Former President Donald Trump was rushed offstage after shots were fired at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, today. Trump said in a social media post that he was injured when a bullet pierced the upper part of his right ear.
The Secret Service says Trump is now safe, and he was checked at a local hospital before leaving a few hours later. Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., told CBS News’ Robert Costa that his father is “doing fine.”
The U.S. Secret Service confirmed two people are dead — the gunman and an audience member — and two spectators were critically injured. State police said the shooting victims were all men; their names were not released.
“U.S. Secret Service personnel neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased,” the agency said.
Reporters heard numerous shots and Secret Service rushed the stage. Video captured by CBS News shows Trump touching his ear and then crouching to the ground. Some blood could be seen on his face.
Trump was taken away in a motorcade. He held up a fist as he got into the SUV.
Former President Donald Trump is rushed off the stage at a campaign rally
Former President Donald Trump is rushed off the stage at a campaign rally in Butler, Pa.,on July 13, 2024 after witnesses heard shots fired.
GENE J. PUSKAR / AP
Kevin Rojek, special agent in charge of the FBI Pittsburgh office, said in a news conference late Saturday night that officials were “not prepared at this time to provide the identity of the potential shooter. And once we have the confirmation, we’ll release the name officially to the press.”
Rojek refused to speculate on a possible motive, but said authorities are investigating the shooting as an “attempted assassination.” The FBI is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Secret Service and state and local agencies.
