Donald Trump, donning his signature red “Make America Great Again” cap, grimaced and clutched a hand to his ear, with blood visible on his ear and cheek.
Video footage showed Trump was swiftly escorted off stage by US Secret Service agents after multiple shots were fired, with one bullet grazing his head.
The video captured the moment when panic ensued, with some attendees seen fleeing the area while others sought cover in the stands, some using their cell phones to record the incident. Trump was seen being led away from the site by Secret Service personnel, his fist raised in the air.
“It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country,” Trump said on his TruthSocial platform.
One person from the audience lost their life in the shooting, and the perpetrator was also killed.
Throughout its history, the United States has witnessed instances of political violence. Consequently, presidents, former presidents, and candidates are provided with tight security.
In 1963, while traveling in his motorcade, President John F Kennedy was assassinated. Later, in 1968, his brother Bobby Kennedy was shot dead. President Ronald Reagan survived an assassination attempt in 1981.