Former President Donald Trump was rushed off stage at a Pennsylvania rally after apparent gunshots. Two were killed, and an investigation is ongoing.
What Happened to President Donald Trump?
In a scene that played out like an action thriller, former President Donald Trump was dramatically whisked off stage by Secret Service agents during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The reason? What sounded like gunshots echoing through the crowd.
Footage captures (seen below) the exact moment Trump grimaced and raised his hand to his right ear before ducking in response to the sharp cracks. Instantly, Secret Service agents swarmed him, rushing him to a waiting vehicle as he raised a defiant fist to the crowd.
Trump's campaign later confirmed that the former president was "fine" and undergoing checks at a local medical facility. Spokesman Steven Cheung expressed gratitude to law enforcement and first responders for their swift action during what he termed a "heinous act."
Reports indicate that the incident wasn't a close call for Trump alone; three others were caught in the crossfire, two of whom did not survive. The Secret Service confirmed Trump's safety and initiated an active investigation, promising further details as they become available.
Is President Trump OK?
Witnesses described a chaotic scene. One rally-goer, Greg, recounted (speaking to the BBC) seeing a suspicious figure "bear crawling" on a nearby roof with a rifle just before Trump began speaking. Despite alerting the police, the situation quickly escalated into gunfire. Another attendee, Jason, recalled hearing five rapid shots and seeing Secret Service agents shield Trump.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum. Former President Barack Obama emphasized that "there is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy," while Trump's former Vice-President Mike Pence and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed their relief for Trump's safety and called for unity against political violence.
As investigations continue, one thing is clear: the campaign trail just got a whole lot more intense.
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