Shooting at Trump rally prompts reaction from allies, rivals: ‘Horrified’
BUTLER, Penn. - Former President Donald Trump was rushed off the stage by the Secret Service at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, after being injured during a shooting, prompting reaction from political allies and rivals alike.
Trump's campaign said in a statement that he was "fine" after the shooting. A local prosecutor said the suspected gunman and at least one attendee were dead.
RELATED: Donald Trump bloodied but "fine" after shooting at rally, campaign says
The presumptive Republican nominee was speaking on stage during his last rally before the Republican National Convention begins on Monday when bangs started ringing through the crowd. As the first pop rang out, Trump said, "Oh," and grabbed his ear as two more pops could be heard and he crouched down.
Trump takes cover mid-rally after 'popping sounds'
Former President Donald Trump's rally is on hold, after "popping noises" sounded off mid-speech. Trump hits the ground, and is escorted away from his event in Butler, PA. It's unclear what the sound was, or if there is any danger. This is a developing situation.
Someone could be heard saying near the microphone at Trump’s lectern, "Get down, get down, get down, get down!" as agents tackled the former president.
Trump could later be seen reaching with his right hand toward his face, which appeared to have blood trickling down.
He quickly ducked behind the riser as agents from his protective detail rushed the stage and screams were heard in the crowd of several thousand people. The bangs continued as agents tended to him on stage.
The crowd cheered as he got back up and pumped his fist.
"President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act," spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement. "He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow."
The Secret Service said in a statement that "the former President is safe."
Former First Lady Melania Trump said in a statement Sunday that her "life, and Barron’s life, were on the brink of a devastating change."
She said someone "attempted to ring out Donald's passion - his laughter, ingenuity, love of music, and inspiration."
"The core facets of my husband's life - his human side - were buried below the political machine. Donald, the generous and caring man who I have been with through the best of times and the worst of times," her statement continued.
‘Horrified’: Politicians react to Trump shooting at rally
In a statement, President Joe Biden said he'd been briefed on the shooting and was "grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well."
"I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information," Biden's statement reads. "Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it."
The three men on Trump’s shortlist for vice president, North Dakota Sen. Doug Burgum, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Ohio Sen. JD Vance, all quickly sent out statements expressing concern for the former president.
Rubio shared an image taken as Trump was escorted off-stage with his fist in the air and a streak of blood on his face along with the words, "God protected President Trump."
Other former presidents also shared their reaction to the incident, including Barack Obama – who said there is "absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy."
"Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics," Obama added.
Former President George W. Bush called the shooting a "cowardly attack on his life" and commended the Secret Service "for their speedy response."
Former President Bill Clinton tweeted on behalf of his wife, whom Trump defeated in 2016. "Hillary and I are thankful that President Trump is safe, heartbroken for all those affected by the attack at today’s rally in Pennsylvania, and grateful for the swift action of the U.S. Secret Service."
Former Congressmember Gabby Giffords who survived an assassination attempt in 2011, quickly responded, saying, "Political violence is terrifying. I know. I’m holding former president Trump, and all those affected by today’s indefensible act of violence in my heart. Political violence is un-American and is never acceptable—never."
Her husband, Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly, soon echoed those sentiments.
"I am horrified by what happened at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania and relieved that former President Trump is safe. Political violence has no place in our country," said Sen. Chuck Schumer in a statement.
There is no room in America for political violence," Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy posted on the social platform X. "We should all condemn what happened today and I am hoping for the health of the former president and everyone else at the rally."'
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a post on X that his "thoughts and prayers are with former President Trump" and expressed thanks "for the decisive law enforcement response."
Trump’s new eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., posted a photo of Trump, his first raised and his face bloody in front of an American flag, with the words: "He’ll never stop fighting to Save America " on the social platform X.
Elon Musk also voiced his support, writing that he fully endorses Trump and hopes "for his rapid recovery."
"Last time America had a candidate this tough was Theodore Roosevelt," Musk added.
Messages stream in from foreign leaders
Early on Sunday, reactions from foreign leaders began to come through as well.
Reactions condemning the attack along with messages of support and wishes for a successful recovery for Trump have poured in from political leaders around the world.
"Political violence in any form has no place in our societies," British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the attack "despicable" and French President Emmanuel Macron said his country "shares the indignation of the American people."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the shooting was "a horrific crime that must be condemned."
Egyptian President Abdelfattah El Sissi said he hopes the U.S. presidential campaign proceeds "in a peaceful and healthy atmosphere, free of any aspects of terrorism, violence, or hatred." Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the shooting a "shocking development."
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who recently was shot in a failed assassination attempt, called the attack on Trump a "copycat scenario."
This story was reported from Cincinnati. The Associated Press and FOX News contributed.