Donald Trump claims he was shot in the ear in possible assassination attempt at rally in Butler, Pennsylvania; Joe Biden condemns violence

BUTLER, Pa. — Former President Donald Trump said he was shot in the ear after a gunman opened fire toward the stage at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday — a harrowing incident that left one person dead, two seriously injured and sparked chaos at the event.

Officials briefed on the investigation told ABC News that the shooting, a frightening event on the eve of the Republican National Convention, is being investigated as attempted murder and that live rounds were apparently fired from outside the security perimeter. The investigation is being conducted by the FBI, with oversight from the Justice Department's National Security Division and the U.S. Attorney's Office in Pittsburgh, and comes amid heightened threats.

LIVE NEWS | Trump leaves stage after possible assassination attempt

An image shows what is believed to be the suspected gunman shot on the roof of a nearby building near former President Donald Trump's rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, according to a law enforcement official briefed on the investigation.

The Secret Service said in a statement that a shooter “fired multiple shots toward the scene from an elevated position outside the rally venue,” after which agents “neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased.”

The gunman fired up to eight rounds from an AR-style rifle while perched on a roof adjacent to the scene and was 200 to 300 yards away at the time of the shooting, law enforcement sources told ABC News.

An image shows a person believed to be the alleged shooter being shot dead on the roof of a building near a Trump rally, according to a law enforcement official briefed on the investigation.

WTAE

One spectator was killed and two others were seriously injured, the secret service said in a statement.

There appeared to be blood on Trump's right ear as he was led off stage, and he could be seen muttering “fight” and raising his fist.

A Trump spokesperson said in a statement: “President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their swift response to this heinous act. He is doing well and is being evaluated at a local medical facility.”

In a statement on Truth Social released hours after the shooting, Trump said he “was struck by a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear.”

“I immediately knew something was wrong, I heard a whistle, gunshots, and immediately felt the bullet tear the skin. There was a lot of bleeding, so I understood what was happening,” he wrote in the message, which expressed his condolences to the family of the rally participant who was killed.

“It is unbelievable that such an act could happen in our country,” he added.

A surge of support

The incident sent shockwaves through the political world and drew condemnation from both sides as well as an outpouring of support.

President Joe Biden called the incident “sick” and said “there is no place in America for this kind of violence.”

“We cannot act like this. We cannot condone this.”

President Joe Biden delivered remarks after former President Donald Trump was mobbed by Secret Service agents and rushed off stage as possible gunshots were heard at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday.

And Vice President Kamala Harris said she was “relieved he was not seriously injured.”

“Such violence has no place in our country,” he added. “We must all condemn this heinous act and do our part to ensure it does not lead to further violence.”

Donald Trump Jr. told ABC News that he has spoken to his father, who remains in the hospital. He said his father is “in good spirits” while still under observation, adding that his father “will never stop.”

PHOTOS: Shots fired at Trump rally in Pennsylvania

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents during a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa.

AP Photo/Evan Vucci

“This is the fighter America needs!” Trump’s son Eric wrote in a message posted on X, along with a photo of his father’s fist raised in the air.

And Trump's daughter Ivanka called the shooting “senseless” and wrote “I love you dad” on X.

Former Vice President Mike Pence said on X that he was “praying for President Trump and urging every American to join us.”

“People started to panic”

Trump was speaking to the crowd about immigration when footsteps rang out and chaos broke out. The former president was seen holding his ear before falling to the ground and being surrounded and protected by Secret Service agents.

U.S. Senate candidate Dave McCormick told ABC News that he was in the front row at the rally and said he heard “seven or eight” gunshots.

“People started panicking,” he said. “Everybody threw themselves on the ground.”

Witness Leonard Verdetto said everyone at the rally was “joyful,” but then he heard “popping noises,” describing six to eight shots being fired.

“None of us really realized at the time that all these people were yelling, 'Get down! Get down!'”

“We were all praying… We were praying to him to keep us safe, to protect us.”

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is covered by U.S. Secret Service agents during a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa.

AP Photo/Evan Vucci

Following the incident, Trump, with blood on his ear and the side of his face, was quickly taken off stage, punching the stage and also while being helped into a vehicle to be taken away.

Heavily armed security officers stormed the stage as he was led away.

“An incident occurred on the evening of July 13 at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania,” the Secret Service said in a statement. “The Secret Service has implemented protective measures and the former president is safe. This is now an active Secret Service investigation and more information will be released as it becomes available.”

The White House said in a statement: “The President received an initial briefing on the incident at former President Trump's rally.”

Following the shooting, a heavy police presence was seen outside Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Florida.

Violence is “absolutely unacceptable”

“Violence targeting a political party or political leader is absolutely unacceptable,” Pennsylvania Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro said in a statement. “It has no place in Pennsylvania or the United States.”

Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, a potential vice presidential candidate, wrote on social media: “Everyone joins me in praying for our President Trump and everyone who will be at this rally. I hope everyone is doing well.”

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, a possible vice presidential pick, posted a message on X calling for prayers for the former president.

“Please join Kathryn and me in praying for President Trump, his family, and all those attending the rally today.”

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents during a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa.

AP Photo/Evan Vucci

Another vice presidential candidate, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, also posted a message on X asking for prayers for Trump and those at the rally.

“I am praying for President Trump and everyone attending the rally in Pennsylvania today.”

“ATF is responding to assist the U.S. Secret Service and other law enforcement partners. This is a top priority. We have no further comment at this time,” the ATF said in a statement.

This is a news article. It will be updated as new information becomes available.

Copyright 2024 ABC News Internet Ventures.

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