A gunman and one audience member are dead after a shooting at former US President Donald Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Another spectator is in serious condition.
Trump was injured in the shooting.
He dropped to the ground and was swarmed by Secret Service agents after shots rang out while he spoke onstage.
He had blood on his face as he was rushed away.
Trump appeared to raise a fist into the air as he was escorted off stage.
Trump on his Truth Social account says he was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of his right ear.
He says he knew immediately that something was wrong in that he heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin.
The Secret Service says Trump is safe and under protective measures.
The shooting is being investigated as an attempted assassination, according to law enforcement officials.
A witness at the rally says they saw a man with a rifle crawling on a nearby roof before the shots rang out.
President Joe Biden denounced the violence during remarks said in a statement earlier that he’s “grateful” Trump is safe.
Source: CNN/BBC
Earlier
Trump rushed off stage at rally as bangs heard
Secret Service agents have rushed former President Donald Trump off stage after what sounded like gunshots rang out at a rally in Pennsylvania.
The local District Attorney says suspected shooter and a rally attendee is dead.
Footage showed him grimace and raise a hand to his ear, before ducking as sharp cracks - apparently shots - broke out.
He was quickly swarmed by secret service agents and rushed off stage to a waiting vehicle.
In a statement Trump's campaign said he was "fine" and was being "checked out" at a local medical facility.
Spokesman Steven Cheung says President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act.
The former president appeared to have blood on his right ear and raised a fist as he was bundled off stage and into a car.
Armed police took to the podium soon after.
In a statement, the Secret Service said Trump was safe and that measures for his protection had been implemented.
They added that an active investigation was now under way and that further information would be released when available.
Multiple bangs rang out as Trump spoke about his successor, President Joe Biden, and his administration.
Several supporters holding placards and standing behind Trump ducked as the apparent shots were heard.
Source: BBC
