Donald Trump has been rushed off stage with blood on his face and at least two people, including a suspected gunman, have been killed at a political rally in the United States.
Screams tore through the crowd and Mr Trump, who was speaking on stage, grabbed at the side of his face as gunshots rang out at the rally in Pennsylvania.
Mr Trump quickly ducked behind the riser as agents from his protective detail rushed the stage. The bangs continued as agents tended to him on stage.
Images showed blood on Mr Trump’s face and ear.
Secret Service agents rush Donald Trump off the stage.(AP: Evan Vucci)
The local county district attorney, Richard Goldinger, told AP that the suspected gunman was dead and at least one rally attendee was killed.
Mr Trump raised a fist as he was escorted to a vehicle by the Secret Service, and the crowd began to chant “USA, USA”.
A statement from the Trump campaign said he was “fine”.
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act,” campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said in the statement.
“He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility.
“More details will follow.”
Donald Trump is surrounded by security at the campaign rally.(AP)
Police began vacating the area shortly after Mr Trump left the stage.
Corey Cumisckey, who was at the event with his wife and children, told the ABC nothing seemed out of the ordinary before the shots were heard.
“Trump was talking and all of a sudden some shots rang out, or what sounded like shots, and then there was some return fire,” he said.
“I kind of got up to see what was going on. And they had the president on the ground. And then, you know, a couple of seconds possibly later, they came up with him and off the stage he went.”
Mr Cumisckey said his wife was “extremely upset” and questioned whether her children should have been at the event.
“I disagree. I think you should be able to bring your kids to an event like this and it’s unacceptable for something like this to happen,” he said.
“It’s really unfortunate that things have heated up to this level.”
Mr Trump is due to be endorsed as the Republicans’ presidential candidate at the party’s national convention in Milwaukee, which begins on Monday. The rally, in Butler in western Pennsylvania, was his last scheduled rally before the event.
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson posted on social media that he was praying for Trump.
WatchDuration: 4 minutes 24 seconds4m 24s The Secret Service has declared the venue of former US president Doanld Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania a crime scene.
ABC/wires
Source link : https://amp.abc.net.au/article/104095660
Author :
Publish date : 2024-07-13 18:21:56
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
