Barack Obama led tributes to Donald Trump after the presidential candidate was shot at a campaign rally, with political figures around the world joining in to wish him a “speedy recovery.”
The former president was seen bleeding from his ear after being injured in a shooting at a re-election rally where a bystander was killed by the shooter’s bullets.
At least eight bullets were fired moments after Trump stood up to speak at 5pm ET (10pm UK time) on Saturday, at Butler Farm Grounds in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The former president quickly raised his fist toward the crowd to show he was not seriously injured, as Secret Service agents rushed to the stage to quickly move him away.
And supporters have already rushed to back the 78-year-old, with former Prime Minister Liz Truss, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Tesla boss Elon Musk among those reacting to the assassination attempt.
Donald Trump appeared to be shot in the ear when the former president was shot at a rally in Pennsylvania
Trump raised his fist toward the crowd and did not appear to be seriously injured as he walked off the stage alone, surrounded by Secret Service agents.
Trump grabbed the side of his head as he appeared to have been hit.
Mr Farage posted on X, formerly Twitter: ‘The mainstream media has spread a hate narrative against my friend Donald Trump.
“I hope they’re proud of themselves. Disgusting people.”
Mr Musk, chairman of X, said: “I fully support President Trump and look forward to his speedy recovery.”
He added: “The last time the United States had a candidate that tough was Theodore Roosevelt.”
Former Prime Minister Liz Truss struck a similar tone, saying: “Let us pray for President Trump. Let us pray for America.”
President Barack Obama’s predecessor posted: ‘There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy.
‘While we still don’t know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump was not seriously injured and use this moment to renew our commitment to civility and respect in our politics.
‘Michelle and I wish him a speedy recovery.’
A Downing Street spokesman said: ‘We are shocked by the scenes at President Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania.
“We condemn all forms of political violence in the strongest terms and send our best wishes to President Trump and his family at this time.”
Supporters have already rushed to back the 78-year-old, with former Prime Minister Liz Truss, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Tesla boss Elon Musk among those reacting to the assassination attempt.
Trump’s fierce political rival Bernie Sanders broke through the partisan divide and offered kind words to the former president.
“Political violence is absolutely unacceptable,” he said. “I wish Donald Trump and anyone else who has been injured a speedy recovery.”
Meanwhile, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump Jr.’s son posted on X: “He will never stop fighting to save America.”
International leaders also responded to the shooting, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying: “Sara and I were shocked by the apparent attack on President Trump.
“We pray for his safety and speedy recovery.”
The president was seen crouching, blood pouring from his ear as screams from terrified onlookers could be heard. His team says he is “doing fine.”
It has since been reported that Trump was hit by a piece of glass that flew off a teleprompter that shattered during the shooting.
Amid the ensuing chaos, Secret Service agents were heard shouting “the shooter is down.” The agency confirmed the incident is being investigated as an attempted murder.
Trump uttered the word “fight” to his supporters as blood splattered his face
Secret Service rushed to the stage to protect Trump after shots were fired
Trump had blood running down his cheeks as Secret Service agents placed him on the ground.
The extent of Trump’s injuries is unclear, though he appeared to be keen to show supporters he was fine seconds after being shot.
Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger told reporters that the shooter is dead and that a bystander had also died in the bloodshed.
The identities of the shooter and the deceased bystander have not yet been confirmed. It is also unclear where the shooter opened fire from or what type of weapon he used.
Moments after raising his fist in an image that has already gone viral around the world, the former president was quickly taken to a safe place. Trump’s team said there would be more updates soon on the former president’s condition.
The gunman was shot dead during the protest, the Butler County District Attorney confirmed to the Associated Press. A witness told the BBC that officers “blew his head off.”
The prosecutor added that one attendee was also killed at the demonstration, which was held in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday afternoon.
Frantic scenes erupted as gunshots rang out, sending Trump supporters fleeing the stands and the event.
Within seconds, Trump was wrestled to the ground by several Secret Service agents as they shielded him from the shooter.
Early reports indicate that between eight and 10 shots were fired, and the press pool said “residual explosions” were heard after Trump fell to the ground.
Shortly afterward, Trump stood up and raised his fist toward the crowd, prompting chants of “USA” and “Make America Great Again.”
At the same time, he seemed to utter the word “fight” to his followers.
The Trump campaign said the man was rushed to the hospital after the shooting but is doing “fine.”
As Trump raised his fist toward the crowd, some could be heard cheering his name and chanting “USA” and “Make America Great Again.”
As he rushed into the SUVs, Trump again pointed his fist at his supporters.
Trump is the presumptive Republican presidential nominee and will face Joe Biden in the November election, but figures from across the political spectrum flocked to send messages of support after the dramatic incident.
Gov. Ron DeSantis, whom Trump handily beat in the race to become the Republican presidential nominee, said: “@CaseyDeSantis and I are praying for Donald Trump and his family.”
California Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, who had been touted to replace Joe Biden as the party’s nominee if the president resigned, posted: ‘Violence has NO place in our democracy.
“My thoughts are with President Trump and everyone affected by today’s protest.”
Robert F Kennedy Jr, the independent presidential candidate, said: “Now is the time for every American who loves our country to put aside division, renounce all violence, and join together in prayer for President Trump and his family.”
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