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Former President Donald Trump was rushed off stage by the Secret Service at a Pennsylvania rally on Saturday after shots were fired, and taken to a local medical facility where he is receiving care. His spokesman said the former president “will be fine.”
Following the shots Trump could be seen on video contracting his body to the right, clutching his ear and dropping to the ground. He was then surrounded by Secret Service agents who rushed him to his car. What appeared to be blood could be seen on the right side of Trump’s head.
One spectator from the rally is dead, and a second is in serious condition, according to the Butler County district attorney. The shooter is dead, NBC News confirms.
Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump reacts as multiple shots rang out during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pennsylvania, U.S., July 13, 2024.
Brendan Mcdermid | Reuters
A doctor at the rally told NBC News that he was sitting in the bleachers when he witnessed one death in the crowd. He said he saw the man get shot from behind and fall down the bleachers, appearing to be instantly killed. He said he helped officials carry the man out of the rally.
As Secret Service agents hurriedly ushered Trump off stage, the former president stood up and punched his fist in the air for several seconds.
The shooting at the rally stage occurred outside of the Secret Service’s security perimeter for the event, three senior U.S. law enforcement officials told NBC News.
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump pumps his fist as he is rushed offstage during a rally on July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Anna Moneymaker | Getty Images News | Getty Images
The Secret Service later said Trump was safe, and Trump’s campaign said he was at a “local medical facility.”
“The Secret Service has implemented protective measures and the former President is safe,” Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said in a social media post. “This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available.”
Steven Cheung, the Trump campaign’s communications director, said “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. More details will follow.”
Later Saturday evening, the Trump campaign went into “a complete communications lockdown,” according to a message to staff obtained by NBC News.
“Everything is OK,” wrote James Blair, Trump campaign and Republican National Committee political director. “Anyone who speaks with the press, even on background or off the record, will be found and terminated immediately.”
“Refrain from commenting, speculating, posting on social media, etc. Complete and total lockdown,” Blair added. “Your personal safety is of the utmost importance. Please exercise extreme caution during this time.”
President Joe Biden was briefed on the incident and addressed it in remarks on camera Saturday evening.
“I hope I get to speak to him tonight and I’ll get back to you if I do,” Biden said.
In response to a question about whether the shooting was an assassination attempt, Biden said he could not answer without further information.