US: Donald Trump 'safe' after being rushed off rally stage

Donald Trump is "fine" and undergoing medical checks, his team said, after loud bangs that resembled gunshots rang out while he was delivering a speech at an election rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.

“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act," Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement. "He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow," he added.

The former president was quickly whisked off stage after loud bangs were heard while he was delivering remarks at the rally, held just days before the start of the Republican National Convention.

For updates on the situation, follow our page here.

Trump says ear grazed by a bullet

Trump later said that he was hit by a bullet that "pierced the upper part of my right ear."

"I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin," Trump wrote on his Truth Social media site. "Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening."

Suspected gunman is dead

The Associated Press (AP) later cited Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger as saying that the suspected gunman was dead. 

At least one other person at the rally also died, according to AP and other news outlets.

Biden briefed on the situation and 'grateful' Trump is safe

President Joe Biden wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that he had been "briefed on the shooting" at Trump's rally and was "grateful to hear that he's doing safe and well."

"There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it," he added.

Security detail rushed to take Trump off stage

Trump could be seen reaching toward his neck soon after shots were heard.  There appeared to be blood on his face. 

Agents from his protective detail rushed on to the stage and dived to cover Trump as screams could be heard from the crowd. 

The crowd then cheered as Trump stood and raised a fist. 

His motorcade left the venue in Butler, Pennsylvania soon after. 

Secret Service says Trump safe, FBI now investigating

The US Secret Service said on X shortly after the incident that Trump was safe and that protective measures had been implemented around him.

"An incident occurred the evening of July 13 at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania. The Secret Service has implemented protective measures," it said in a statement. "This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available."

The FBI later said it was taking over the lead of the investigation from the Secret Service, which is tasked with the immediate protection of top politicians and their families in the US.

Trump's team thanked those who assisted him.

Schumer 'horrified and relieved,' Johnson condemns 'horrific act of political violence' 

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, said he was "horrified by what happened" and "relieved former President Trump is safe." 

"Political violence has no place in our country," Schumer said. 

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, said he and his wife were praying for Trump and all who attended the rally. 

"I have been briefed by law enforcement and am continuing to monitor developments," Johnson said. "This horrific act of political violence at a peaceful campaign rally has no place in this country and should be unanimously and forcefully condemned." 

Former President Barack Obama also said there was "no place" for political violence in the US. 

"Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics. Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery," he said.

msh/rm (AFP, AP, Reuters)