Officials are investigating an apparent assassination attempt on former President, Donald Trump, after shots rang out at his Pennsylvania rally. Secret service agents quickly neutralized the threat by eliminating the shooter, but one person is dead and two are critically injured.
Footage from the rally shows secret service agents creating a human shield around the former President, as a bloodied but defiant Donald Trump is led off stage. Trump quickly took to social media to confirm a shot to his upper right ear, but claims he is in good health and being treated at an undisclosed location.
This marks the first assassination attempt on a President since Ronald Regan in 1981. While President Biden was quick to condemn the act, critics speedily pointed out that just five days prior he said, “…it’s time to put Trump in a bullseye.”
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…
— President Biden (@POTUS) July 13, 2024
Other political opponents of the former President were quick to make statements as well.
As one whose family has been the victim of political violence, I know firsthand that political violence of any kind has no place in our society. I thank God that former President Trump is safe.
As we learn more details about this horrifying incident, let us pray that all those…
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) July 13, 2024
There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy. Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics.…
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 13, 2024
I have been briefed on the shooting at former President Trump’s event in Pennsylvania.
Doug and I are relieved that he is not seriously injured. We are praying for him, his family, and all those who have been injured and impacted by this senseless shooting.
We are grateful to…
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) July 14, 2024
This attack proves the political divide in America has reached a breaking point. This election is one of the highest stakes in our nation’s history. We will dutifully inform you, our reader, with updates as more information becomes available.