The dramatic footage of Donald Trump being escorted from the stage after reports of gunfire interrupted a live interview with Jim Chalmers on Sky News.
The treasurer spoke with Kieran Gilbert before the station switched to live coverage of the dramatic events at a Pennsylvania election rally.
Initial reports indicate that Trump was interrupted in the middle of his speech by a series of loud bangs, after which the former president was immediately escorted off the stage and into a car by Secret Service agents.
It is unclear whether the sounds were gunshots. There is no confirmation yet of the source of the sounds.
He was heard saying, “Let me get my shoes,” and raising his fist in the air as he was led off the stage, while being supported by officers.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese immediately condemned the shooting, saying there was “no place for violence in the democratic process.”
“Today’s incident at former President Trump’s campaign event in Pennsylvania is disturbing and confronting,” he said Sunday.
“I am relieved to hear that former President Trump is now safe.”
Anthony Albanese has condemned the shooting at the Trump rally that saw the former US president chased off the stage with a bloodied face
It is unclear whether the sounds were gunshots, and there have been no reports confirming the source of the sounds
Dr Chalmers spoke to Sky News before the station switched to live coverage of the dramatic events.
It appeared that Trump had blood on his cheek.
When asked to comment on the rapidly unfolding events, Dr. Chalmers said he hoped the presidential candidate was “okay.”
“I mean, these are extraordinary scenes and I hope former President Trump is OK,” he said.
“You see the professionalism with which the Secret Service responded to this. I think it’s heartening to see that he had his arm up and that he was mobile, that we hope he’s okay.
“These are extraordinary scenes, and I’m sure you’ll be talking about them all day long.”
Earlier in the interview, Dr Chalmers was asked about the ‘likely’ prospects of a second Trump presidency. He said Australia would work with whoever won on November 5.
“I’m not going to make any predictions about the outcome of the US election. It’s clearly a matter for the American people and the Australian government,” he said.
“The Australian people will work closely with whoever the Americans choose to lead them from early next year at the November election.”
A White House statement described the moment as an “incident” and not a “shooting” and said that US President Joe Biden had been briefed on the incident.
Initial reports indicate that Trump was interrupted in the middle of his speech by a series of loud bangs, after which the former president was immediately escorted off the stage and into a car by Secret Service agents.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers reacts live to breaking news of Trump falling to the ground amid reports of gunfire
Trump spokesman Steven Cheung also later confirmed to the media that the ex-president is “doing well.”
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their swift action during this heinous act. He is OK and is being evaluated at a local medical facility. More details will follow,” Cheung said in a statement shared by CNN.
More to come