Trump safe after gunfire erupts at rally, shooter and spectator killed

Gunfire erupted at a Donald Trump rally on Saturday, sparking panic in the crowd and spattering the Republican presidential candidate with his blood, before he emerged and pumped his fist in the air appearing to mouth the words "Fight! Fight! Fight!"

The shooter was dead and the Secret Service was investigating the shooting as an assassination attempt, a source told Reuters.

The Secret Service says its personnel killed the suspected shooter. One spectator was also killed while two others were critically injured in the shooting.

The FBI has identified 20-year-old Thomas Mathew Crooks as the shooter in the assassination attempt.

"The FBI has identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the subject involved in the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump on July 13, in Butler, Pennsylvania," the FBI said in a statement.

"This remains an active and ongoing investigation, and anyone with information that may assist with the investigation is encouraged to submit photos or videos online at FBI.gov/butler or call 1-800-CALL-FBI," the statement continued.

As the shots rang out, Trump grabbed his right ear with his right hand, then brought his hand down to look at it before dropping to his knees behind the podium before Secret Service agents swarmed and covered him.

He emerged about a minute later, his red "Make America Great Again" hat knocked off and could be heard saying "Wait, wait," before agents ushered him into a waiting vehicle.

The Secret Service and the former president's campaign said Trump was safe following the shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania, about 30 miles (50 km) north of Pittsburgh.

Live video showed blood spattered on Trump's right cheek and ear.

Gunfire erupted at a Donald Trump rally, sparking panic in the crowd and spattering the Republican presidential candidate with blood, before he emerged and defiantly pumped his fist in the air before being ushered to a waiting car https://t.co/YpqPWpEULv pic.twitter.com/cww9y1kYCD

— Reuters (@Reuters) July 14, 2024

An audience member was also dead, and another person was in critical condition, a Washington Post reporter said on social media, citing the Butler County district attorney.

The shooter's identity and motive were not immediately clear. Leading Republicans and Democrats quickly condemned the violence.

Secret Service assists Donald Trump during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pennsylvania, July 13. (Photo: REUTERS/Brendan McDermid)

The shooting occurred less than four months before the November 5 election, when Trump faces an election rematch with Democratic President Joe Biden.

"President Trump 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. More details will follow," spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement.

Trump is due to receive his party's formal nomination at the Republican National Convention, which kicks off in Milwaukee on Monday.

"This horrific act of political violence at a peaceful campaign rally has no place in this country and should be unanimously and forcefully condemned," Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson said on social media.

Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he was horrified by what happened and was relieved Trump was safe. "Political violence has no place in our country," he said.

A Secret Service spokesperson said on social media: "The Secret Service has implemented protective measures and the former president is safe ... This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available."