CNN reported that Secret Service agents rushed former President Donald Trump off the stage after he fell to the ground amid loud explosions at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on the evening of July 13.
After the explosion, Mr. Trump fell to the ground and was shielded by secret agents. He was helped to his feet by security guards and had blood on his face.
Former President Trump was then put in a car and evacuated from the scene. The incident happened right after he went on stage to start the campaign .
“We heard a series of… loud explosions. At first I thought: Are those fireworks? Suddenly everyone started screaming" - CNN's Alayna Treene, a reporter covering the campaign, said.
The Secret Service confirmed that Mr. Donald is safe and is receiving protective measures.
Mr. Anthony Guglielmi, director of communications for the US Secret Service, said: "An incident occurred on the evening of July 13 at a Trump campaign rally in Pennsylvania. The Secret Service took protective measures and the former President remains safe. The Secret Service is actively investigating and will release additional information as it becomes available.”
This incident happened after a busy day of campaigning for both Donald Trump and Joe Biden in the 2024 presidential race.
According to the White House, President Joe Biden received initial preliminary information about the incident at Donald Trump's campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
Some of Donald Trump's allies and potential vice presidential picks have tweeted messages of support and prayers for the former president.
Florida Senator Marco Rubio: "Praying for President Trump and all those attending the rally in Pennsylvania today."
Ohio Senator JD Vance: “Everyone please join me in praying for our President Trump and everyone at that rally. I hope everyone is okay.”
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum: “Please join Kathryn and I in praying for President Trump, his family and everyone attending today's rally” and “We all know President Trump is strong than your enemy. Today he showed that."
South Carolina Senator Tim Scott: “Praying for President Trump and everyone at the rally in Pennsylvania. May God protect them all.”
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem: “Please pray for Donald J. Trump... May justice be brought quickly against the perpetrator.”
Senator Bill Hagerty posted a photo of Trump with his fist raised and his right ear covered in blood, with the message: “Pray for our President @realDonaldTrump. He is the strongest person I know."
CNN quoted law enforcement sources as saying that the shooter involved in the incident at Donald Trump's campaign rally in Pennsylvania has been "neutralized".
