Breaking Story: Trump Injured at Rally, Two Reported Dead
Reports are that the shooter and one audience member have died. Daines and Tester released statements.
By Denise Rivette
Several news outlets are reporting that Donald Trump was rushed off the stage of a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania after a series of pops that sounded like gunshots were heard. Mr. Trump raised a victorious/defiant fist before he was led off the stage by Secret Service agents with blood on his face.
Several news agencies report that the source of the noises was unclear, but seemed to come from the stands. Mr. Trump’s face and ear were bloodied as he was rushed off the stage. A spokesman for Mr. Trump, Steven Cheung, said in a statement that the former president was “fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility.”
The Washington Post, citing the local district attorney, reported that “Donald Trump was grazed by gunfire in a shooting that killed one audience member.” The Guardian reports that Mr. Trump’s spokesperson confirmed that Trump is okay. They also report that the Butler district attorney says the shooter and an audience member are dead.
Update July 14, 2024: In addition to the audience member who died, two have been reported as critically wounded.
U.S. Senator Jon Tester released the following statement regarding the situation:
“I am appalled by the violence at the political rally in support of former President Trump. There is absolutely no place for political violence in America and anyone found responsible for this needs to prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I will continue to monitor the situation and am praying for President Trump’s safety, as well as all of those who peacefully attended this event.”
U.S. Senator Steve Daines tweeted:
“Please join me in praying for President @realDonaldTrump and everyone else at the rally in Pennsylvania.”
This is a breaking story with a criminal investigation underway. There will be more information in the coming days. I found the best video and photos of the event at the New York Times, but have only visited a few websites.