Trump Injured But Safe, Bystander and Assailant Dead After Shooting at Rally

BUTLER, Pa.—Former President Trump is safe with a minor injury after an attack during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. The person who allegedly shot him is dead, according to the Butler County district attorney.

A rallygoer was also killed in the attack, according to the district attorney’s office.

Former President Trump was minutes into his speech in front of a crowd of tens of thousands of people when several gunshots interrupted the event. The former president grabbed his right ear before Secret Service agents quickly brought him down to the floor near the podium.

Several more shots rang out while the president was down. Moments later, back on his feet and surrounded by Secret Service agents, blood running down his face, the president said, “Wait, wait, wait,” and pumped his fist three times to the crowd.

Former President Trump then walked down from the stage surrounded by agents.

“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,” the Secret Service said in a statement.

“The entire crowd just went down. Everybody was covering themselves, just trying to stay safe,” one observer told NTD immediately after the incident.

Shortly after 6:30 p.m. ET, a medical helicopter landed near the site of the rally. The Trump campaign said the former president “is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility.”

“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act,” said Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung.

The White House said that President Joe Biden “has received an initial briefing on the incident,” including with Homeland Security officials.

The Butler County district attorney told Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 that one person is believed to be dead. The Epoch Times has contacted the district attorney’s office for more information.

Mike Boatman, a part of the group known as the Front Row Joes, has attended 94 rallies for the former president. He said he was in the center of the front row and to his left heard the pop-pop-pop of shots.

He was stunned to see former President Trump clutch his right ear and disappear behind the lectern where he’d been speaking.

He heard another volley of shots.

“I would have rather they shot me than him,” Mr. Boatman, of Evansville, Indiana, told The Epoch Times. “He’s the only guy who can save this country.”

“Unbelievable. They’ve tried everything to keep him from being the president again. They tried everything. … Now they’re trying to assassinate him.

Reactions Pour In

Robert F. Kennedy, who is mounting an independent bid for the White House, wrote on X, “Now is the time for every American who loves our country to step back from the division, renounce all violence, and unite in prayer for President Trump and his family.”

California Gov. Gavin Newsom was one of the first Democrats to react to the incident.

“Violence has NO place in our democracy. My thoughts are with President Trump and everyone impacted at the rally today,” he wrote in a post on X.

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), a possible vice presidential pick, wrote on X, “God protected President Trump”

Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of X, wrote, “I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery.”

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) wrote on X: “I am horrified by what happened at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania and relieved that former President Trump is safe. Political violence has no place in our country.”

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) also responded with a post on X: “Political violence is absolutely unacceptable.I wish Donald Trump, and anyone else who may have been hurt, a speedy recovery.”

“My thoughts and prayers are with former President Trump. I am thankful for the decisive law enforcement response. America is a democracy. Political violence of any kind is never acceptable,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wrote a message on X, “As one whose family has been the victim of political violence, I know firsthand that political violence of any kind has no place in our society. I thank God that former President Trump is safe.”

“As we learn more details about this horrifying incident, let us pray that all those in attendance at the former President’s rally today are unharmed.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.