The suspect behind the shooting at Donald Trump's rally in Pennsylvania is dead, the local district attorney has claimed.
Richard Goldfinger was unable to provide further information about the suspect but also confirmed an audience member was killed.
Trump, 78, appeared to clutch his face and duck to the floor as he was quickly surrounded by secret service agents when shots were fired at around 6.13pm.
The 45th President was just 10-minutes into his speech in Butler when the event was interrupted by gun shots.
Donald Trump clutches face and ducks as SHOTS FIRED at ex-PresidentDONALD TRUMP🚨 Watch the moment Donald Trump is rushed to safety as gunshots disrupt his rally in Pennsylvania. pic.twitter.com/fJRMGFS1qy
— GB News (@GBNEWS) July 13, 2024
Donald Trump before shots were fired
REUTERS
He was carried away from the podium but stopped to raise a fist as blood was splattered across his face from his ear.
Trump, who was taking aim at Joe Biden over southern borders crossings before the shooting, left the scene in a motorcade.
The ex-President's condition was not immediately known but eyewitnesses claim as many as eight shots were fired.
An update from the US Secret Service revealed Trump is now "safe".
It also claimed officers implemented protective measures around the former President.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Donald Trump clutching his ear
REUTERS
Trump, 78, appeared to clutch his face and duck to the floor as he was quickly surrounded by secret service agents when shots were fired at around 6.13pm
REUTERS
"This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available," Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said.
Trump appeared somewhat shaken by the incident, with members of the crowd screaming in the background.
However, the 45th President appeared defiant as he shook his fist and appeared to repeatedly shout "fight".
Steven Cheung, Trump's campaign spokesperson, added: "President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act.
Donald Trump raises his fist
REUTERS
Donald Trump raises his fist
REUTERS
"He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow."
Police escorted members of the crowd away from the venue in Pennsylvania.
Butler Farm Show has now become an active crime scene.
Biden, who will address the American people later tonight, said in a statement: "I'm grateful to hear that he's safe and doing well.
"I'm praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information. Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety.
"There's no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it."
The four leading contenders to serve as Trump's running-mate expressed their concern about the situation.
Florida Senator Marco Rubio said: "Praying for President Trump and all those attending the rally in Pennsylvania today."
Donald Trump with blood on his face
REUTERS
Donald Trump leaving the stage
REUTERS
South Carolina Senator Tim Scott wrote: "Praying for President Trump and everyone at the rally in Pennsylvania. May God watch over them all."
"Everyone join me in praying for our President Trump and everyone at that rally," Ohio Senator JD Vance added. "I hope everyone is okay."
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum also said: "We all know President Trump is stronger than his enemies. Today he showed it."
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described the incident as "disgusting".
The rally is now a crime scene
REUTERS
Security forces members stand guard outside Trump Tower after Trump was injured when shots were fired during a campaign rally held in Butler
REUTERS
"Mainstream media have spread a narrative of hatred against my friend Donald Trump," the Clacton MP said. "I hope they are proud of themselves. Disgusting people."
A statement from Downing Street added: "We are shocked by the scenes at President Trump's rally in Pennsylvania.
"We condemn all forms of political violence in the strongest terms and we send our best wishes to President Trump and his family at this time."
SpaceX founder Elon Musk, who confirmed he had donated to Trump's 2024 campaign, appeared to compare the 45th President to Teddy Roosevelt.
He said: "Last time America had a candidate this tough was Theodore Roosevelt."
Roosevelt, America's 26th President, survived an attempted assassination in 1912 while campaigning in Wisconsin.
The shooting comes just days before Trump addresses Grand Old Party members in Wisconsin for the Republican National Convention.
