In a surprising and tragic development, two people have died, and former President Donald Trump suffered a bullet wound to his ear after a gunman opened fire at a rally in Pennsylvania. The US Secret Service confirmed that the suspected gunman fired “multiple shots” towards the stage from an “elevated position outside of the rally venue.”
The gunman, who has not yet been identified, was “neutralized” by Secret Service personnel and is now deceased. The agency also reported that a spectator was killed, and two others were critically injured in the attack.
Trump, who was delivering a speech on stage at the time, described the harrowing moment in a post on his Truth Social platform. “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,” he wrote. He expressed gratitude to the Secret Service and law enforcement for their rapid response and extended his condolences to the victims’ families. “It is incredible that such an act can take place in our country,” he added.
The incident occurred abruptly as Trump was addressing the rally attendees. Witnesses reported seeing Trump fall to the ground, clutching his ear, while screams erupted from the audience. He was quickly surrounded by armed security and remained on the ground for about a minute. Trump then stood up, pumped his fist in the air, and shouted “fight,” before being swiftly escorted off stage and into a vehicle. Video footage showed blood streaming from his ear as he left the scene.
The Secret Service confirmed that Trump is now “safe” and protective measures have been implemented around him. The agency has launched an investigation, treating the incident as an attempted assassination. “This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available,” said Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi in a post on X.
The FBI has also joined the investigation, with agents present at the scene. “The FBI will continue to work jointly with the US Secret Service as the investigation moves forward,” an FBI spokesperson stated.
The tragic event has cast a shadow over the rally, highlighting ongoing concerns about security at political events. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to uncover the motives behind this violent attack.
