At a rally in Pennsylvania last Saturday, former President Donald Trump left the stage after loud noises that sounded like gunshots or explosions were heard, according to multiple media reports and video footage.
Trump appeared to fall to the ground during his speech. Secret Service members immediately surrounded him, and he remained on the ground for about a minute, according to multiple media reports.
Then he got back on his feet and raised his hand in the air. He had blood on the side of his head and ears.
A spokesman for the Secret Service said Trump is currently safe, a representative for Trump told CNN. The presumptive Republican nominee for the 2024 presidential election is being viewed by the medical establishment.
“The Secret Service implemented countermeasures, and the former president is safe,” Anthony Guglielmi, the US Secret Service's chief of communications, said shortly after the incident. “This is currently an active Secret Service investigation and will be released as more information becomes available.”
Trump reached for the side of his head as he heard boos from the rally. He crouched down as Secret Service agents rushed the stage and surrounded him. He was escorted off the stage by agents on all sides and quickly taken to a waiting vehicle.
Audience members screamed as the scene unfolded.
President Joe Biden said he had been briefed on the attack and thanked Trump that they were “safe and doing well.”
“As we wait for more information, I am praying for him and his family and everyone who was at the rally,” a statement Saturday night read. “Jill and I are grateful that the Secret Service brought us to safety. There is no place in America for this type of violence. As a nation, we must condemn it.”
Trump has been increasingly pro-crypto in recent months. This position has attracted significant funding from prominent members of the crypto community, including the Winklevoss twins, crypto exchange Gemini, who have donated large sums of money in Bitcoin.
Trump has strongly reaffirmed his commitment to the sector, commenting on the importance of the US in leading the industry. It promises to protect the autonomy of crypto users and prevent the creation of a central bank digital currency.
Editor's note: Includes statement from President Joe Biden
Edited by Andrew Hayward.
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