Mahkatop
Mahkatop — Former President of the United States, Donald Trump, was reportedly shot by an armed man during a campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday (13/7) local time. Trump’s campaign team and the Secret Service confirmed that Trump is safe and not seriously injured.
Shooting During Campaign
The shooting incident occurred while Trump was addressing his supporters. Blood was seen coming from Trump’s right ear after several shots were fired. Secret Service agents quickly acted by evacuating Trump from the stage.
Eyewitnesses at the scene told the BBC that they saw a man in brown camouflage climbing onto the roof of a building with a rifle. “The Secret Service was watching us from the top of a warehouse, I pointed to the roof—suddenly five shots were heard,” one witness said.
Swift Response from Secret Service
After the man shot at Trump, Secret Service agents immediately responded and shot the perpetrator dead on the spot. This quick action has been praised by various parties, including former President George W. Bush.
Condemnation from Political Figures
George W. Bush condemned the assassination attempt on Trump. “Laura and I are grateful that President Trump survived the cowardly attack on his life. And we commend the Secret Service members for their swift response,” Bush said.
In agreement with Bush, independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also condemned the violence. “Now is the time for every American who loves our country to step back from division, abandon all violence, and unite in prayer for President Trump and his family,” Kennedy Jr. emphasized.
Casualties and Injuries
Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger stated that two people died in the incident, including the shooter. Several campaign attendees were also reported injured by the gunfire.
Government Statement
President Joe Biden was immediately briefed on the incident by Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, and Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall. Biden condemned the violence and expressed sympathy to Trump and the victims.
California Governor Gavin Newsom also condemned the shooting. “Violence has no place in our democracy. My thoughts are with President Trump and everyone affected by today’s rally,” Newsom said on social media platform X.
Reactions from Abroad
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who had just visited Trump at Mar-a-Lago last Friday, also expressed sympathy and prayers through social media. “My thoughts and prayers are with President Donald Trump in these dark times,” Orban wrote on X. (*)
