By John Dobberstein, Editor
His fist raised and face bloodied, former President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt Saturday in a political rally in Pennsylvania. A bullet from a gunman perched atop a nearby building pierced Trump’s right ear and law enforcement killed the gunman shortly after.
One rally attendee was killed in the gunfire and several more were injured, according to media reports.
As gunshots rang out, U.S. Secret Service rushed to the stage and covered up Trump, who had ducked down below the podium. As they raised Trump to his feet moments later, he raised his fist and mouthed the words “fight” to the crowd as he was swept off the stage by federal agents.
The FBI said it is leading the investigation into the shooting, and Republicans are already questioning how the shooter was able to perch atop a nearby building with a line of site to the former president.
In a statement on Truth social, Trump thanked the Secret Service and law enforcement for their response and extended his condolences to the family of the person killed at the rally and family of others who were 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,” Trump’s post read. “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!”
President Biden said he had been briefed on the shooting and he was “grateful to hear that (Trump is) 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.”
Oklahoma political leaders expressed disappointment and outrage Saturday hours after the incident near Butler, Pa.
Gov. Kevin Stitt: “My prayers are with President Trump and those in attendance at the rally— and we should all feel so thankful for the swift response by the Secret Service and law enforcement. While details are still coming in, we can’t tolerate attempts to thwart democracy with political violence. Period.”
U.S. Rep. Kevin Hern (R-Tulsa): “I am grateful for the heroic acts of law enforcement who rushed to ensure President Trump’s safety. It is truly a miracle that the bullet only grazed President Trump’s ear. Tammy and I are keeping him, as well as the loved ones of the individual killed and the two people who were gravely injured, in our prayers. This was a reckless assassination attempt that put thousands of people in danger. Political violence of any kind should be universally condemned in the strongest of terms. I ask my fellow Oklahomans to join me in lifting our nation up in prayer.”
U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin: “Our nation was one inch away from losing a beloved American president tonight. Much remains unknown at this time, but thank God he’s okay.”
U.S. Senator James Lankford: “Cindy and I are praying for the safety and recovery of President Trump and his family. Political disagreement is part of our national identity but violence is never the solution. Law enforcement should investigate and bring all those responsible for this tragedy to justice.”
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond: “The bullets of madmen have altered the course of American history many times, but not today. Thank God President Trump is safe. Amid reports of multiple injuries and possible fatalities at this horrific shooting, every American must reject political violence and resolve to settle our policy differences at the ballot box. The future of our Republic depends on it.”
Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City: “My prayers are with President Trump and hope for a speedy recovery after being shot at this afternoon during his rally. This is an act of senseless violence that should never be tolerated. The Secret Service, law enforcement and first responders are all owed a special debt of gratitude for their quick response, as we continue to get more details on this heartbreaking incident.”
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