Trump Rally in Pennsylvania Ends Early After Fatal Shooting: 1 Dead, Shooter Dead
A Trump rally in Butler, PA was shut down Saturday night after a shooting. One person was killed as well as the shooter, according to the Butler County DA to The Associated Press.
Chaos and Response
When shots fired the crowd went wild, many attendees hit the deck.
The Secret Service confirmed the “incident” at the rally and said Trump was safe. Steven Cheung, a Trump spokesperson, said the former US President was being checked out at a nearby hospital and thanked law enforcement and first responders for their quick response.
Statements from Leaders
President Joe Biden released a statement within two hours. He said he was glad Trump was safe and offered prayers for everyone involved.
Biden and other leaders condemned the political violence and are waiting for more information.
Eyewitnesses
The sequence of events during the shooting is still unclear. Witnesses said they heard several shots before Trump put his hand to his right ear.
Secret Service agents jumped in front of Trump and told him to get down. He stayed down for about a minute then got back up, with agents supporting him, and blood on his face.
He was then quickly whisked off the stage and into an SUV and gave a thumbs up to the crowd.
On the Ground
Dave McCormick, the Republican nominee for Senate in Pennsylvania, was on stage when the shots were fired.
“All of a sudden shots started cracking. Someone behind me got hit,” McCormick told POLITICO. “It was bloody and chaotic and the Secret Service was protecting Trump.”
Jondavid Longo, the mayor of Slippery Rock, PA who was also there, said the scene was confusing and he was focused on getting his wife to safety.
He saw Trump being helped up by Secret Service agents and said the former US President was tough as he raised his fist in the air.
The community is reeling and political violence is in the spotlight.
Expect GistReporters to keep you inform as more information about the shooting emerge.
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