NEW YORK (PIX11) – The NYPD will increase its presence in the city after an apparent assassination attempt on Former President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania.
The shooting occurred in Butler, Pa., a little over 350 miles away from New York City.
"Out of an abundance of caution, the NYPD will increase its presence across the city, including at Trump Tower, 40 Wall Street, Foley Square, and City Hall," an email from Deputy Mayor for Communications Fabien Levy read. "While we are deploying these resources, we want to clarify that we see no connection to NYC at this time."
During a rally, as Trump displayed a chart of border crossing numbers, a loud noise disrupted the crowd. Trump reached for his neck with his right hand, and there appeared to be blood on his face. The Secret Service quickly escorted Trump off the stage. The agency stated, "The former president is safe."
However, one attendee and the suspected shooter have died, according to Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger.
Law enforcement officials state that this is the first attempted assassination of a president or presidential candidate since Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981.
"The events at today's rally in Pennsylvania are horrific," Mayor Eric Adams said. "Sending my prayers to former President Trump, his family, and everyone at today's event. Political violence has no place in this country."
The NYPD is the largest police department in the United States, with 36,000 officers and 19,000 civilian employees.
This story comprises reporting from The Associated Press and Nexstar Media Wire.
Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here.
