Everywhere, the American people are feeling the pressures as hints of escalating violence against President Trump and the America First movement surface.
Today- it appears as if someone tried to kill Trump. The news surfaced that, indeed, at least one person was killed, and it is speculated that it was the shooter.
UPDATE 8:30 PM two people have been reported killed at the rally, who were attendees, one woman and one man, there is some confusion still at this time about the numbers of people injured or killed:
With a blood-stained face, Trump replied to the crowd that he was “fine.”
On Saturday, President Donald J. Trump, who has been attacked relentlessly since 2015 by people who are not happy with his America First agenda – was shot at while speaking to a packed rally.
This happens just one day before the Republican Convention begins; Trump will accept his nomination to run as the Republican candidate for 47 President of the United States.
Ben Bergquam, a correspondent for Real America’s Voice, reported that from his source, investigate journalist John Solomon, that President Trump is “going to be OK”
We will post more details as we get them
There is some speculation that the shooter was killed on the scene:
UPDATE 8:24 PM
From the AP:
A local prosecutor said the suspected gunman and at least one attendee are dead.
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act,” 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 said that “the former President is safe.” Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., said after 8 p.m. that he spoke to his father on the phone and that “he is in great spirits.”
“There’s no place in America for this type of violence,” President Joe Biden, who is running against Trump as the presumptive Democratic nominee, said in remarks. “It’s sick. It’s sick.”
Two officials spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing investigation. They said the shooter was not an attendee at the rally and was killed by U.S. Secret Service agents.
The officials said the shooter was engaged by members of the U.S. Secret Service counterassault team and killed. The heavily armed tactical team travels everywhere with the president and major party nominees and is meant to confront any active threats while other agents focus on safeguarding and evacuating the person at the center of protection.
UPDATE 9:00 PM:
Trump’s First Statement
Donald Trump’s first statement, posted on his Truth Social media site, after an apparent assassination attempt at a rally on Saturday in Butler, Pa.:
“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. More 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 and I heard a whizzing sound of shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. God bless America.”
A local prosecutor said the suspected gunman and at least one attendee are dead.
Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, was showing off a chart of border crossing numbers during his last rally before the Republican National Convention opens Monday when the apparent shots began.
It took two minutes from the moment of the first shot for Trump to be placed in a waiting SUV.
As Trump was talking, a popping sound was heard, and the former president put his right hand up to his right ear, as people in the stands behind him appeared to be shocked.
As the first pop rang out, Trump said, “Oh,” and grabbed his ear as two more pops could be heard and he crouched down. More shots are heard then.
Someone could be heard saying near the microphone at Trump’s lectern, “Get down, get down, get down, get down!” as agents tackled the former president. They piled atop him to shield him with their bodies, as is their training protocol, as other agents took up positions on stage to search for the threat.
Screams were heard in the crowd of several thousand people. A woman is heard screaming louder than the rest. Afterward, voices were heard saying “shooter’s down” several times, before someone asks “are we good to move?” and “are we clear?” Then, someone ordered, “Let’s move.”
Trump could be heard on the video saying at least twice, “Let me get my shoes, let me get my shoes,” with another voice heard saying, “I’ve got you sir.”
Trump got to his feet moments later and could be seen reaching with his right hand toward his face. There appeared to be blood on his face. He then pumped his fist in the air and appeared to mouth the word “Fight” twice his crowd of supporters, prompting loud cheers and then chants of “USA. USA. USA.”