Two dead at Trump rally, suspected shooter, ex-president's ear with blood
The former US president was surrounded by security forces while he was raising his fist to the crowd, and was forced off the stage, with blood stains visible on his right ear. .
Former US President Donald Trump, who was shot and forced off the stage at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday, was "safe" -- a shocking incident that will fuel anxiety ahead of the 2024 election.
When the banging stopped, the 78-year-old Trump grimaced and held his right ear with his hand. Soon his face was covered in blood.
As President Trump defiantly raised his fist to the audience, Secret Service agents stormed the podium, surrounded the Republican candidate, and violently escorted him off the stage.
According to US media, the deaths of the suspected shooter and one bystander were confirmed.
"The former president is in good health," the Secret Service said in a post.
"President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their swift response to this heinous act. He is in good health and is being examined at a local medical facility," spokesman Steven Chang said in a statement.
President Joe Biden, who will face President Trump in a bitter repeat of the 2020 clash, said the United States has "no place for this kind of violence."
Biden said in a statement that he was "grateful to hear that he is well and safe," adding that he was "praying for him, his family and all those who attended the rally." The elderly man, who was at his home in Rehoboth, Delaware, repeated his own message in a televised statement, saying, "We cannot do that" in the November election.
It came just after Trump took the stage at his final campaign rally before the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee next week.
Shooter Dead
"Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger said two people were killed, including the suspected shooter," The Washington Post reported. A second pedestrian may have also been hit.
The rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, descended into chaos as gunfire was heard, screams and yells could be heard.
Trump could be heard over a microphone saying, "Let me put my shoes on," as security guards helped him to his feet.
He turned to the crowd, repeatedly clenched his fist and uttered words that were not immediately audible. The image became the subject of a cult.
Agents dragged the 78-year-old billionaire into an SUV where he again raised his fist towards the crowd.
"This is a crime scene," Secret Service officials told reporters, ordering them to leave the area.
"I saw a lot of people on the ground and in disarray. I heard gunfire," said John Acal of Franklin, Pennsylvania, who was attending his first Trump rally.
US politicians were shocked by the incident.
Former President Barack Obama said "there is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy."
"While we still don't know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump was not seriously injured and use this moment to recommit ourselves to decency and respect in our politics," he said.
Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell added: "Violence has no place in our politics."
Musk wrote about car maker Tesla and co-owner X Co. "I fully support President Trump and wish him a speedy recovery," and shared a video of Trump clenching his fist as he was taken away.
