Anthony Albanese has condemned the shooting at Trump’s rally in which the former US president was dragged off the stage with his face covered in blood.
“The incident that occurred today at former President Trump’s campaign event in Pennsylvania is troubling and confronting,” he said Sunday.
“There is no place for violence in the democratic process. I am relieved to hear that former President Trump is now safe.”
His comment came as Jim Chalmers’ live television interview was cut short on Sky News following the incident.
The Treasurer was speaking to Kieran Gilbert before the station cut to live coverage of the dramatic events at an election rally in Pennsylvania.
Initial reports suggest a series of loud explosions interrupted Trump mid-speech before the former president was immediately escorted off the stage and into a car by Secret Service agents.
It is unclear whether the noises were gunshots, and reports have yet to confirm the source of the sounds.
He was heard saying, “Let me get my shoes,” and raising his own in the air as he was led off the stage, held by officers.
Anthony Albanese condemned the shooting at Trump’s rally in which the former US president was carried off the stage with his face covered in blood
It is unclear whether the noises were gunshots and reports have yet to confirm the source of the sounds.
Mr. Trump appeared to have blood on his cheek.
Asked to comment on the rapidly unfolding events, Dr Chalmers said he hoped the presidential candidate was “doing well”.
“I mean, these are extraordinary scenes and I hope former President Trump is OK,” he said.
‘You can see the professionalism with which the Secret Service has responded to that. I think it’s encouraging to see that his arm was up and he was able to move. We hope he’s OK.’
‘These are extraordinary scenes and you will no doubt be covering them all day long.’
Later in the interview, Dr Chalmers was asked about the “likely” prospects of a second Trump presidency and said Australia would work with whoever wins on November 5.
“I’m not going to make any predictions about the outcome of the US election. This is clearly a matter of concern to the American people and the Australian government,” he said.
‘The Australian people will work closely with whoever the Americans choose to lead them starting early next year in the November election.’
A White House statement referred to the moment as an “incident” and not a “shooting,” and said U.S. President Joe Biden had been briefed on the incident.
Initial reports suggest a series of loud explosions interrupted Trump mid-speech before the former president was immediately escorted off the stage and into a car by Secret Service agents.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers reacts live to breaking news about Trump falling to the ground amid reports of gunfire
Trump spokesman Steven Cheung also later confirmed to the media that the former president is “doing fine.”
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and emergency responders for their swift response during this heinous act. He is doing well and is being examined at a local medical facility. More details will be available soon,” Cheung said in a statement, shared by CNN.
More to come
