Trump Injured But Safe in Apparent Assassination Bid

AFP/APP

United States: Former President Donald Trump was hit in the ear in an apparent assassination attempt by a gunman at a campaign rally on Saturday.

The incident has added to fears of instability ahead of the 2024 US presidential election. The 78-year-old former president was rushed off stage with blood smeared across his face after the shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The gunman and a bystander were killed, and two spectators were critically injured.

Trump, the Republican candidate, raised a defiant fist to the crowd as he was escorted to safety and later said, “I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear.” President Joe Biden, who is set to face Trump in November’s deeply polarized election, condemned the incident as “sick” and stated, “There is no place in America for this kind of violence. We cannot be like this.”

As the shots rang out, Trump, wearing a red “Make America Great Again” cap, grimaced and clutched his ear, with blood visible on his ear and cheek. He fell to the floor as Secret Service agents swarmed the podium, surrounding him and escorting him to a nearby vehicle. 

Trump commented on his TruthSocial network, “It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country,” in remarks likely to heighten political tensions in the United States.

‘Much Bleeding’

“I knew immediately that something was wrong when I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and felt the bullet ripping through the skin,” Trump said. “Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening.”

The US Secret Service reported that the suspected shooter “fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside the rally” before being “neutralized” by agents. Trump was reported to be “safe and being evaluated,” and the agency confirmed the death of a spectator and two others critically injured.

The shooter’s identity has not yet been disclosed. Trump extended his condolences to the family of the person killed at the rally.

The attack has sent shock waves worldwide. President Biden expressed his intention to speak with Trump soon. The shooting occurred shortly after Trump took the stage at his final campaign rally before the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee next week.

J.D. Vance, a possible vice presidential pick for Trump, quickly blamed Biden’s “rhetoric” for the shooting.

Screams and Panic

The rally descended into chaos after the shots were heard, with screams and shouts filling the air. “Let me get my shoes,” Trump was heard saying on the microphone as security agents helped him back to his feet. 

He turned back to the crowd, repeatedly raising his fist and mouthing words that weren’t immediately discernible, creating what is set to become an iconic image. Agents bundled Trump into an SUV as he once more raised his fist to the crowd.

“We saw a lot of people go down, looking confused. I heard the shots,” said John Yeykal from Franklin, Pennsylvania, who was attending his first Trump rally.

Former President Barack Obama stated, “There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy.” Republican minority leader Mitch McConnell added, “Tonight, all Americans are grateful that President Trump appears to be fine after a despicable attack on a peaceful rally. Violence has no place in our politics.”

Billionaire Elon Musk quickly endorsed Trump, saying, “I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery,” in a post on X, which he owns along with car manufacturer Tesla, sharing a video of Trump pumping his fist while being escorted away.