The shooting at a Donald Trump rally in Pennsylvania has left two people dead, including the gunman, and the former president wounded.
The tragic incident has sparked outrage among eyewitnesses who blame security lapses for the fatal attack.
The US Secret Service confirmed that a suspected gunman fired multiple shots towards the stage from an elevated position outside the rally venue. The shooter was quickly “neutralized” by Secret Service personnel, but not before causing significant harm.
One rally attendee was killed, and two others were critically injured. Former President Trump suffered a bullet wound to his ear.
“I knew immediately that something was wrong,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform.
“I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening.”
Eyewitnesses at the rally expressed their frustration and anger towards the authorities.
“We saw gunmen on the rooftop and informed the police, but they allowed Trump to continue speaking,” one witness said.
“This could have been prevented if our warnings were taken seriously.”
The incident unfolded dramatically as Trump was giving his speech. He fell to the ground clutching his ear, prompting screams from the audience.
After a brief moment surrounded by armed security, Trump stood up, pumped his fist in the air, and shouted “fight” before being whisked off stage.
In the aftermath, the Secret Service confirmed that Trump was safe and had implemented protective measures around him.
An investigation has been launched, treating the incident as an attempted assassination.
“This is now an active Secret Service investigation, and further information will be released when available,” said spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi in a post on X.
The FBI has also joined the investigation.
“The FBI will continue to work jointly with the US Secret Service as the investigation moves forward,” an FBI representative stated.
President Joe Biden condemned the violence, emphasizing that there is no place for political violence in America.
“I am grateful that former President Trump is safe,” Biden said.
Despite the chaos, Trump’s campaign reported that he was “fine” and being checked out at a local medical facility.
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act,” spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement.
The attack at the rally has raised serious questions about the security measures in place and the effectiveness of communication between law enforcement and event organizers.
As the investigation continues, the focus will be on understanding how such a breach occurred and ensuring the safety of political events in the future.