Gregory Walton – Agence France-Presse in Butler, Pennsylvania
Posted at 6:31 p.m. Updated at 9:35 p.m.
- United States
Former US President Donald Trump was injured but is doing well following shooting at a rally on Saturday that claimed the life of a spectator, having been evacuated with blood on his ear just days before his official nomination as Republican candidate.
In addition to the alleged shooter, a spectator was killed and two others were seriously injured, announced the Secret Service, responsible for protecting presidents and ex-presidents.
“I was hit by a bullet that pierced the top of my right ear,” Donald Trump said on his Truth Social platform . “It is unbelievable that such an act could happen in our country,” he added.
Donald Trump “is safe,” said the Secret Service.
The shots were heard at 6:15 p.m., with the shooter “shooting multiple times from an elevated position,” according to a Secret Service statement published on X. The shooter was “neutralized” by members of the Secret Service, is- he said.
Democratic President Joe Biden, who faces Donald Trump in the November election, said he was relieved to learn that the Republican was apparently in good health, saying he hopes to be able to speak to him on Saturday evening. “Everyone must condemn” such violence, he said in a televised address.
I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania.
I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well. I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information.
Jill and I are grateful to the Secret…— President Biden (@POTUS) July 13, 2024
This rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, was Donald Trump's last before the Republican convention which begins Monday, and at the end of which he must be officially nominated as the Republican Party's presidential candidate.< /p>
The Republican candidate, who had just begun his speech with one of his usual tirades on the migrants whom he accuses his Democratic successor of having allowed to enter the country en masse, immediately was taken to the ground by Secret Service agents.
200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000Cries of fear erupted from the audience. After a few moments, Donald Trump stood up, his hair disheveled and without his red cap, surrounded by the agents. “Let me get my shoes,” he was heard telling them.
He was then escorted from the stage to his car, raising his fist in the air several times in defiance, to the cheers of his supporters.
Photo: Evan Vucci Associated Press Police officers inspect the scene after the shootings targeting Donald Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania.
Incalculable consequences
“Many people were seen throwing themselves to the ground, looking confused. I heard the gunshots,” sympathizer John Yeykal told AFP at the scene.
The alleged perpetrator of the shooting was outside the open-air enclosure where the meeting took place, Butler County Prosecutor Richard Goldinger told CNN, adding that he had no information on his whereabouts. identity.
“Political violence is never acceptable,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a post on X.
Simply disgusted by the shots aimed at former President Trump. We can never say it enough: political violence is never acceptable. My thoughts are with Mr. Trump, those present and all Americans.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) July 14, 2024
The Democratic Majority Leader in the US Senate, Chuck Schumer, declared himself “horrified”.
“There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy,” former Democratic President Barack Obama also responded.
“Although we We don't yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump was not seriously injured, and use this moment to renew our commitment to civility and respect in politics,” he wrote on X.
There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy. Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics.…
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 13, 2024
Elon Musk reacted by supporting Donald Trump and wishing him a “speedy recovery”.
The consequences of this event on the campaign are still incalculable.
More details will follow.