Barack Obama paid tribute to Donald Trump after the presidential candidate was shot at a campaign rally, with political figures from around the world united in wishing him a “speedy recovery.”
The former president was seen bleeding from his ear after being injured in a shooting at a re-election rally, during which a bystander was killed by the gunman’s bullets.
At least eight bullets were fired shortly after Trump stood up to speak at Butler Farm Grounds in Butler, Pennsylvania, at 5 p.m. ET (10 p.m. UK time) on Saturday.
The former president quickly raised his fist in the air to show he was not seriously injured, as Secret Service agents ran to the stage to chase him away.
People who want to encourage the 78-year-old have also come forward. Among them are former Prime Minister Liz Truss, leader of Reform UK Nigel Farage and Tesla boss Elon Musk who responded to the attempted murder.
Donald Trump appeared to be shot in the ear when shots were fired at the former president at a rally in Pennsylvania
Trump raised his fist to the crowd and did not appear seriously injured as he walked off the stage on his own, surrounded by Secret Service.
Trump grabbed the side of his head as he appeared to be hit
Mr Farage posted the following on X, formerly Twitter: ‘Mainstream media is spreading a hateful narrative against my friend Donald Trump.
“I hope they are proud of themselves. Disgusting people.”
Musk, chairman of X, said: “I fully support President Trump and hope for his speedy recovery.”
He then added: “The last time America had such a strong candidate was Theodore Roosevelt.”
Former Prime Minister Liz Truss struck a similar tone, saying: ‘Pray for President Trump. Pray for America.’
The president’s predecessor, Barack Obama, wrote: ‘There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy.
“While we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump was not seriously injured. We can use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics.
‘Michelle and I wish him a speedy recovery.’
A Downing Street spokesman said: “We are shocked by the scenes at President Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania.
“We condemn all forms of political violence in the strongest terms and wish President Trump and his family the very best.”
Well-wishers have already come forward in droves to support the 78-year-old, with former Prime Minister Liz Truss, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Tesla boss Elon Musk among those responding to the attempted murder.
Trump’s fierce political rival Bernie Sanders bridged the party divide and spoke kind words to the former president.
“Political violence is absolutely unacceptable,” he said. “I wish Donald Trump and anyone else who may have been injured a speedy recovery.”
Meanwhile, the son of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump Jr. posted on X: “He will never stop fighting to save America.”
International leaders have also reacted to the shooting. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “Sara and I were shocked by the alleged attack on President Trump.
“We pray for his safety and a speedy recovery.”
The president was seen crouching down, blood streaming from his ear as screams were heard from terrified onlookers. His team says he is “fine.”
It is now being reported that Trump was hit by a piece of glass that flew off a teleprompter and shattered during the shooting.
Secret Service agents could be heard shouting “shooter down” amid the ensuing chaos. The agency confirmed the incident was being investigated as attempted murder.
Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger told reporters that the shooter is dead and that a bystander was also killed in the massacre.
The identities of the shooter and the dead bystander have not yet been confirmed. It is also unclear where the shooter opened fire and what type of weapon he used.
Moments after throwing his fist in the air in a scene that has gone viral, the former president was quickly whisked to safety. Trump’s team said more updates on the former president’s condition would be provided soon.
The gunman was shot dead during the rally, the Butler County district attorney confirmed to the Associated Press. A witness told the BBC officers “blew the guy’s head off.”
The prosecutor added that an attendee was also killed at the rally, which was held Saturday afternoon in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Panicked scenes ensued as shots rang out, with Trump supporters streaming out of the stands and away from the event.
Within seconds, Trump was wrestled to the ground by several Secret Service agents as they shielded him from the shooter.
Initial reports say that eight to ten shots were fired. According to the press, “several more bangs” were heard after Trump fell to the ground.
Shortly after, Trump stood up and raised his fist in the air toward the crowd, which chanted “USA” and “Make America Great Again.”
It appeared that he was simultaneously saying the word “fight” to his supporters.
Trump muttered the word ‘fight’ to his supporters as blood splattered his face
Secret Service rushed to the stage to protect Trump after shots were fired
Trump had blood streaming down his cheeks as Secret Service agents pushed him to the ground
The severity of Trump’s injuries is unclear, though within seconds of his shooting he appeared to want to show supporters he was OK
Trump’s campaign said he was taken to the hospital after the shooting but is “doing fine.”
As Trump raised his fist to the crowd, some were heard cheering his name and chanting “USA” and “Make America Great Again”
As he was herded into SUVs, Trump again raised a fist at his supporters
Trump is the presumptive Republican presidential nominee and will face Joe Biden in the November election. However, after the dramatic incident, people from across the political spectrum gathered en masse to show their support.
Governor Ron DeSantis, who easily defeated Trump in the race for Republican presidential nomination, said: “@CaseyDeSantis and I are praying for Donald Trump and his family.”
California’s Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, who has been hailed as the party’s successor to Joe Biden if the president were to leave office, wrote: “Violence has NO place in our democracy.
“My thoughts are with President Trump and everyone involved in today’s meeting.”
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the independent presidential candidate, said: “Now is the time for every American who loves our country to break away from division, renounce all violence and join together in prayer for President Trump and his family.”