U.S. Secret Service agents removed former President Donald Trump from the stage after apparent gunshots were heard at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.
The images show how Trump He puts his hand to his right ear and then he crouches down after hearing what sounded like a gunshot while giving a speech at a crowded campaign rally.
He was quickly surrounded by Secret Service agents, who evacuated him to a vehicle.
Trump, who He seemed to have blood in his earraised a fist in an apparent gesture to the audience as he was led off the stage.
He is okay”
The Secret Service announced in a statement that Trump is safe and measures were taken for their protection.
He added that an investigation is ongoing and more information will be released when it becomes available.
The Trump campaign, for its part, indicated that The former president is “well” and is being “examined” at a local medical center.
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and emergency services for their swift action during this heinous act,” spokesman Steven Cheung said.
The Republican presidential candidate was giving a speech at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvaniaa decisive state in the November elections.
The sound of apparent gunfire came as he was criticizing his successor, President Joe Biden, and his administration.
Several supporters with signs behind Trump ducked after the noise.
“Everyone threw themselves to the ground”
A witness, Jason, told the BBC that he heard a burst of five shots.
“We saw the Secret Service jump towards Trump to protect him. Everyone in the crowd quickly ducked,” he said.
He added that “shortly afterward he stood up, raised his fist in the air and said a couple of things,” and that “his ear was bleeding.”
IMAGE SOURCE,GETTY IMAGES
Tim, who was also at the event, told the BBC that he heard a “barrage” of gunfire.
“There was a spray that we initially thought was a fire hose, and then the speaker on the right side started to fall,” he said.
“Something must have hit the hydraulic lines (causing them to fall). We saw President Trump throw himself to the ground and Everyone started to throw themselves to the ground because it was chaos,” he added.
Another witness, Greg, told the BBC that he was outside the event while the former president was speaking when he spotted a man on a rooftop.
“We noticed the guy climbing on the roof of the building next to us, 50 feet away,” Greg said.
“He had a rifle, we could clearly see him with a rifle,” he said.
Greg said he called the police.
“The next thing I remember is wondering why Trump is still talking. Why hasn’t he been removed from the stage? (…) and the next thing I know, five shots ring out.”
The BBC has not been able to fully verify these witness statements.
An “unacceptable” act
President Biden, who is in his home state of Delaware, received an initial briefing on the incident, the White House said.
Politicians from both parties have condemned the apparent attack.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, said that “violence directed against any political party or political leader is absolutely unacceptable“.
Former Vice President Mike Pence said he and his wife were praying for Trump and urged “all Americans to join us.”
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a statement: “My thoughts and prayers are with former President Trump. I am grateful for the decisive response by law enforcement. America is a democracy. Political violence of any kind is never acceptable.”
