Trump safe after incident at campaign rally; gunman and aide killed

Donald Trump is safe and protective measures have been put in place around him following an incident at a campaign rally for the former US president on Saturday in Pennsylvania, the Secret Service said.

“This is now an active Secret Service investigation and more information will be released when it becomes available,” the Secret Service said in a post on X.

Sounds of gunfire rang out at Trump’s rally and the Republican presidential candidate winced and raised his right hand to his right ear as explosions rang out, video footage showed.

Bodyguards then crowded around Trump, who crouched beneath the podium, and armed officers took up positions at the front of the stage. The former president repeatedly raised his fist toward the crowd and shouted as he was escorted to a vehicle by the U.S. Secret Service.

The suspected shooter was dead, as was an audience member, and another person was in critical condition, a Washington Post reporter said on social media, citing the Butler County district attorney.

Armed law enforcement officers were also seen on a rooftop near the stage where Trump was standing.

The venue was deserted, with chairs overturned and yellow police tape around the stage. A helicopter hovered overhead and police officers walked around.

Reactions after incident at Trump rally

Trump’s campaign spokesman said Trump was doing well and was being checked out at a local medical center.

“President Trump thanks law enforcement and emergency responders for their swift action during this heinous act. He is doing well and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will be available soon,” spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement.

The venue was deserted with toppled chairs and yellow police tape around the stage. A helicopter flew overhead and law enforcement officers walked through the area, video feed showed. Armed law enforcement officers were also seen on a roof near the stage where Trump was.

US President Joe Biden issued a statement saying:

“I have been informed of the shooting that occurred at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania. I am glad to hear that he is safe and doing well. I am praying for him, his family, and everyone who was at the rally as we await further information. Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for bringing him to safety. There is no place for this type of violence in America. We must come together as one nation to condemn it.”

Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla, said in a social media post on Saturday: “I fully support President Trump and look forward to his speedy recovery.”

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava issued a statement in reaction to the recent attack on former President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania:

“Political violence of any kind is unacceptable. The news that former President Donald Trump was attacked tonight is reprehensible. Regardless of your beliefs, these types of attacks go against the very foundation of what our country stands for and the values ​​we hold dear. Please join me in praying for the safety of the former President and his family at this time,” the statement concluded.

OAS Secretary-General Luis Almagro said: “We condemn in the strongest terms the attack that occurred today against former U.S. President Donald Trump. Violence has no place in an election, in politics or in our societies.”

[Noticia en desarrollo]

[Con información de The Associated Press y Reuters]

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