Donald Trump’s defiant act moments after shooting

Donald Trump rose from the ground, blood across his face, and struck a defiant pose before secret service rushed him away.

Donald Trump fell to the ground as shots rang out at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania today.

When he rose from the podium again, the Republican Presidential candidate had blood pouring from a wound on his right ear.

As his security guards prepared to whisk him to safety, Trump struck a defiant pose for the crowd, raising his fist in the air, as blood streaked across his face.

Dramatic footage of the incident showed Trump diving behind the lectern, with Secret Service personnel jumping on top of him as loud bangs could be heard.

Trump crouches on the ground, blood pouring down his face … Picture: Getty Images via AFP

… then stands to raise a fist to the crowd … Picture: Getty Images via AFP

… before being led to safety. Picture: Getty Images via AFP

A bodyguard could be heard yelling, “get down, get down, get down” as Trump grabbed his ear.

Trump’s fist raise will likely become a defining image for the rest of the campaign, and was met with vociferous praise from his supporters on social media.

“Have we ever seen anything more f***ing rockstar than Trump getting shot in the head and then still fist pumping with a bloody ear to get the crowd going,” one person tweeted.

Another called it “unbelievably gangster.”

“The coolest moment since Theodore Roosevelt giving a speech after getting shot,” tweeted another supporter.

“Trump’s instinct to show a defiant fist in a moment of crisis is just incredible. Nothing like it. What a picture,” shared journalist Lee Fang alongside a picture of the moment.

Trump spokesman Steven Cheung has released a statement saying 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.

“More details will follow.”

Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, was today expected to announce his running mate for this year’s election.

The ABC’s North America bureau chief Jade Macmillan, who was at the scene, said supporters were quickly evacuated.

“He hadn’t been on stage for long, when these loud noises rang out – they sounded like popping sounds,” she told ABC News.

The dramatic incident sparked chaos at the rally. Picture: Getty Images via AFP

“We don’t yet have confirmation of whether or not shots were fired. But in footage that was being broadcast live from that rally, you could see Donald Trump duck to the ground.

“He appeared to be clutching his ear.”

Prominent figures have begun to express their support from Trump, among them tech billionaire Elon Musk, who posted on the social media platform he owns, X: “I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery.”

“Any political violence at all is unacceptable. Unironically hoping Trump is okay,” tweeted Democrat Marianne Williamson.

“Praying for President Trump and all those attending the rally in Pennsylvania today,” shared Republican Marco Rubio.

Originally published as Donald Trump’s defiant act moments after shooting