Former US President Donald Trump says he was shot in the ear in what is being investigated as an apparent assassination attempt at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. One rally attendee and the alleged shooter are both dead.
Key Takeaways
- Two people have been killed, and two remain in a critical condition, following a shooting at the Trump campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
- One of the killed is understood to be the shooter.
- Trump said in a Truth Social post a bullet pierced his upper right ear and noted he knew something was wrong when “he heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin.”
- The shooting is being investigated as a possible assassination attempt
- US President Joe Biden released a statement saying he is “grateful” to hear Trump is safe, adding, “There’s no place for this kind of violence in America.”
- Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi tweeted Trump is safe following the incident and that an investigation is underway.
- A Washington Post reporter posted on X that the local says “Trump was grazed by gunfire but is safe” but that an “audience member was killed and the shooter is dead” and another person remains in serious condition.
Trump releases statement
“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 about the shooter, who is now dead.
“I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear.”
Donald Trump
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!”
Related
Crucial quote
“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. More details will follow,” Trump spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement.
Elon Musk endorses Trump after shooting
Moments after the shooting, Elon Musk took to X saying he “fully endorses President Trump.
Prior to the shooting, Musk had not explicitly endorsed Trump but had clearly opposed President Joe Biden’s re-election. In a March post, Musk stated he would not donate money to any presidential candidate.
Earlier this year, Musk met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach. During Tesla’s 2024 annual shareholder meeting, Musk mentioned he had “some conversations” with Trump and added that Trump “does call me out of the blue for no reason.”
With additional reporting from forbes.com
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