Trump mentioned he was shot in the ear, and an email from his campaign team quoted him late Saturday as saying, "I will never surrender."
Digital Desk: Former President Donald Trump was swiftly taken off stage with blood on his face following gunshots at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday, where authorities later confirmed he had been targeted by a would-be assassin. Both the gunman and an innocent bystander at the rally were killed, and two others remain in serious condition.
At a late-night press conference in Butler, FBI Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek described the incident as an attempted assassination against Trump, though the FBI has not disclosed the suspect's identity or motive.
Trump mentioned he was shot in the ear, and an email from his campaign team quoted him late Saturday as saying, "I will never surrender."
Secret Service Spokesman Anthony Guglielmi stated that the suspected shooter, who officials confirmed was deceased, fired multiple shots toward the stage around 6:15 p.m. from an elevated position outside the rally.
Lt. Col. George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police stated that law enforcement is investigating several suspicious incidents, including reports from witnesses who tried to alert police to a person's suspicious behavior outside the rally just before the shooting.
Rojek expressed surprise at the alleged gunman's proximity to the rally, noting that such details would be part of the ongoing investigation. He added, "The Secret Service will need to answer that question. They conduct the initial site survey."
As noises erupted, Trump reached for his ear. Attendees began screaming as agents quickly moved Trump to safety on the ground.
The former president was escorted away from the scene by the Secret Service, his fist raised. Trump's spokesperson, Steven Cheung, confirmed in a statement that Trump is "fine" but was evaluated by doctors at a nearby medical facility.
A social media post by the Secret Service confirmed that agents "neutralized" the assailant, who was deceased. Law enforcement recovered an AR-style rifle at the shooting scene. The FBI confirmed that a male bystander at the rally was killed by the gunman.
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