NAIROBI, Kenya- Former US. President Donald Trump was abruptly rushed off stage by Secret Service agents after gunshots rang out during a rally in Pennsylvania.
The incident unfolded just moments after Trump began addressing his supporters in Butler, a crucial swing state in the upcoming election.
Footage from the event showed Trump grimace and raise a hand to his right ear before ducking as sharp cracks, believed to be gunshots, echoed through the venue.
Secret Service agents swiftly surrounded him and escorted him off stage to a waiting vehicle, where he raised a fist as he was bundled inside.
Trump later took to his Truth Social network to provide an update, stating that a bullet had pierced the “upper part” of his right ear.
His spokesperson confirmed he was receiving treatment at a local medical center and was in stable condition.
“I knew immediately something was wrong when I heard a whizzing sound and felt the bullet rip through the skin,” Trump wrote. “There was much bleeding, and I realized what was happening.”
Blood was visibly seen on Trump’s ear and face as he was rushed away by protection officers.
Law enforcement sources informed CBS News that the suspect, armed with a rifle and firing from an elevated structure, was shot dead at the scene by Secret Service agents.
Tragically, one bystander was killed and another seriously injured in the attack.
The Secret Service assured that Trump was safe and protective measures had been fully implemented.
They added that an active investigation was underway and promised to release further information as it becomes available.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as multiple bangs rang out while Trump spoke about his successor, President Joe Biden.
Supporters behind Trump ducked as the shots were heard. One witness, Greg, told the BBC he saw a suspicious person “bear crawling” on the roof of a nearby building with a rifle shortly before the shooting began.
Despite alerting the police, the individual managed to open fire.
Another witness, Jason, recounted hearing five shots in quick succession and seeing Secret Service agents jump to protect Trump. “Everyone in the crowd dropped down very quickly,” he said. “Trump stood up shortly after, raised his fist, and said a couple of things.”
The incident sparked widespread condemnation from politicians across the spectrum. President Joe Biden deplored the attack from his home state of Delaware, calling it “sick” and emphasizing that “there’s no place in America for this kind of violence.”
Former President Barack Obama expressed relief that Trump was not seriously hurt, stating that “there is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy.”
This terrifying incident at Trump’s rally is a reminder of the volatile political climate as the election approaches.
