Secret service rush bloodied Trump off stage as ex-president fist pumps towards enraged crowd shouting ‘USA, USA’
Former President Donald Trump pumped his fist at the crowd as he was escorted off the stage after shots were fired at his rally.
While it is unclear whether the former president was struck, Trump’s ear appeared to be covered in blood as he walked off the stage.
There also appeared to be some blood on his face.
Trump has told his supporters in a statement that he is “fine” and is being evaluated at a medical facility.
The Secret Service responded quickly after shots were fired and immediately surrounded the president to isolate him and protect him from possible gunfire.
Trump, clearly dazed, said, “Let me put my shoes on,” before security led him off the stage.
Before Trump left the stage, he defiantly raised his fist to the audience.
The crowd, egged on by Trump’s fist pumping, began chanting, “USA! USA!”
As Trump was escorted to a waiting black vehicle, security guards held their hands over his head to ensure he was safe.
In the background, some in the crowd cheered the president, while others wept in horror.
After shots were fired from the left side of the stage at the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Trump and the entire crowd fell to the ground.
As the shots rang out, Trump showed a graph showing the border crossing numbers.
Trump’s MAGA hat appeared to fall off as he plopped down behind the podium. A conscientious Secret Service agent made sure he picked it up and took it with him.
As Trump was led into the vehicle, he turned, faced the crowd and shook his fist in the air.
After Trump climbed into the car, soldiers and security guards stood in front of the car with weapons drawn.
The meeting in Butler, Pennsylvania is now officially a crime scene.
Steven Cheung, a spokesman for the Trump campaign, said:
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their swift action during this horrific act.”
He continued: ‘He is fine and is being evaluated at a local medical facility. More details will follow.’
President Biden answered “no” as he left a Mass in Rehoboth Beach when asked if he was aware of the incident.
There has already been a lot of support from Republican leaders.
“Karen and I are praying for President Trump and urge all Americans to join us,” former Vice President Mike wrote on X.com.
Speaker Mike Johnson also posted on X that he is praying for Trump.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro condemned the incident, saying, “Violence directed against any political party or political leader is absolutely unacceptable.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul also condemned the act, writing on X.com:
“Any violence against a fellow American is abhorrent and unacceptable. We must express political disagreements peacefully, civilly, and respectfully.”
She continued: “I am praying for the safety and health of former President Trump and all those attending this event in Pennsylvania.”
House Speaker Hakeem Jeffires also spoke out, writing in a statement:
“My thoughts and prayers are with former President Trump. I am grateful for the decisive response by law enforcement. America is a democracy. Political violence of any kind is never acceptable.”