BLITZ BUREAU
NEW DELHI: In an assassination attempt, former US President Donald J Trump was shot in the ear at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on July 13 evening. He is safe. “The former president is safe,” the Secret Service said in a post on X.
The suspected shooter was confirmed dead, along with one bystander, US media reported.
Soon after the shooting took place, Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack and said that violence had no place in politics and democracies.He wrote on X, “Deeply concerned by the attack on my friend, former President Donald Trump. Strongly condemn the incident. Violence has no place in politics and democracies. Wish him speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the deceased, those injured and the American people,” he added.
Trump was speaking to thousands of supporters in Butler town before the Republican National Convention is set to nominate him as the party’s presidential candidate. Live footage captured a series of shots as Trump ducked below the podium and took cover. Within seconds, US secret service agents covered Trump, as other agents rushed to the stage and did the same.The agents then helped Trump up, as he raised his fist into the air and gave a determined look to the crowd. As he was being escorted out, it appeared that his ear was bleeding and there was blood on his face.
The White House said that President Joe Biden, who is also Trump’s rival in the upcoming presidential elections has received a briefing.
US Secret Service Chief of communications, Anthony Guglielmi said on X, “An incident occurred the evening of July 13 at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania. The Secret Service has implemented protective meaures and the former President is safe. This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available”.
Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung said, “President Trump thank law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during the heinous act. He is fine and is being checked at a local medical facility, More details will follow.”
