Shots Fired at Trump Rally in Pennsylvania
Former President Donald Trump was rushed offstage following shots were fired at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump said in a social media post that he was injured when a bullet pierced the upper part of his right ear. The Secret Service confirmed that two people are dead — the gunman and an audience member — and two spectators were critically injured.
Reporters heard numerous shots and Secret Service agents rushed the stage. Video captured by CBS News shows Trump touching his ear and then crouching to the ground. Some blood might be seen on his face. Trump was taken away in a motorcade. He held up a fist as he got into the SUV.
Law enforcement sources said the suspect was shooting with an AR-style rifle from 200-300 feet away. The gunman was on top of a shed outside the security perimeter set up by the Secret Service. Authorities are investigating the shooting as an “attempted assassination.”
The attendee who was killed and the two attendees who were critically wounded were men. Their names were not released.
The Trump campaign said in a statement, “President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act. He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility.” He was released from the hospital later Saturday night.
In a post on Truth Social Saturday night, Trump elaborated on what happened and described his injuries:
“I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania. Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured. It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country. Nothing is known at this time regarding the shooter, who is now dead. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”
A photo by New York Times photographer Doug Mills captured the moment a bullet flew past Trump’s head as he spoke at the rally.
Trump’s motorcade departed Butler Memorial Hospital a little before 9:30 p.m. local time, and he has now left the area under Secret Service protection. It was unclear where he was headed. He had initially been scheduled to travel to his estate in Bedminster, New Jersey, before heading to Milwaukee for the Republican National Convention, which begins Monday.
Several witnesses told CBS Pittsburgh reporters they saw the gunman on the roof right before the shooting started and tried to alert officers.
CBS News campaign reporter Jake Rosen interviewed an eyewitness with blood on his shirt who said he was an ER physician and had performed CPR on a victim with a head wound.
The hospital later confirmed that it was treating two critically injured patients.
President Joe Biden addressed the nation at regarding 8:15 p.m. ET.
“There is no place for this kind of violence in America. It’s sick. It’s sick,” Mr. Biden said. “It’s one of the reasons why we have to unite this country. We cannot allow for this to be happening. We cannot be like this. We cannot condone this.”
The White House confirmed late Saturday night that Mr. Biden and Trump spoke by phone, but did not detail what was said on the call. A Trump adviser also confirmed the two spoke.
In a statement issued earlier, Mr. Biden said, “I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well. I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information. Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson said the House will conduct “a full investigation of the tragic events today. The American people deserve to know the truth. We will have Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle and other appropriate officials from DHS and the FBI appear for a hearing before our committees ASAP.”
Numerous political figures on both sides of the aisle quickly condemned the attack.
Vice President Kamala Harris said in a statement, “Doug and I are relieved that he is not seriously injured. We are praying for him, his family, and all those who have been injured and impacted by this senseless shooting. … Violence such as this has no place in our nation. We must all condemn this abhorrent act and do our part to ensure that it does not lead to more violence.”
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tweeted, “As one whose family has been the victim of political violence, I know firsthand that political violence of any kind has no place in our society. I thank God that former President Trump is safe. As we learn more details regarding this horrifying incident, let us pray that all those in attendance at the former President’s rally today are unharmed.”
“Violence targeted at any political party or political leader is absolutely unacceptable,” Pennsylvania’s Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro said on X. “It has no place in Pennsylvania or the United States. I have been briefed on the situation. are on the scene in Butler County and working with our federal and local partners.”
Donald Trump Jr. tweeted a photo of his father following the incident and wrote, “He’ll never stop fighting to Save America.”
Doug Burgum, considered a possible choice for Trump’s running mate, posted on social media, “Please join Kathryn and me in praying for President Trump, his family and everyone attending the rally today.”
Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, another potential VP candidate, tweeted, “Praying for President Trump and all those attending the rally in Pennsylvania today.”
Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio, also on the VP shortlist, wrote, “Everyone join me in praying for our President Trump and everyone at that rally. I hope everyone is ok.”
CBS New York reports security has been tightened at Trump Tower in Manhattan following the rally shooting.
The Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department said it was increasing its police presence across the city, “out of an abundance of caution,” but said there were no known threats to the district.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Analysis
The shooting at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania is a stark reminder of the deep political divisions and rising tensions in the United States. The incident underscores the vulnerability of public figures and the need for enhanced security measures at political events. This event is likely to fuel further debate regarding gun control, mental health, and the role of social media in perpetuating violence.
The incident also highlights the increasing polarization of American society and the potential for violence to erupt in the context of political discourse. The shooting comes at a time when political rhetoric is often heated and divisive, and when there is a growing sense of distrust and animosity between different political factions. This trend is likely to continue in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, making it more important than ever to promote civil discourse and to find ways to bridge the divides in American society.
The shooting also raises questions regarding the role of social media in amplifying political violence. Social media platforms have become increasingly important in shaping public discourse, and they can be used to spread misinformation, incite hatred, and encourage violence. It is crucial for social media companies to take steps to combat these harmful trends, and for users to be critical of the information they encounter online.
The shooting at the Trump rally is a tragedy that has shaken the nation. It is a reminder of the fragility of democracy and the importance of protecting the right to free speech and assembly. It is also a call to action for all Americans to work together to build a more peaceful and united society.
