismay at the apparent attack on President Trump, offering their well wishes and prayers for his swift recovery and safety.
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