Photo: Evan Vucci Associated Press When the shots rang out, Secret Service agents rushed to the scene and surrounded former President Trump.
Isaac Arnsdorf – The Washington Post and Jabin Botsford – The Washington Post in Butler, Pennsylvania
Published yesterday at 11:17 a.m. Updated yesterday at 7:46 p.m.
- United States
The gunshots rang out like high, low, muffled pops in the sky.
Donald Trump, the former president who must accept the Republican nomination in five days, had started his speech in front of a crowd of tens of thousands of people less than ten minutes ago. A mile-long line of cars had lingered for hours to herd the crowd through metal detectors and bag inspections, as at every Trump event, until this leafy fairground was transformed in a sea of red hats.
Trump was almost an hour late, and his supporters waited impatiently under the blazing sun and blaring music. In the middle of the crowd, in front of the stage, a television camera platform was trained on the podium, under which the journalists had gathered to take shade.
Finally, as usual, Mr. Trump came out shouting “USA” and marveling, “It’s a big crowd. It’s a big, big, beautiful crowd. » A bright red MAGA (Make America Great Again) cap hid his eyes, and his white shirt was open in the heat as he rested his arms on the desk.
Also read
- A profitable murder attempt for Donald Trump
- What we know about the attempted assassination of Donald Trump
- World leaders express outrage
He launched into his speech, but quickly grew tired of the prepared scenario. He offered to invite Republican Senate candidate Dave McCormick to speak, but McCormick was not ready.
“You don’t mind me stepping away from the teleprompter, do you ? Mr. Trump said jokingly. Because those teleprompters are so boring. » He asked to show “this graphic that I love so much”, showing border crossings during his and Joe Biden's presidency, and was surprised that his producers agreed to his request, showing the document on the giant screens on either side. “You get better with time. »
He pointed to one of the screens, recounting the increase in immigration since he left office in 2021. “Look what happened to our country! »
The blows came in pairs, five or six in total. Trump smacked his ear, as if hearing a mosquito. Then he hunched his shoulders and stooped.
200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000“Down, down, down!” » Secret Service agents shouted as they rushed to the scene and surrounded him. The crowd was screaming. Another burst of sharp clicks. More screams. The people in the stands behind Trump moved hesitantly, unsure of where to go. People sitting in chairs or standing crouched or jumped to the ground. A thick cloud of smoke hung to the right of the stage, then quickly dispersed.
Another gunshot.
Photo: Evan Vucci Associated Press Former Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump surrounded by US Secret Service agents
Secret Service agents in suits rushed onto the scene, then men dressed in black, wearing bulletproof vests and helmets and carrying assault rifles. The crowd started screaming in confusion.
One of the officers said, “It's okay?” He could be heard from from the stage microphone.
“The shooter is down,” replied another.
“We’re ready to move. »
« The coast is clear ? »
« It's okay! »
“Let me put on my shoes,” Trump said, as the officers lifted him up.
“I’ve got you, sir. »
«Wait, your head is bloody. »
“Let me put on my shoes,” he said again, as the officers formed a circle around him.
The crowd, seeing him standing, began to cheer.
“Wait,” Trump said, raising his fist. “Fight! he said. Fight! »
The people then roared and chanted again: “USA! »
One officer said, “We need to move. » Leaning on guards for help, Mr. Trump kept his fist raised as he limped off the stage, down the stairs and into his black SUV. A black dress shoe remained on the stage's red carpet.
Agents — from the Secret Service, the county sheriff, the state police, of the Department of Homeland Security — began telling the crowd to evacuate the area, saying the site was now considered a crime scene. Well-wishers went out, calling and texting family and friends, and recording videos. The crowd was shocked, but remained calm.
As people walked past the press boxes where the cameras were located, some vented their anger on the media .
“You’re not safe. It's your fault. »
“You wanted political violence, you got it. I hope you're damn happy. »
« The gunshot was heard around the world. »
« The liberal media is to blame! »
“Every f… of you! »
Others reached for the cameras to offer their testimonies, but they were confusing and sometimes contradictory amid the panic.
The crowd headed toward the parking lot, some stopping to buy a last-minute hot dog or ice cream cone.
A man with a cane cowered behind the toilet where he vomited.
Photo: Gene J. Puskar Associated Press A kiosk selling merchandise glorifying Donald Trump
They returned to their cars, passing Trump flags waving in the wind and a long line of sellers selling MAGA hats, t-shirts displaying Trump's mugshot, and key chains. Trump, vulgar bumper stickers and Trump visors topped with bright orange fake hair.
A man with a bullhorn and wearing a “JAN 6 SURVIVOR” t-shirt called on people to march on Main Street, “peacefully and patriotically,” echoing Trump's speech on the Ellipse on January 6, 2021 .Most people ignored it. A young man accused him of being an undercover federal agent and told him to keep quiet.
They left behind the grounds littered with bottles of empty plastic water. A giant American flag, hoisted by two cranes, floated above the empty white stands, lined with red, white and blue banners.