At least two men dead in rally shooting at Pennsylvania Donald Trump rally
Donald Trump was only “grazed” when gunfire broke out at his rally – but at least two others present have been killed.
News
Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
At least two men are dead and two more are in critical condition after a Pennsylvania rally for Donald Trump descended into chaos today, with the bloodied Republican Presidential candidate being hurried off stage after gunfire rang out.
After what sounded like a number of gunshots, Trump dropped behind his lectern onstage and rose with blood pouring from his right ear. A spokesperson later said Trump was “grazed by gunfire but is safe”.
Trump himself released a statement confirming he had copped a bullet wound, writing: “I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear.”
Two people are confirmed dead in the shocking incident – one, a member of the crowd, and the other, the alleged shooter. Two other rallygoers were taken to hospital.
All three victims – as well as the alleged shooter – are adult men, Pennsylvania State Police Deputy Commissioner of Operations, Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens told reporters.
Mr Bivens said police will not be releasing the identities of the victims yet.
“We have notified a number of family members but they have not had an opportunity to notify extended families,” he said.
No police were hit with bullets during the shooting, Mr Bivens confirmed.
The United States Secret Service earlier released a statement giving new details of the attack.
“During Former President Trump’s campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on the evening of July 13 at approximately 6:15pm, a suspected shooter fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside of the rally venue,” the Secret Service statement read.
“U.S. Secret Service quickly responded with protective measures and Former President Trump is safe. One spectator was killed, and two spectators were critically injured. This incident is currently under investigation. and the Secret Service has notified the FBI,” Anthony Guglielmi, chief of communications for the Secret Service, said in the statement.
A video circulating on social media allegedly shows the suspected gunman lying motionless on a rooftop after being killed by the Secret Service counter assault team.
US President Joe Biden addressed the media in a press conference hours after the shooting, telling reporters: “The bottom line is, the Trump rally should have been able to be conducted peacefully without any problem. The idea that there is political violence or violence like this in America is just unheard of. It is inappropriate. Everybody must condemn it. Everybody.”
“The incident at former President Trump’s campaign event in Pennsylvania today is concerning and confronting,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a statement.
“There is no place for violence in the democratic process.
“I am relieved to hear reports that former President Trump is now safe.”
A spokesman for Trump’s campaign, Steven Cheung, said the former president was “fine” and receiving medical attention.
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act,” Mr Cheung said.
“He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility.”
Originally published as At least two men dead in rally shooting at Pennsylvania Donald Trump rally
Read related topics:Donald Trump