- Donald Trump was forced off the stage after an incident at his campaign rally on Saturday.
- Dramatic photos show Trump with blood on his face.
- Trump pumped his fist in the air as Secret Service agents took him away.
Former President Donald Trump was quickly escorted off the stage at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday evening after a series of loud noises were heard.
Photos showed secret service agents rushing to Trump’s aid. Blood splatters could be seen on his face, particularly around his ear, as he was removed from the stage with his fist clenched.
A Trump spokesman thanked law enforcement and first responders for their quick response to the case.
The Secret Service confirmed that the former president is now safe and is currently undergoing a medical evaluation at a nearby facility. Further updates will be provided soon.
Reporters at the scene said there were a series of loud noises before the Secret Service intervened.
“This is an active crime scene,” Secret Service officials told reporters, ordering them to leave the area.
“We saw a lot of people fall to the ground in confusion. I heard the shots, it sounded like something between fireworks and a small caliber handgun,” said John Yeykal of Franklin, Pennsylvania, who was attending his first Trump rally.
Washington Post reporter Meryl Kornfield first reported that Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger said two people were dead, including a suspected shooter.
The prosecutor did not immediately respond to a call and email from Business Insider.
The attack by a gunman who law enforcement officials said was subsequently killed by the Secret Service was the first attempt to assassinate a president or presidential candidate since Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981.
It comes amid a deeply polarized political atmosphere, just four months before the presidential election and days before Trump is officially named the Republican nominee at his party’s convention.
About two hours after the shooting, President Joe Biden addressed the nation and said he was relieved that Trump was reportedly “doing well.” He said he was unable to reach Trump before his comments and promised to update the public later Saturday on whether they spoke out and provide more details about the investigation.
“We cannot allow this to happen,” Biden said. “The idea that there is such violence in America is simply unthinkable.”
Biden, who spoke without a teleprompter, said he was waiting for additional information before officially calling the attack an attempted assassination of the former president.
“I have an opinion, but I don’t have facts,” he told reporters, promising to provide updates as he learns more.
POLITICALLY FORCE AGAIN Shocks America
After the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy in California in 1968 and again in 1972, when Arthur Bremer shot and seriously injured George Wallace, who was running as an independent on a platform, the dangers of campaigning took on a new urgency compared to Trump. This led to increased protection of candidates, even as threats continued, particularly against Jesse Jackson in 1988 and Barack Obama in 2008.
Presidents have even greater layers of security, especially after the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963. Trump is a rarity both as a former president and as a current candidate.
On the video, Trump could be heard saying at least twice, “Let me get my shoes, let me get my shoes,” while another voice said, “I got you, sir.”
A few moments later, Trump stood up and could be seen touching his face with his right hand. There appeared to be blood on his face. He then pumped his fist in the air and appeared to say the word “fight” twice as loudly as his supporters, prompting loud cheers and then chants of “USA.” USA. USA.”
Watch the video below;
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