Former President Donald Trump is safe after shots were fired at his rally in Pennsylvania, according to the U.S. Secret Service and his campaign.
Trump had just started his speech when gunshots rang out. He and others at the rally quickly took cover. Secret Service agents surrounded him, and live video showed blood on the right side of Trump’s face and ear.
“The Secret Service has implemented protective measures and the former president is safe,” said a spokesperson on X. “This is now an active Secret Service investigation.”
CNN reported that Trump was injured but did not provide details. One person is believed to be dead, according to Pittsburgh ABC affiliate WTAE, citing Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldfinger.
Witness Ron Moose said he heard four shots, describing the sound as “pop, pop, pop.”
Trump’s campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, said Trump was fine and being checked at a local medical facility. “President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action,” Cheung said.
The rally venue was abandoned, with chairs knocked over and police tape around the stage. A helicopter flew overhead as armed officers secured the area.
President Joe Biden received an initial briefing on the incident, the White House said. Trump and Biden are in a tight election race, with polls showing them evenly matched.
Trump is set to receive the Republican nomination at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on Monday. Biden has faced criticism from within his party following a poor debate performance against Trump.
Trump, who served as president from 2017 to 2021, is dealing with multiple legal issues, including four criminal prosecutions. He was found guilty in May of covering up hush money payments to a porn star. The other cases, including two for trying to overturn his election defeat, are delayed due to a Supreme Court decision partly granting him immunity.
