The suspected shooter in Saturday’s assassination attempt on former American President, Donald Trump, was killed by Secret Service agents just as the Republican Party candidate for the November election was whisked off the stage at a campaign rally on Saturday and driven to safety.
A spectator was also reported dead after the incident during which the shooter fired shots at the former President as he was speaking during an election rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Saturday.
The former President was seen touching the right side of his face while speaking, and went down in a flash.
Secret Service agents instantly formed a cordon around the former President who is vigorously campaigning to return to the White House come January 2025.
After apparently satisfied that the coast was clear of danger, Secret Service agents walked the controversial former President to his waiting vehicle with blood on the side of the face, and was driven away.
A defiant Trump was seen with clenched fist, chanting something.
NBC News reported that there was blood on the right side of the head and ear but quoted two senior law enforcement officials who briefed shortly after the incident that Trump was currently safe.
According to NBC News, people remained at the scene for 10 to 15 minutes after Trump was taken away, after which they were then told it was an active crime scene and all attendees were escorted out.
The newspaper quoted Anthony Guglielmi, a Secret Service spokesperson, as saying in a statement on X that “the former President is safe.”
“This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available,” the agency spokesperson posted.
Steven Cheung, Trump’s spokesperson, said that the former president “thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act.”
“He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility,” Cheung said. “More details will follow.”
