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Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was shot at during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The FBI confirmed the incident as an assassination attempt. The suspected shooter and one attendee were killed. Trump was injured and taken to a hospital, where his condition is stable. The FBI and other law enforcement agencies are investigating and reviewing security measures for political figures.
Boston Brand Media reported that former US President and Republican candidate Donald Trump was targeted by an unknown assailant during a campaign event in Pennsylvania on Saturday.
"I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear," Trump shared on social media shortly after the incident. "There was significant bleeding," he added.
CNN revealed that the FBI has identified a 20-year-old Pennsylvania man as the suspected shooter at the rally, but his identity has not yet been disclosed.
As the first shot rang out, Trump exclaimed, “Oh!” and grabbed his ear. Two more shots followed, causing him to quickly crouch down. Amidst the crowd's ensuing panic, the Secret Service immediately surrounded the Republican nominee. A minute later, Trump emerged, holding his ear, and pumped his fist in the air, seemingly mouthing "Fight! Fight! Fight!" Blood was visible on the right side of his face. Cheers erupted from the crowd as he stood and raised his fist. His motorcade departed shortly after. The Secret Service and Trump's campaign confirmed that he was safe after the shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania, about 30 miles north of Pittsburgh.
Boston Brand Media looked into the incident further. According to Reuters, a Trump supporter in the crowd reported hearing about four shots and seeing the crowd immediately drop down, followed by Trump ducking. "I heard about four shots and saw the crowd go down, and then Trump ducked real quick. The Secret Service jumped to protect him within a second,” the witness said. The witness also described seeing a man fleeing and being chased by officers in military uniforms. Additional shots were heard, but it was unclear who fired them. Snipers had already positioned themselves on the roof of a nearby warehouse, the supporter informed.
The identity and motive of the shooter remain unknown. According to a statement from the Secret Service, the shooter was killed, one rally attendee was deceased, and two other spectators were injured. The incident is being investigated as an assassination attempt, reported news agency AP. The Secret Service mentioned that the shots appeared to have come from outside their secured area. "The Secret Service has implemented protective measures and the former president is safe," the agency said in a statement. "This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available."
In a statement, Trump expressed his gratitude to the United States Secret Service and law enforcement for their "rapid response to the shooting." He remarked, "It is incredible that such an act can take place in our country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead." Describing the incident, Trump explained that the bullet pierced the upper part of his right ear. "I knew immediately that something was wrong when I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and felt the bullet ripping through the skin. There was significant bleeding, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!" he said. He also extended his condolences to the family of the person killed at the rally and to the individual who was badly injured. "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," said Trump's communications director, Steven Cheung, in a statement.
The act of violence drew condemnation from both sides of the political spectrum. Trump's rival, US President Joe Biden, stated, "There is no place in America for this kind of violence." Former President Barack Obama also wished Trump a speedy recovery, emphasizing, "There is absolutely no room for political violence in our democracy."
For questions or comments write to writers@bostonbrandmedia.com
Source: Indian Express
