Former United States President Donald Trump was rushed offstage by the the Secret Service during a rally in the swing state of Pennsylvania after what sounded like gunfire was heard from the crowd.
According to reports, the presumptive Republican nominee for president sank to the ground after the noises were heard and was escorted to his motorcade by armed agents with blood visible on his right ear and streaking his cheek.
Trump pumped his fist before being put into a vehicle. It was unclear where he was taken.
Steven Cheung, communications director for the Trump campaign, said: Trump was “fine” and “being checked out a local medical facility.”
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act,” Cheung added.
The incident happened just minutes after the former president began speaking at a rally of supporters in Butler, Pennsylvania, a rural town in the north-west corner of the state. Trump rallies are usually subject to airport-style security, run by the Secret Service in conjunction with local authorities.
The White House said US President Joe Biden, who is currently in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, had received an “initial briefing” on the incident.
The incident happened just days before the start of the Republican National Convention, when Trump is set to formally accept his party’s nomination for president.
