Former President Donald Trump was comparing his record on shutting down illegal immigration to President Joe Biden's open border policies immediately before an assassination attempt at his Pennsylvania rally.
Trump said to the crowd: 'If you really want to see something this sad, take a look at what happened -- ' he stated immediately before being cut off as between eight and 10 shots rang out.
Mid-sentence, Trump grasped his right ear as blood spewed over his face and ducked down.
U.S. Secret Service agents immediately swarmed the stage in Butler, Pennsylvania, to give the former president cover. They did a rapid assessment of Trump as he was pinned down on the ground and could be heard confirming the 'shooter is down' before moving him.
'Let me get my shoes,' Trump, 78, could be heard saying as the agents propped him up.
He then put up a strong clenched fist pump as blood trickled down the right side of his face and shouted 'fight, fight, fight!'
'Let me get my shoes,' Trump could be heard saying as the agents propped him up
Trump was rushed to a local hospital and treated for his gunshot wound.
He put out a statement on Truth Social confirming he was struck by a bullet, while thanking the Secret Service and law enforcement for their 'rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania.'
'Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured.'
'It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead. I 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. GOD BLESS AMERICA!'
Former President Donald Trump was comparing his record on shutting down illegal immigration to President Joe Biden 's open border policies immediately before an assassination attempt at his Pennsylvania rally
The assassination attempt occurred just days before the Republican National Convention kicks off in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Trump is expected to address his delegates assembled who will formally nominate him to become the GOP nominee for the presidency.
His campaign said he will still attend the convention, which will go on as planned.
'As was communicated earlier this evening, President Trump is doing well and grateful to law enforcement and first responders for their fast action.'
'President Trump looks forward to joining you all in Milwaukee as we proceed with our convention to nominate him to serve as the 47th President of the United States. As our party's nominee, President Trump will continue to share his vision to Make America Great Again.'
