Former president and presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump was whisked offstage from a Pennsylvania rally after what sounded like gunshots rang out.
The candidate was addressing supporters in Butler, Penn. Saturday evening when two loud bangs interrupted his speech. Trump puts his hand to his ear before lowering himself to the ground and being swiftly tackled by Secret Service agents.
A second volley of rapid shots can be heard less than two seconds after the first. Shortly after, one of the agents surrounding the former president can be heard saying “shooter is down” before helping lift Trump up from the stage and escorting him into a waiting vehicle.
When Trump arose, he had blood on his ear and the side of his face. He raised his fist in the air, gesturing to supporters, as he was carried off stage as supporters chanted “USA, USA, USA.”
A statement from the Trump campaign called the apparent attack “heinous.”
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act. He is fine and being checked out at a local medical facility,” a campaign spokesperson told reporters.
The United States Secret Service confirmed Trump was “safe,” vowing to release further information when available.
“An incident occurred the evening of July 13 at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania,” read a statement from the chief of communications for the Secret Service, Anthony Guglielmi. “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.”
True North’s Rachel Parker is on the scene for the rally, which police sources said had about 12,000 attendees.