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President Joe Biden issued a statement following the news, writing in part: "There's no place for this kind of violence in America," while VP Kamala Harris said she and her husband are "praying" for Trump and "all those who have been injured and impacted by this senseless shooting."
Former President Donald Trump, the current 2024 presumptive Republican candidate, was giving a speech at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday when gunfire broke out.
The candidate appeared to drop to the ground after touching the side of his face as the Secret Service rushed the stage. When he arose, there was what appeared to be visible blood on the side of his head and ear. He was quickly escorted to a vehicle surrounded by agents.
Trump's communications director, Steven Cheung, said in a statement that Trump is "fine."
"President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act," he said. "He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow."
Shortly after the incident, Butler County, PA District Attorney Richard Goldfinger reportedly told a Washington Post reporter that one audience member was killed in the shooting, while another is in serious condition.
Goldinger confirmed to the Associated Press and CBS News that the shooter is also dead. His identity has not been released, with Secret Service saying this is an active investigation. Law enforcement told CBS News there is no longer a threat to public safety.
A source told TMZ that Trump was not hit by a bullet, but that a bullet hit his teleprompter, the glass shattered, and struck him by his ear. The outlet also reported that two rally attendees were struck by gunfire and are currently being treated at the hospital.
After the incident, the Trump campaign said in a statement, per CBS News, "President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act. He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility."
On Saturday evening, Trump spoke out for the first time, issuing a statement on Truth Social.
"I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania. Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of the other person that was badly injured."
"It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country," he continued, adding that "nothing is known at this time about the shooter."
"I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear," Trump said. "I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening."
According to the Associated Press, the shooting is now being investigated as an assassination attempt.
Following the shooting, celebrities and political figures took to social media to react.
President Joe Biden issued a statement, saying, "I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump's rally in Pennsylvania. I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well. I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information.
"Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety," he added. "There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it."
Vice President Kamala Harris also shared a statement that read: "I have been briefed on the shooting at former President Trump’s event in Pennsylvania. Doug and I are relieved that he is not seriously injured. We are praying for him, his family, and all those who have been injured and impacted by this senseless shooting. We are grateful to the United States Secret Service, first responders, and local authorities for their immediate action. Violence such as this has no place in our nation. We must all condemn this abhorrent act and do our part to ensure that it does not lead to more violence."
Former first lady Melania Trump issued a lengthy statement in the wake of the assassination attempt against her husband.
"A monster who recognized my husband as an inhuman political machine attempted to ring out Donald’s passion -- his laughter, ingenuity, love of music, and inspiration," she wrote in part. "The core facets of my husband’s life -- his human side -- were buried below the political machine."
Trump's daughter, Tiffany Trump, shared a post on her Instagram Stories, writing, "The outpouring of love and support for my dad is deeply appreciated. Thank you God for keeping my father alive. Political violence is never the answer. God bless the secret service and law enforcement who fearlessly intervened. Please include the families of the victims in your prayers. As you saw today, my father is a fighter and he will continue to fight for you and the USA."
See more reactions, below.
