Former President Donald Trump was showcasing a chart of border crossing numbers during his final rally before the Republican National Convention on Monday when a series of bangs rang through the crowd.
Trump could be seen reaching for his neck with his right hand, and there appeared to be blood on his face.
Immediate Reaction
He quickly sought protection behind the podium as agents from his protective detail rushed the stage, with screams echoing from the crowd of several thousand people. The bangs continued as agents tended to him on stage.
On-Scene Developments
Live microphones captured the Secret Service agents’ comments as they moved the former president to safety: “Shooter is down!” “Are you ready! On you! Move! We’re clear!”
His motorcade soon left the venue, and his condition was not immediately known.
Visual Documentation
As he was escorted off the stage by Secret Service agents, Trump held his fist in the air while chants of “USA! USA!” echoed through the crowd.
Police began vacating the fairgrounds shortly after Trump left the stage.
Official Statements
“An incident occurred the evening of July 13 at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania,” Anthony Guglielmi, Chief of Communications for the United States Secret Service, tweeted.
“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.”
The Secret Service reiterated that this is an active investigation and has implemented “protective measures.”
Campaign Response
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act,” his campaign told reporters. “He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow.”
Political Reactions
Leaving Mass in Rehoboth Beach, President Joe Biden simply responded, “No,” when asked if he’d been briefed about the incident.
“Praying for President Trump and everyone at the rally in Pennsylvania. May God watch over them all,” Senator Tim Scott tweeted.
House Speaker Mike Johnson posted on X, the website formerly known as Twitter, that he was praying for Trump.
Media Coverage
Left-leaning media outlets have been using comments like “Donald ‘Ducked'” in a play on words referencing the cartoon character Donald Duck. They have also highlighted his past as a reality TV star, seemingly downplaying the severity of the incident.
Broader Context
This incident highlights the massive political divide in the United States. The radical left, which has gained significant influence in recent years, argues for equality and inclusivity while condemning President Trump as a racist and sexist.
Their attempts to convict Trump of criminal charges during the lead-up to the 2024 election backfired, as his popularity increased among his base and beyond.
The outcome of this assassination attempt is likely to give an extra boost to Trump’s popularity, as U.S. citizens sitting on the fence will be angered by the actions of a follower of leftist ideology.
This will also deepen the country’s divide, leading to more unrest as we move closer to the November election.
