Trump Explains Scene at the Time via SNS
Biden Delivers National Address Immediately After Statement
On the afternoon of the 13th (local time), about three months before the U.S. presidential election, former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, was shot during a campaign rally.
Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is being protected by his security guards immediately after a shooting incident occurred in Pennsylvania on the 13th (local time). [Photo by AP Yonhap News]
Former President Trump was bleeding from his ear but was urgently evacuated surrounded by his security guards. It was reported that the bullet grazed past his right ear.
The shooter died at the scene, and one supporter watching the rally was also reported to have been killed.
U.S. law enforcement authorities have classified the incident as an assassination attempt on former President Trump and have launched a full-scale investigation.
Two days before the Republican National Convention, former President Trump began his campaign rally around 6:05 p.m. Eastern Time at an outdoor stage in Butler, Pennsylvania. Around 6:10 p.m., while Trump was criticizing President Joe Biden's immigration policies, multiple gunshots were fired from somewhere. Trump quickly ducked below the podium, and several security guards rushed onto the stage.
Afterwards, former President Trump was seen being assisted by security guards as he came down from the stage, bleeding from above his right ear and on his cheek. He then left the rally site by car.
Regarding the incident, former President Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social, saying, "I was hit by a bullet that passed through the upper part of my right ear," and added, "When I heard the whizzing sound and the gunshots, I immediately knew something was wrong and felt the bullet tearing through my skin."
He said there is "no information known so far" about the shooter and emphasized, "I cannot believe that something like this could happen in America."
Former President Trump is reported to be in a safe condition. The Trump presidential campaign issued a statement through a spokesperson, saying, "He is okay and is being examined at a local medical facility," and "Former President Trump expresses gratitude to the law enforcement officers and emergency responders who quickly responded to this heinous act."
The U.S. Secret Service also released a statement saying, "The Secret Service has implemented protective measures, and former President Trump is safe," and "We are currently investigating this incident and will release additional information as it becomes available."
The Secret Service officially announced that the suspect who fired shots at former President Trump was shooting multiple rounds from a high ground outside the rally site and was shot dead by security personnel.
U.S. President Joe Biden is delivering a national address on the shooting attack against former President Donald Trump on the 13th (local time). [Photo by Reuters]
President Joe Biden and the U.S. political community have unanimously condemned the act of political violence.
In a statement, President Biden said, "I am grateful to hear that he is safe and well," and added, "While we await more information, we are praying for him, his family, and everyone who was at the rally."
President Biden continued, "Jill (the First Lady) and I are thankful to the Secret Service for keeping him safe," and said, "There is no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it."
Shortly after issuing the statement, President Biden also delivered a national address. He reiterated, "There is no place for this kind of violence in America," calling it "disgusting, absolutely disgusting." He added, "Former President Trump is currently with medical staff and is in stable condition," and said, "I hope to speak with him soon."
When asked by reporters whether he believes the shooting was an assassination attempt on former President Trump, he replied, "I do have an opinion, but I have not yet ascertained the facts," and said, "Therefore, before I make any statements, we are trying to gather all the facts."
Vice President Kamala Harris also issued a statement, saying, "Doug (her husband) and I are relieved that he was not seriously injured," and added, "We are praying for him, his family, and all those who were hurt or affected by this senseless shooting."
She continued, "There is no place for this kind of violence in our country," and urged, "We must all condemn this hateful act and do what we can to prevent this incident from leading to more violence."
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