Photo courtesy of SkyNews.
Butler, PA – Former President Donald Trump was urgently escorted offstage with visible blood on his ear and face following a shooting incident during his rally on Saturday evening.
The incident unfolded rapidly as Trump fell to the ground after the initial sound of gunfire. Panic ensued among the crowd, with audible screams filling the air. Security personnel quickly surrounded Trump, lifting him to his feet and guiding him away from the lectern. As he was being led to a waiting vehicle, Trump was seen calling out to the crowd and pumping his fist.
In a statement, the Secret Service confirmed that Trump is “safe.”
Law enforcement officials are treating the shooting as a potential assassination attempt. According to a Secret Service source, the shooter was killed by Secret Service agents, and a rally attendee also lost their life. Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger reported that a second spectator is in serious condition.
“An incident occurred the evening of July 13 at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania. The Secret Service has implemented protective measures and the former President is safe. This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available,” said Anthony Guglielmi, chief spokesman for the Secret Service.
Three law enforcement sources indicated that the shooter was positioned outside the venue. Two of these sources specified that the shooter was on a rooftop, leading multiple law enforcement officials to describe the individual as a sniper. However, additional details remain unclear at this time.
The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.