Gunshots Fired at Donald Trump Rally in Pennsylvania; Two Dead, Including Apparent Shooter

Butler, Pennsylvania - July 13 – Gunshots were reportedly fired at a rally for former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, resulting in two deaths, including an apparent shooter, according to Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger. Trump was rushed off-stage after the incident, which occurred while he was giving a speech to his supporters.

Trump was showing off a chart of border crossing numbers when loud noises rang through the crowd. Witnesses reported that Trump appeared to fall to the ground as the shots were fired. He put his hand to his right ear and ducked after the first of several pops. His face was streaked with what appeared to be blood. He was quickly surrounded by armed security staff and remained on the ground for approximately a minute. Trump then rose to his feet, raised his fist in the air, and was escorted off the stage. He was immediately driven away from the scene in a waiting vehicle.

Secret Service agents raced to the stage to protect Trump and escort him to safety. Despite the alarming situation, Trump walked off the stage on his own. Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi confirmed in a statement that there was “an incident” at the rally and said Trump is now safe.

Trump was showing off a chart of border crossing numbers when bangs started ringing through the crowd. He could be seen reaching with his right hand toward his neck, and there appeared to be blood on his face. He quickly ducked behind the riser as agents from his protective detail rushed the stage, and screams rang out from the crowd. The bangs continued as agents tended to him on stage. His motorcade has since left the venue.

A video of the shooter dead on top of a roof surfaced, corroborating witness accounts. One witness stated, “Probably 5 to 7 minutes of Trump speaking—I’m not exactly sure—but we noticed a guy bear crawling up the roof of the building beside us 50 feet away from us, so we’re standing there, we’re pointing at the guy, and he had a rifle in his hand.” Multiple witnesses stated they saw the exact same thing and tried to warn Secret Service, but no action was taken.

A spokesperson for Trump stated, “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.”

President Joe Biden tweeted his response to the incident:

“I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania. 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.”

Former President Donald Trump also took to Twitter to express his gratitude and share his experience:

“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. I knew immediately that something was wrong in