By Anita Powell
Former President Donald Trump sustained a head injury on Saturday but is "fine" according to his campaign after shots were fired in his direction at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
In a statement, the Trump campaign said the Republican presidential candidate received treatment at a local medical facility. He had gone to the town of Butler in the swing state to hold a rally.
"President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act," spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement. "He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility."
The crowd heard several small pops similar to small-arms fire before the former president reached for the side of his face and ducked. He was immediately swarmed by his Secret Service detail and could be heard saying "let me get my shoes," before he stood back up, a ring of agents surrounding him tightly.
Then, bleeding from his right ear, he said, repeatedly, "wait." He then raised his right fist and gestured angrily at a spot in the middle distance and repeated the same one-syllable word three times. It appeared to be "fight, fight, fight."
Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi issued a statement on X, formerly Twitter, "The Secret Service has implemented protective measures and the former President is safe. This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available."
And in a one-line statement sent to reporters, the White House said President Joe Biden "has received an initial briefing on the incident at Former President Trump's rally." Minutes later, they said he was being briefed by senior administration officials including the head of the Secret Service, top aides and the secretary of homeland security. The vice president's office also told reporters she was receiving an initial briefing.
Butler County district attorney Richard Goldinger told The Associated Press that the suspected gunman was dead and at least one rally attendee was killed.
Trump's Republican supporters quickly reacted.
Senator JD Vance of Ohio – considered a front-runner choice for Trump's vice president – tweeted: "Everyone join me in praying for our President Trump and everyone at that rally. I hope everyone is ok."
Another contender, Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, tweeted: "God protected President Trump."
And Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky tweeted:
"Tonight, all Americans are grateful that President Trump appears to be fine after a despicable attack on a peaceful rally. Violence has no place in our politics. We appreciate the swift work of the Secret Service and other law enforcement."
And world leaders also began to react.
"Sara and I were shocked by the apparent attack on President Trump," said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "We pray for his safety and speedy recovery."
Patsy Widakuswara, Sayed Aziz Rahman, Mykhailo Komadovsky, Katherine Gypson and Steve Herman contributed to this report.
