Former US President and current candidate for the November election, Donald Trump, was shot at by a sniper during a rally in Pennsylvania. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear. Trump sustained an injury to his right ear, with photos from the event showing blood on his ear and cheek. Another photo by the New York Times captured a bullet flying behind Trump before grazing his ear.
Immediately after the first shot, Trump was seen ducking as Secret Service agents surrounded him. He was later escorted off the stage, raising his fist and urging the crowd to “Fight.”
Former President Barack Obama condemned the attack, stating, “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. Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery.”
Current President Joe Biden, also running in the November election, condemned the attack, saying, “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 Service for getting him to safety. There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it.”
In the aftermath of the shooting, poll numbers indicate a rise in Trump’s popularity, bolstered by an endorsement from billionaire Elon Musk. Using his X handle, Musk said, “I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery.”
Trump, using his Truth Social network, also sent out a message after being whisked to safety: “I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania. Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured. 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. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”
