Trump says he was shot in ear in possible assassination attempt at rally

BUTLER, Pennsylvania — Former President Donald Trump was swarmed by Secret Service agents and rushed off the stage after a gunman opened fire at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, officials said.

Officials briefed on the investigation told ABC News that the incident, on the eve of the Republican national convention, was being investigated as a possible assassination attempt and that live rounds were apparently fired from outside the security perimeter.

LIVE UPDATES | Trump rushed off stage at rally after possible assassination attempt

The Secret Service, in a statement, said that a shooter “fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside of the rally venue” after which agents “neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased.”

The shooter fired as many as eight rounds from an AR-style rifle while perched on a rooftop adjacent to the venue and was 200-300 yards away at the time of the shooting, law enforcement sources told ABC News

One spectator was killed and two others critically injured, the Secret Service said in a statement.

There appeared to be blood on Trump’s right ear as he was being taken off stage, and he could be seen mouthing “fight” and pumping his fist.

A spokesperson for Trump said in a statement, “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.”

PHOTOS: Shots fired at Trump rally in Pennsylvania

In a statement on Truth Social posted hours after the shooting, Trump said he “was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear.”

“I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening,” he wrote in the post, which expressed condolences to the family of the rallygoer who was killed.

“It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country,” he added.

Outpouring of support

The harrowing incident sent shockwaves throughout the political world and sparked condemnation from both sides of the aisle as well as an outpouring of support.

President Joe Biden called the incident “sick” and said “there’s no place in America for this kind of violence.”

“We cannot be like this. We cannot condone this.”

And Vice President Kamala Harris said she was “relieved he is not seriously injured.”

“Violence such as this has no place in our nation,” he added. “We must all condemn this abhorrent act and do our part to ensure that it does not lead to more violence.”

Donald Trump Jr., told ABC News he has spoken to his father, who remains at the hospital. He said his father is “in good spirits” as he remains under observation, adding that his father is “never gonna stop.”

“This is the fighter America needs!” Trump’s son Eric wrote in a post on X with a photo of his father’s fist raised in the air attached.

And Trump’s daughter Ivanka, called the shooting “senseless” and wrote “I love you Dad” on X.

Former Vice President Mike Pence said on X that he was “praying for President Trump and urge every American to join us.”

‘People started to panic’

Trump was talking to the crowd about immigration when pops could be heard and chaos broke out. The former president could be seen grasping his ear before going down to the ground and being swarmed and shielded by Secret Service agents.

Dave McCormick, who’s running for U.S. Senate, told ABC News he was in the front row of the rally. He said he heard “seven or eight” shots fired.

“People started to panic,” he said. “Everyone dropped to the ground.”

Witness Leonard Verdetto said everyone at the rally had been “joyful” but then he heard “popping sounds,” describing 6-8 shots fired.

“None of us really registered at the time that all these people were saying ‘get down!’ ‘get down!'”

“We were all praying…We were praying to him to keep us safe, keep us protected.”

In the wake of the incident, Trump, with blood on his ear and the side of his face, was then led off the stage quickly, pumping his fist on stage and also as he was helped into a vehicle to be taken away.

Heavily armed security personnel got on stage as he was led off.

“An incident occurred the evening of July 13 at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania,” the Secret Service said in a statement. “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.”

The White House said in a statement, “The President has received an initial briefing on the incident at Former President Trump’s rally.”

In the wake of the shooting, there was a heavy police presence outside Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Florida.

Violence ‘absolutely unacceptable’

“Violence targeted at any political party or political leader is absolutely unacceptable,” Pennsylvania Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro said in a statement. “It has no place in Pennsylvania or the United States.”

Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, a possible vice president pick, wrote on social media, “Everyone join me in praying for our President Trump and everyone at that rally. I hope everyone is ok.”

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, a possible vice presidential pick, posted to X, calling for prayers for the former president.

“Please join Kathryn and me in praying for President Trump, his family and everyone attending the rally today.”

Another vice presidential hopeful, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, also posted on X asking for prayers for Trump and those at the rally.

“Praying for President Trump and all those attending the rally in Pennsylvania today.”

“ATF is responding to assist the U.S. Secret Service and other law enforcement partners. This is a top priority. We have no further comment at this time,” ATF said in a statement.

This is a breaking news report. This will be updated as more information becomes available.