Former U.S. President Donald Trump was addressing a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday night when shots were fired at him. Thankfully, the bullet grazed his right ear. Bloodstains were observed on his ear and face, but Secret Service agents swiftly evacuated him from the scene. Security personnel guarding Trump neutralized the attacker. One rally attendee died, and another is in critical condition.
President Joe Biden has condemned the assault. He wrote on X, 'I have been briefed about the gunfire at Donald Trump's rally in Pennsylvania. I am pleased to learn that he is safe and doing well. I am praying for him, his family, and all those involved in the rally. Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for securing Trump's safety. There is no place for such violence in America, and as a nation, we must condemn it together.'
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris wrote on X, 'I have been informed about the shooting at former President Trump's event in Pennsylvania. We are relieved to know he is not critically injured. We are praying for him, his family, and all affected by this gunfire. We are thankful to the Secret Service and local authorities for their prompt action. Such violent acts have no place in our country. We all must condemn this abhorrent act and ensure that it does not lead to further violence.'
Former President Barack Obama wrote on X, 'There is absolutely no room for political violence in our democracy. Though we do not yet know the full details, we should all be relieved that former President Trump did not suffer major injuries. Michelle and I wish him a quick recovery.'
This attempted assassination of a former or presidential candidate comes after President Ronald Reagan's shooting on March 30, 1981, marking the first such incident in America since then. Trump's attack occurred four months prior to the U.S. presidential election. Reports indicate the shooter was not part of the rally and fired from a distance. U.S. Secret Service agents responded decisively. Note that the heavily armed Secret Service tactical team travels everywhere with the President and candidates, ready to counter any threats.
Donald Trump served as the President of the United States from 2016 to 2020 and is the Republican nominee for the upcoming November presidential election. He received a gunshot wound just above his right ear during his rally in Pennsylvania. On the social media platform Truth Social, 78-year-old Trump expressed gratitude to the U.S. Secret Service for saving his life in his first statement following the incident. He wrote, 'I want to thank the United States Secret Service and all law enforcement agencies for their rapid response to the gunfire in Butler, Pennsylvania.'
