Former President Donald Trump was injured in a shooting during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday evening. The incident, currently under investigation as a possible assassination attempt, has heightened concerns about political violence in the United States.
As Trump was addressing a crowd of supporters, shots were fired, causing chaos and panic among the attendees. Trump was struck by a bullet that grazed the upper part of his right ear, causing significant bleeding. Secret Service agents quickly responded, shielding Trump and escorting him off the stage to safety. Despite the injury, Trump was seen raising his fist to the crowd as he was led away, signaling his determination and resilience.
Trump later posted on Truth Social, thanking the Secret Service and law enforcement for their swift action. “I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong… GOD BLESS AMERICA!” he wrote.
The shooter, who was positioned on a rooftop outside the venue, was killed by the Secret Service. Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger confirmed that the shooter was using a rifle from several hundred yards away. A rally attendee was also killed, and another spectator is in serious condition.
President Joe Biden, who was briefed on the incident in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, condemned the violence in a public statement. “There’s no place in America for this kind of violence – it’s sick,” Biden said. He emphasized the need for unity and denounced the act as a threat to the democratic process.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with law enforcement officials treating it as a potential assassination attempt. The identity and motives of the shooter are still being determined. This incident underscores the increasing security concerns at political events and the ongoing threat of political violence in the country. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.