Former President Donald Trump was declared safe by the U.S. Secret Service on Saturday after multiple shots were fired at a rally in Pennsylvania. Video footage from the event showed Trump grimacing and raising his right hand to his right ear.
“The Secret Service has implemented protective measures and the former president is safe,” a Secret Service spokesperson said on X after the agency called the incident. “This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available.”
The shots were heard at the outdoor rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, shortly after he began his speech. Bodyguards quickly surrounded Trump as he ducked below the podium, and armed officers took up positions at the front of the stage. Trump repeatedly raised his fist to the crowd and shouted as he was escorted to a vehicle by the U.S. Secret Service.
CNN reported that Trump was injured but did not provide details. It was unclear how or what injuries he sustained. Video showed him with blood on his right ear and the right side of his face.
Trump’s campaign spokesperson said Trump was fine and was being checked out at a local medical facility, according to a CNN reporter on X.
The venue was left abandoned, with chairs knocked over and yellow police tape around the stage. A helicopter flew above as law enforcement officers walked through the area, the video showed. Armed law enforcement officers were also seen patrolling the area where Trump was standing.
President Joe Biden received an initial briefing on the incident, the White House said.
Trump and Biden are locked in a close election rematch, with most opinion polls indicating a dead heat between the two candidates. This incident comes amid increasing tension and security concerns as the campaign heats up.
The rally saw Trump face pushback within his own party following a controversial statement made against another Republican candidate a little more than a week ago.
