Two people have died after a gunman opened fire at a Donald Trump rally in Pennsylvania – with the former president also suffering a bullet wound to his ear.
The US Secret Service confirmed a suspected gunman fired “multiple shots” toward the stage from what they described as an “elevated position outside of the rally venue”.
They said the gunman had been “neutralised” by US Secret Service personnel and was now dead. The agency also confirmed a spectator had been killed and two others critically injured.
Trump said a bullet pierced the upper part of his ear during the incident, which took place while he was giving a speech on stage.
“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 realised then what was happening,” he said in a post on his Truth Social platform.
“I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of law enforcement, for their rapid response.
“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.”
The incident unfolded as Trump was giving a speech at the rally in Pennsylvania. Suddenly, he appeared to fall to the ground clutching his ear.
He was quickly surrounded by armed security and stayed down for around a minute. Screams from the audience rang out as the scene unfolded.
Trump then rose to his feet, pumped his fist in the air, and shouted “fight”, before being whisked off stage and into a vehicle.
He was quickly driven away from the scene. Video appeared to show blood coming from his ear as he left the stage.
The US Secret Service said Trump was now “safe” and that it had implemented protective measures around him.
It also said that an investigation had been launched – and that it was treating it as an attempted assassination.
“This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available,” Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said in a post on X.
The FBI also said its agents were at the scene: “The FBI will continue to work jointly with the US Secret Service as the investigation moves forward.”
Trump’s campaign said he was “fine” following the incident.
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act,” spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement.
“He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow.”
Meanwhile, Trump said a bullet pierced the upper part of his ear during the incident, which took place while he was giving a speech on stage.
“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 realised then what was happening,” he said in a post on his Truth Social platform.
“I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of law enforcement, for their rapid response.
“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.” Vanguard News.
