Former President Donald Trump Rushed Off Stage After Loud Bangs at Pennsylvania Rally
Former President Donald Trump was abruptly rushed off stage after a series of loud bangs were heard, causing him to fall to the ground at the beginning of a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday night. The Secret Service has confirmed that Trump is safe and under protective measures. According to a spokesperson, Trump is “fine” and referred to the incident as a “heinous act,” though specific details remain unclear.
Trump was immediately surrounded by Secret Service agents on stage following the bangs. Witnesses reported seeing blood on his face, and Trump raised his fist to the crowd as he was escorted away. This dramatic incident followed a busy day of campaigning for both Trump and President Joe Biden in the 2024 presidential race.
Trump "is fine," spokesperson says
Donald Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, assured the public that the former president is in good condition.
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act. He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow,” Cheung said in a statement.
Biden receives initial briefing on Trump rally incident
President Joe Biden has received an initial briefing on the incident at Trump’s rally, according to the White House. The briefing included information about the loud bangs and subsequent actions taken by the Secret Service.
Trump is safe, according to the US Secret Service
The US Secret Service’s chief of communications, Anthony Guglielmi, confirmed that Trump is safe following the incident at his rally.
“An incident occurred the evening of July 13 at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania. 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,” Guglielmi said in a statement.
What pool reporters saw and heard at the rally where Trump was rushed off stage
Pool reporters at the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, reported hearing “a series of loud explosions or loud bangs” before Secret Service agents swiftly moved towards Trump.
“The Secret Service went and immediately covered President Trump,” according to the pool report. “Pool heard residual bangs afterward.”
“Agents grabbed Trump, who was seen waving his fists in the air,” the pool report added.
Secret Service rushes Trump off stage after he falls at rally
Secret Service agents rushed Trump off the stage after he fell to the ground amid the loud bangs. After falling, Trump was quickly covered by Secret Service agents, then stood back up by security personnel, who noted he had blood on his face. He was seen yelling back to the crowd and raising his fist before being whisked away.
Trump was then taken to a vehicle and evacuated from the scene. The incident occurred moments after he took the stage at the rally.
“We heard a bunch of … loud cracking noises. At first, I thought: Is that fireworks? All of a sudden everyone started screaming,” said CNN’s Alayna Treene, who was reporting from the rally.
News Agencies