Former US President Donald Trump, the Republican candidate for the US election in November, was evacuated from a political rally in the northeastern state of Pennsylvania on Saturday after apparent gunshots were heard and blood was visible in his ear, according to eyewitnesses.
Trump’s Security Protocols Activated
Trump, who had just begun his speech, was quickly put on the ground by the Secret Service, responsible for the security of presidents and former presidents in the country. He was soon on his feet, surrounded by officers who escorted him off the stage to his vehicle. As he left, the candidate raised a fist in defiance to a crowd of his supporters.
Eyewitness Accounts
“I heard gunshots, they sounded like firecrackers and a small-caliber handgun,” said John Yeykal of Franklin, Pennsylvania, who was attending a rally for the first time. “We saw a lot of people on the ground, looking confused.”
Secret Service Investigation Underway
The Secret Service reported that Trump was “safe” after the incident, and an active investigation is underway. “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 when it becomes available,” Secret Service communications chief Anthony Guglielmi told X.
Last Rally Before Republican Convention
Saturday’s rally was the last event of Trump’s campaign ahead of the Republican convention, where he will be officially nominated as the Republican Party’s candidate against Democratic President Joe Biden in the November election.
White House Briefed
According to the White House, Biden received an “initial briefing” of what happened.