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Butler, US
The US Secret Service (SS), responsible for the security of former president Donald Trump has stated that "multiple shots" were fired towards the Republican leader from an elevated position outside the rally venue.
Trump was attacked during a rally in Butler County in Pennsylvania on Saturday (Jul 13), surrounded by thousands of supporters. The 78-year-old former president was rushed off stage with blood smeared across his face after the shooting.
"During former President Trump's campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on the evening of July 13th at approximately 6:15 p.m., a suspected shooter fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside of the rally venue," said the Secret Service.
US Secret Service personnel reportedly 'neutralised' the shooter, who is now deceased. His identity remains unknown at this stage.
"US Secret Service quickly responded with protective measures and the former president is safe and being evaluated. One spectator was killed, two spectators were critically injured. The incident is currently under investigation and the Secret Service has formally notified the Federal Bureau of Investigation."
According to reports, an AR-style rifle was recovered at the scene. Videos and photos from the scene of the Trump rally, as well as satellite imagery, showed that the shooter was able to get astonishingly close to the stage where the former president was speaking.
A man wearing grey camouflage could be seen lying motionless on the roof of a building at AGR International Inc., a manufacturing plant just north of the Butler Farm Show grounds where Trump’s rally was held.
Watch | Trump rally shooting: Former President shot at Pennsylvania rally
US Secret Service chief to testify
Republican leader Anna Paulina Luna took to X to inform that the Secret Service had responded to the House Oversight Committee. She added that the security agency's chief had been asked to testify.
"Secret Service has responded to @GOPoversight and will be briefing us ASAP. We have also notified Secret Service that we will be holding an emergency hearing ASAP to uncover what transpired at President Trump’s rally. The Secret Service Director is being called to testify. Date will be announced soon," said Luna.
Secret Service has responded to @GOPoversight and will be briefing us ASAP. We have also notified Secret Service that we will be holding an emergency hearing ASAP to uncover what transpired at President Trump’s rally. The Secret Service Director is being called to testify. Date…
— Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (@RepLuna) July 14, 2024
Also read | Trump rally shooting LIVE updates: Trump departs hospital after assassination attempt
Meanwhile, billionaire and SpaceX founder, Elon Musk, who recently contributed to Trump's political campaign, issued a call for the SS chief to immediately resign.
The head of the Secret Service and the leader of this security detail should resign https://t.co/ihlEC5NP1w
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 14, 2024
Trump fortunately escaped the assassination attempt with only an exit wound on his right ear and according to an AP report, had exited the hospital in Butler.
(With inputs from agencies)