BUTLER, Pa. — (AP) — A shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania is being investigated as an attempted assassination of the former president and presumptive Republican nominee, law enforcement officials say.
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9:46 p.m. update:
An official with Trump’s presidential campaign released the following statement from the RNC:
“As was communicated earlier this evening, President Trump is doing well and grateful to law enforcement and first responders for their fast action. President Trump looks forward to joining you all in Milwaukee as we proceed with our convention to nominate him to serve as the 47th President of the United States. As our party’s nominee, President Trump will continue to share his vision to Make America Great Again.”
8:47 p.m. update:
Donald Trump has released the following statement:
“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!”
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8:35 p.m. update:
Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., says he just spoke to his father on the phone and that “he is in great spirits.”
“He will never stop fighting to save America, no matter what the radical left throws at him,” he said of his father in a statement.
8 p.m. update:
Officials have released a statement from President Joe Biden:
“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.”
7:36 p.m. update:
Sources have confirmed to ABC News that the shooting at Trump’s rally is being investigated as a possible assassination attempt.
The officials said live rounds were apparently fired from outside the security perimeter.
Local officials have confirmed that the shooter is dead, and a rally attendee was also killed.
7:20 p.m. update:
Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung released the following statement:
“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.”
Original report:
Trump was showing off a chart of border crossing numbers when bangs started ringing through the crowd. Trump could be seen reaching with his right hand toward his neck. There appeared to be blood on his face.
He quickly ducked behind the riser as agents from his protective detail rushed the stage and screams rang out from the crowd. The bangs continued as agents tended to him on stage.
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The crowd cheered as he got back up and pumped his fist.
His motorcade has left the venue. His condition was not immediately known.
Police began vacating the fairgrounds shortly after Trump left the stage.
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The U.S. Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies did not immediately respond to messages.
Leaving Mass in Rehoboth Beach, President Joe Biden simply responded, “No,” when asked if he’d been briefed about the incident.
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