Raggie Jessy Rithaudeen
Former United States President Donald John Trump was shot at the upper part of his right ear during an election rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday after a possible assassination attempt on the former president.
According to MSNBC, Secret Service agents swarmed Trump and ducked behind the podium. Blood could be seen on his right ear of Trump as agents surrounded him and led him off the stage to a waiting vehicle to whisk him away.
Trump is “fine,” a spokesperson said. The alleged shooter is dead, as well as at least one bystander, according to Butler County District Attorney Richard A. Goldinger.
One spectator from the rally is dead, and two others are critically wounded. The shooter is dead, NBC News has confirmed.
The Secret Service later said Trump was safe, and Trump’s campaign said he was at a “local medical facility.”
“The Secret Service has implemented protective measures and the former President is safe,” Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said in a social media post. “This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available.”
Steven Cheung, the Trump campaign’s communications director, said “President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act. He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow.”
Later Saturday evening, the Trump campaign went into “a complete communications lockdown,” according to a message to staff obtained by NBC News.
“Everything is OK,” wrote James Blair, Trump campaign and Republican National Committee political director. “Anyone who speaks with the press, even on background or off the record, will be found and terminated immediately.”
“Refrain from commenting, speculating, posting on social media, etc. Complete and total lockdown,” Blair added. “Your personal safety is of the utmost importance. Please exercise extreme caution during this time.”
