Donald Trump Injured in Assassination Attempt at PA Rally: 'God Protected President Trump'

CBN News Staff : Jul 13, 2024
CBN News

"The outpouring of love and support for my dad is deeply appreciated. Thank you God for keeping my father alive. Political violence is never the answer. God bless the secret service and law enforcement who fearlessly intervened. Please include the families of the victims in your prayers. As you saw today, my father is a fighter and he will continue to fight for you and the USA." -Tiffany A. Trump, via X

[CBN News] Donald Trump was injured in a likely assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday night. While Trump was either shot in the ear or hit by fragments, his presidential campaign team said he is now "fine" after being quickly shielded by brave Secret Service agents. (Screengrab image: via Fox News)

Richard Goldinger, the Butler County District Attorney, shared that at least one attendee was reportedly killed in the shooting, and multiple outlets reported the gunman was also shot and killed by law enforcement.

As the gunshots rang out, Trump cringed and grabbed his right ear where he was hit, just inches away from being killed. As he then ducked down, more gunshots rang out, and his protection detail jumped on his body. Someone shouted, "Shooter is down" as the security detail then whisked Trump off stage to safety.

"President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act," his campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement. "He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow."

The Secret Service issued a statement saying, "The former President is safe." After agents had surrounded him and it was announced the shooter was down, Trump got back up and pumped his fist to indicate he was ok.

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, and Ohio Sen. JD Vance, who are all on Trump's vice-president shortlist, quickly issued statements expressing concern for his safety. Rubio shared a photo taken as Trump was escorted off stage with his fist in the air and a streak of blood on his face along with the words "God protected President Trump." (Screengrab image: via X)

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer issued a statement condemning the violence. The White House said ...Joe Biden was briefed on the incident, and his team issued a statement saying he is "grateful" Trump is doing well after the shooting, saying there is "no place for this kind of violence in America."

The shooting comes just days before the Republican National Convention opens Monday in Milwaukee with Trump as the presumptive Republican nominee for president.

[Update-BCN: Later President Trump posted the following statement on Truth Social]:

"I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania. Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured. It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!" Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here