A campaign rally for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump suddenly ended yesterday after loud bangs that sounded like gunshots were heard echoing over the crowd and the Secret Service rushed him from the stage. US media reported loud noises.
Blood could be seen from near Trump’s ear as he was escorted into his motorcade by the Secret Service. As he was led away, he motioned to his supporters with a clenched fist, signifying that he was probably all right. But blood was seen from near his ear. It was not immediately known where the shots were fired from, and confused supporters screamed as he was led away.
Trump, evidently dazed, said, ‘let me get my shoes on,’ before the security detail conducted him off the stage.
Before leaving the stage, Trump defiantly waved his fist before the crowd.
The crowd, energized by Trump’s pumping fist, broke out in a chant of ‘USA! USA!’
As Trump was escorted toward a waiting black vehicle, the security personnel held their hands above his head to ensure he was safe.
In the background, some of the crowd cheered on the president, while some wailed in horror.
After the apparent shots were fired to the left of the stage at the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Trump and the whole crowd dropped to the ground.
At the time, the shots rang out Trump was displaying a chart of border crossing numbers.
Trump’s MAGA hat appeared to fall off as he dropped down behind the podium. A conscientious secret service agent made sure to pick the hat up and take it with him.
As Trump was ushered into the vehicle, he turned and looked toward the crowd and shook his fist in the air.
After Trump climbed into the vehicle, soldiers and security agents stood in front of the car with their guns drawn.
The rally in Butler, Pennsylvania is now officially a crime scene.
President Biden, leaving a Mass in Rehoboth Beach, told people ‘no,’ when asked if he’d been briefed on the incident.
Trump was holding a campaign rally near Pittsburgh in the critical battleground state of Pennsylvania as suspense builds over who he will choose as his running mate for the November election.
The rally came as Facebook announced it has lifted restrictions imposed on Trump after the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol, placing the former president on an equal footing on the platform with President Joe Biden.
Trump has said he would announce his vice presidential pick shortly before or during the Republican Party’s national convention, which kicks off on Monday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and where he and his deputy will be officially nominated.
The former president mentioned Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, Florida Senator Marco Rubio, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott as possible running mates during a radio interview on Friday.
