See what is known about the assassination attempt on Donald Trump in the US

Former President Donald Trump was the victim of an assassination attempt during a rally in Pennsylvania, United States, this Saturday (13). After gunshots were heard at the scene, he was removed from the stage bleeding, with a wound to his face.

The attack has generated a wave of concern and global condemnation. Authorities are investigating the case.

A CNN shows below what is known so far.

What happened

The shooting occurred Saturday afternoon (13) at the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Reporters at the scene reported hearing “a series of loud explosions or bangs” before Secret Service agents rushed toward him.

According to the agency, the gunman fired several shots from an “elevated position” on the roof of a building outside the rally before being killed by security teams.

Videos show Trump being quickly led away by officers, with blood on his face.

Witnesses

Rally attendees described the aftermath as “pandemonium,” with widespread confusion. Some initially thought the sounds were fireworks, while others described seeing people being hit by gunfire.

An eyewitness outside the event said he saw the shooter climb onto a roof and tried to alert police.

“We noticed the guy crawling, crawling like a bear, climbing up the roof of the building next to us, 15 metres away from us,” the witness told BBC News after the incident.

“We’re standing there, pointing at the guy climbing up on the roof. We can clearly see him with a rifle,” he continued. The witness added that he notified nearby police and that officers “didn’t know what was going on.”

“I’m thinking, ‘Why is Trump still talking? Why didn’t they take him off the stage?’ I’m standing there, pointing at him for two, three minutes, the Secret Service is looking at us, I’m pointing at that roof. And the next thing you know, five shots are fired,” he continued.

A CNN cannot independently verify your account.

Victims

In addition to the shooter, the shooting left at least one audience member dead and two other attendees seriously injured, according to the Secret Service.

“The United States Secret Service responded quickly with protective measures and former President Trump is safe. One bystander was killed and two were seriously injured. This incident is currently under investigation and the Secret Service has notified the FBI,” said Anthony Guglielmi, chief of communications for the U.S. Secret Service.

All three were adult males, said Lt. Col. George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police.

Trump Status

According to his spokesman, Steven Cheung, Trump is fine.

“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their swift response during this heinous act. He is in good condition and is being evaluated at a local medical center. More details will be forthcoming,” Cheung said.

The former president said on social media that he was hit by a bullet in the “upper part of his right ear.”

The Republican reported that he “knew immediately something was wrong because I heard a buzzing sound, gunshots and immediately felt the bullet tearing through my skin.” According to his message, there was a lot of bleeding and after that, he realized what was happening.

The post also offered condolences to the families of the fatal victim and the injured.

Investigation

Multiple federal agencies are now involved, with the FBI on the scene. Law enforcement officials say the shooting is being investigated as a possible attempted murder.

Kevin Rojek, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Pittsburgh office, said at a news conference that the agency is working to identify the shooter through “biometric matches” because the suspect was not carrying identification.

Biden’s Statement

President Joe Biden spoke to Trump after the incident and said earlier that he was grateful the former president was safe.

He also condemned the incident and called for the country to unite: “There is no place in America for this kind of violence.”

He added that “all federal government agencies” are investigating the matter and providing him with updates on the latest developments.

The Democrat also said he had “an opinion” on whether the incident was an assassination attempt, but that he did not have enough facts to comment.

Biden is returning to the White House from Delaware early to continue being briefed on the shooting.

The world reacts

Leaders from across the United States and the world have come forward to denounce and express their condolences to the victims.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) said on X that the assassination attempt against former US President Donald Trump must be vehemently repudiated by all defenders of democracy.

According to the Brazilian Chief Executive, what was seen is “unacceptable”.

Former US President Barack Obama said that “there is absolutely no place for political violence in a democracy.”

“While we do not yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump was not seriously injured and take this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics,” Obama added.

Argentine President Javier Milei also wrote on his X account: “All my support and solidarity to President and candidate Donald Trump, victim of a cowardly assassination attempt that put his life and the lives of hundreds of people at risk.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented: “Sara and I are shocked by the apparent attack on President Trump. We pray for his safety and speedy recovery.”

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell Fontelles reacted on X: “I am shocked by the news of the attack on President Trump, which I strongly condemn. Once again, we are witnessing unacceptable acts of violence against political representatives.”

Source: CNN Brasil

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