Multiple shots rang out at Donald Trump's rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday, with the Republican presidential candidate grimacing and raising his right hand to his right ear as shots rang out, video footage showed.
The former president had just started his speech when gunshots erupted and Trump and other rally attendees hit the deck. Secret Service agents swarmed around him and live video showed blood on the right side of Trump's face and ear.
Trump repeatedly raised his fist in the air, with an American flag visible behind him, as security ushered him away.
"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. U.S. Secret Service personnel neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased," the agency said in a statement on social media.
"U.S. 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."
The suspected shooter was dead, as was an audience member, and another person was in critical condition, a Washington Post reporter said on social media, citing the Butler County district attorney.
One witness, Ron Moose, said he heard what sounded like four shots, describing the sound as "pop, pop, pop."
Trump's campaign spokesman said Trump was fine and that he was being checked out at a local medical facility.
"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," Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement immediately following the incident.
The venue was abandoned with chairs knocked over and yellow police tape around the stage. A helicopter flew above and law enforcement officers walked through the area, the video feed showed. Armed law enforcement officers were also seen on a roof near the stage where Trump was standing.
"This horrific act of political violence at a peaceful campaign rally has no place in this country and should be unanimously and forcefully condemned," Republican House speaker Mike Johnson (La.) said on social media.
"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," President Joe Biden said in a 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," Trump said in a statement.
"I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear," the former president continued. "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!"
This is a developing story and will be updated with additional information.
(Reporting by Nathan Layne, Brendan McDermid, Jarrett Renshaw, John Kruzel, Daniel Wallis, Scott Malone, Jasper Ward; Writing by Susan Heavey; Editing by Nick Zieminski and Daniel Wallis)