Donald Trump rushed off stage at rally after gunshots

Donald Trump rushed off stage at rally after gunshots

Secret Service agents rushed former President Donald Trump off stage after gunshots were heard at a rally in Pennsylvania, on Saturday.

Footage showed him grimace and raise a hand to his right ear, before ducking as sharp cracks – apparently shots – broke out.

He was quickly swarmed by secret service agents and rushed off stage to a waiting vehicle. He raised a fist as he was bundled into the car.

In a statement Trump’s campaign said he was “fine” and was being “checked out” at a local medical facility.

“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act,” spokesman Steven Cheung said.

The former president appeared to have blood on his ear as protection officers led him away.

Law enforcement sources later told US media that the male suspect and an audience member were dead.

In a statement, the Secret Service said Trump was safe and that measures for his protection had been implemented.

They added that an active investigation was now under way and that further information would be released when available.

The Republican candidate for president had just started addressing his supporters in Butler, Pennsylvania – a crucial swing state in November’s election – when the shots started.

Multiple bangs rang out as Trump spoke about his successor, President Joe Biden, and his administration.

Several supporters holding placards and standing behind Trump ducked as the apparent shots were heard.

Bystanders who spoke to the BBC suggested the gunshots might have come from a one-story building to the right of the stage where Trump was speaking.

One witness – Greg – told the BBC that he had spotted a suspicious-looking person “bear crawling” on the roof of the building about five minutes before Trump took to the stage.

He said he pointed the person out to police.

“He had a rifle, we could clearly see him with a rifle,” he said. “We’re pointing at him, the police are down there running around on the ground – we’re like ‘hey man there’s a guy on the roof with a rifle’ and the police did not know what was going on.”

Another witness, Jason, told the BBC that he heard five shots, which went off in quick succession.

“We see the Secret Service jump on Trump to protect him. Everyone in the crowd dropped down very quickly,” he said.

“He shortly thereafter stood up and put his fist up in the air, said a couple of things.”

-BBC