Former US President Donald Trump has been evacuated from a campaign rally, after what sounded like a suspicious shooting.
Pictures show how a bloody Trump is surrounded by his bodyguards and led from the stage.
– People are extremely shocked and shaken, says TV4 Nyhetern’s Tomas Kvarnkullen, who is right next to the place where the campaign meeting was held.
Trump was in Butler, Pennsylvania, for a campaign rally ahead of the fall presidential election when loud bangs rang out in the crowd. According to Reuters, it is about shooting.
The Secret Service is talking about an “incident” and that the president is safe, reports the TV channel ABC.
The video shows how Trump, who is on stage and speaking in front of an audience, suddenly jerks and raises a hand to his head. The crowd behind him ducks as loud bangs are heard.
Kvarnkullen: “People incredibly cut”
Bodyguards then rush towards Trump who ducks behind his lectern. A few seconds later, Trump stands up again and raises a fist in the air. He appears to be bleeding at one
The American intelligence service announces that Trump is now “safe” and that they have taken protective measures around the former president.
TV4 Nyheternas Tomas Kvarnkullen is right next to the place where the campaign meeting was held.
– We have met several of those who were very close to the stage where Donald Trump stood and spoke. People are incredibly cut and shaken. Several testify about how they saw Trump disappear down behind the podium. Many also speak of their anger that something like this could happen in the United States.
“Feeling well and being examined”
It also appears that an investigation has been launched.
“This is now an active investigation by the Secret Service and additional information will be released as it becomes available,” writes Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi in a post on X.
Trump’s campaign says he is “fine” after the incident.
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and emergency responders for their swift action during this heinous act,” spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement.
“He is doing well and is now being examined at a local healthcare facility. More information will follow.”
The incident took place just days before Donald Trump is officially expected to be chosen as the Republican presidential candidate at the party’s convention that will begin on Monday.