Former President Donald Trump was rushed off stage after loud popping sounds rang out as he was speaking to supporters at Butler, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh.
In the video popping sounds can be heard, and Trump appeared to grab the side of his ear or neck with his right hand, before plunging to the ground. There were then sounds of people screaming. Trump then got up and raised his fist in the air as he was carried away by Secret Service members.
He appeared to have blood on his ear and cheek as he left the stage. Attendees at the rally began screaming as agents pushed Trump to the ground.
Trump was removed from the site by Secret Service, with his fist raised, after the noises. Steven Cheung, Trump’s spokesperson, confirmed in a statement that the former president is “fine” but was seeing doctors at an area medical facility.
A spokesman for the Secret Service said, “An incident occurred the evening of July 13 at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania. 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 Trump campaign said in a statement, “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.”
Secret Service removed reporters from the site, calling it “an active crime scene.” Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesperson for the Secret Service, issued a statement that said “The Secret Service has implemented protective measures and the former President is safe” as officials launch their investigation.
The crowd is currently being evacuated.
President Joe Biden, who is in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, said, “No, when asked by reporters as he left church if he had been briefed by about the shooting at the Trump rally.
The White House issued a statement saying, “The President has received an initial briefing on the incident at Former President Trump’s rally.”