President Biden has said there is “no place in America for this kind of violence” after an apparent assassination attempt on Donald Trump.
“It’s sick. Sick,” he said in a press briefing in Delaware, following the attack on the Trump event in Pennsylvania.
The US Secret Service confirmed a suspected gunman fired “multiple shots” from an “elevated position outside of the rally venue”.
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They said the gunman had been “neutralised” and was now dead. The agency also confirmed a spectator had been killed and two others critically injured.
“We cannot allow for this to be happening,” President Biden said.
He thanked the Secret Service, adding: “Everyone must condemn it.”
Image: Pic: AP
Image: Pic: AP
Mr Biden said he had tried to contact Trump following the shooting.
“I tried to get a hold of Donald – he’s with his doctors,” said the president. “Apparently, he’s doing well. I hope I get to speak to him tonight.”
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The Secret Service said Trump was now “safe” and that it had implemented protective measures around him.
It said it was treating the incident as an assassination attempt.
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Watch moment Trump hits ground
Trump wrote on social media that a bullet had pierced the upper part of his 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,” he said on his Truth Social platform.
“Much bleeding took place, so I realised then what was happening.
“I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of law enforcement, for their rapid response,” he added.
“Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured.
“It is incredible that such an act can take place in our country.”
Image: Police snipers returned fire at the gunman. Pic: AP
Trump’s campaign said he was “fine” following the incident.
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act,” spokesman Steven Cheung said.
“He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow.”
The incident happened as the former president was speaking at a rally in Pennsylvania. Suddenly, he appeared to fall to the ground clutching his ear.
Read more:’Pop pop pop’ – Witnesses describe moment of shootingIn pictures: Gunman fires multiple shots at Trump rally
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He was surrounded by Secret Service agents and stayed down for around a minute as screams rang out from the audience.
Trump then rose to his feet, pumped his fist in the air, and shouted “fight” before being whisked off stage and into a black SUV.
Pictures in US media later showed a building about 150m away with what appeared to be a body and a rifle on top.
Source : Sky News
