Donald Trump evacuated from stage after shooting at Pennsylvania rally

Former US President Donald Trump was taken off-stage on Saturday (local time) by Secret Service agents after a shooting at his rally in Pennsylvania’s Butler, news agency Associate Press reported.

There appeared to be blood on his face, as he was taken off-stage by the security.

After the incident, in a statement, Trump’s spokesman said he was “fine” and was being “checked out” at a local medical facility.

“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act,” spokesman Steven Cheung said.

A video of the incident showed multiple bangs ranging out as Trump spoke about President Joe Biden and his administration. He was then quickly covered by Secret Service agents and rushed off-stage to a waiting vehicle.

Trump appeared to raise a fist as he was led off-stage. Armed police took to the podium soon after he left the stage.

In a statement, the Secret Service said Trump was safe and that measures for his protection had been implemented. Police began vacating the fairgrounds shortly after Trump left the stage in what local officers described as a crime scene.

“The Secret Service has implemented protective measures, and the former President is safe. This is now an active Secret Service investigation, and further information will be released when it is available,” Secret Service communications chief Anthony Guglielmi said on X.

In a phone interview with news agency Associate Press, Butler County district attorney Richard Goldinger said that the suspected gunman was dead and at least one rally attendee was also killed.

Meanwhile, the White House said President Biden, who is in his home state of Delaware, had received an initial briefing.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, in a post on X, said that he was praying for Trump.

“Praying for President Trump,” Speaker Johnson said in his post on X.

Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Junior, posted a photo on X of Trump, his fist raised and his face bloody in front of an American flag, with the words, “He’ll never stop fighting to Save America.”

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, said “violence targeted at any political party or political leader is absolutely unacceptable”.