DLNews Breaking News:
Security escorts the ex-president off the stage with blood on his face.
Clearly visible: the ex-president's bleeding ear.
Shots fired at Donald Trump (78)! The former US president was attacked at a campaign rally in Butler (Pennsylvania). Trump was escorted off the stage with blood on his face. The U.S. Secret Service has since confirmed that the assassin was killed. A visitor to the event was also killed.
During the election rally on Saturday, eight to ten shots were suddenly fired at 6:13 p.m. (local time). Eyewitnesses reported loud bangs. The Republican candidate was in the middle of a sentence when he suddenly grabbed his right ear.
Bodyguards threw themselves on Trump, pushing him to the ground.
Trump ducked; Secret Service agents, his security, threw themselves at the politician and pushed him to the ground.
Shortly before getting into his car, Trump showed his fist.
Security officers could be heard: "Are you ready? Let's go!" Repeated screams: "Take cover, take cover!" Several visitors to the campaign event had also thrown themselves to the ground. Special forces with assault rifles secured the stage.
When Trump stood up again, blood could be seen on his right ear. There were also traces of blood on his face. He was eventually led off the stage, looking towards the crowd and raising his fist combatively.
Finally, a waiting SUV took Donald Trump away from the scene. The New York Times reports that Trump was evacuated by helicopter shortly afterward.
Attacker killed
Richard Goldinger, district attorney of Butler County, said in a telephone interview that the suspected shooter and at least one visitor to the campaign event were dead, reports the news agency AP.
The Secret Service, which is responsible for protecting former and current presidents, confirmed that the shooter is dead. According to CNN, the man was shot and did not commit suicide after the attack on Trump.
Senate candidate Dave McCormick, who was in the front row during the incident, said that two people were shot on stage: "There was a lot of blood. The police came and helped carry the person off the podium. I'm not sure if anyone else was injured. As you can imagine, it was all very chaotic. But it was a terrifying moment!"
Trump is doing well after the incident.
"President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action in this heinous act," said his campaign spokesman, Steven Cheung. "He is doing well and is being examined at a local medical facility. Further details to follow."
The US Secret Service confirmed in its first statement: "The former president is safe!" The campaign site was declared a crime scene, and investigations are ongoing.
Biden announces speech to the nation.
After President Joe Biden (81) was informed of the events in Pennsylvania, Biden immediately announced that he would give a speech to the nation after the assassination attempt on Trump.
Share this page with your family and friends.