Donald Trump was seen falling to the ground while a crowd screamed in horror as shots were fired during a rally in Pennsylvania. The shooter has now been confirmed as Republican Thomas Matthew Crooks.
The former US President, 78, grabbed his neck after the sound of shots rang, with images showing blood dripping from his right ear and down his cheek.
Rifle-wielding cops went into a panic, with the Secret Service seen jumping on the politician, who was visibly shocked.
After security staff rushed to protect him, the huddle stayed down for around a minute.
Trump later got up and raised his fist in defiance, appearing to clutch a red MAGA hat.
After getting on his feet, Trump was escorted off stage and into a vehicle, which drove him away from the scene.
Armed police took to the podium soon after.
Republican congressman Dan Meuser was in the front row in Butler, claiming he heard eight to 10 shots and that others in the crowd were hit.
A statement from the US Secret Service has said that Trump was now ‘safe’ and that protective measures were in place.
An investigation has been launched, but no further details were immediately given on the matter.
‘This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available,’ the Secret Service wrote on X.
Trump’s campaign added that he was ‘fine’ following the shooting.
‘President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act,’ spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement.
‘He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow.’
Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden, 81, was spotted leaving a church in Delaware after the gun attack.
The White House said Biden had received an ‘initial briefing’.
Taking to social media later, Biden wrote: ‘I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania. I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well. I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information.
‘Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it.’
Addressing the shocking incident, Republican senator for Ohio, J.D Vance, took to X, writing: ‘Everyone join me in praying for our President Trump and everyone at that rally. I hope everyone is ok.’
Bernie Sanders, who is the senior senator from Vermont, wrote on social media: ‘Political violence is absolutely unacceptable. I wish Donald Trump, and anyone else who may have been hurt, a speedy recovery.’
The shooting comes just days before the start of the Republican National Convention when Trump is set to formally accept the Party’s nomination for President.
