A video of former President Donald Trump following what reports are calling an “assassination attempt” shortly after he began a rally in Butler, Pa., on Saturday quickly went viral on social media.
The video shows Trump exiting “Trump Force One,” his campaign plane, at night, hours after the unsuccessful attempt on his life.
At one point, while walking down the plane’s steps, he can be seen waving as watchful Secret Service agents remain very alert and a heavily armed police officer stands watch.
WATCH:
Strong and resilient. He will never stop fighting for America. pic.twitter.com/B9yR3SLQJV
— Margo Martin (@margommartin) July 14, 2024
According to early reports on Sunday, the FBI had identified the deceased shooter, but details about the alleged assassin remain thin.
In comments following the attack, Trump confirmed he was “shot with a bullet” that “pierced” the upper part of his right ear, Fox News reported.
“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,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform Saturday evening. “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.”
He provided another update shortly afterward: “Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers yesterday, as it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening. We will FEAR NOT, but instead remain resilient in our Faith and Defiant in the face of Wickedness. Our love goes out to the other victims and their families. We pray for the recovery of those who were wounded, and hold in our hearts the memory of the citizen who was so horribly killed. In this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand United, and show our True Character as Americans, remaining Strong and Determined, and not allowing Evil to Win. I truly love our Country, and love you all, and look forward to speaking to our Great Nation this week from Wisconsin.”
Shortly after a bullet struck him, Trump said that “much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening.”
Immediately after he was shot, Trump fell to the ground and was surrounded by Secret Service agents. After a few moments, they got Trump to his feet and blood could be seen on his face and right ear. Trump raised his fist to the crowd and shouted, “Fight! Fight!” to rising cheers. He was also heard imploring agents, “Let me get my shoes.”
Moments after Trump was rushed from the stage, Trump campaign communication director, Steven Cheung, said that the former president “is fine.”
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act,” Cheung told Fox News Digital. “He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility.”
The chief of communications for the U.S. Secret Service, Anthony Guglielmi, released a statement Saturday evening.
“During former President Trump’s campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on the evening of July 13th at approximately 6:15 p.m., a suspected shooter fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside of the rally venue,” he said. “US Secret Service personnel neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased. US Secret Service quickly responded with protective measures and the former president is safe and being evaluated. One spectator was killed, two spectators were critically injured. The incident is currently under investigation and the Secret Service has formally notified the Federal Bureau of investigation.”
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