Shooting at Trump rally being investigated as assassination attempt

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said he is "horrified" by the assassination attempt of former President Trump at his campaign rally in Pennsylvania.

"I am horrified by what happened at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania and relieved that former President Trump is safe," Schumer wrote on X. "Political violence has no place in our country."

Rep. Nancy Pelosi, referring to the attack on her husband, said she knows firsthand that "political violence of any kind has no place in our society" after the assassination attempt on former President Trump at his rally in Pennsylvania, adding that she is glad he is safe.

"As one whose family has been the victim of political violence, I know firsthand that political violence of any kind has no place in our society," Pelosi, D-Calif., wrote on X. "I thank God that former President Trump is safe."

Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser said she is praying for the people impacted by the shooting in Pennsylvania that included former President Trump surviving an assassination attempt at his campaign rally.

"Praying for our nation and all those impacted by today's shooting at former President Trump’s event in Butler, PA," Bowser wrote on X. "[Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith] has briefed me and will remain in close contact with our federal partners related to any concerns known to DC's security environment."

"We wish President Trump the best. The scourge of gun violence and political violence in our nation must end," the mayor said.

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he is "appalled" by the assassination attempt on former President Trump at his campaign rally in Pennsylvania.

"I am appalled by the shocking scenes at President Trump's rally and we send him and his family our best wishes," Starmer wrote on X. "Political violence in any form has no place in our societies and my thoughts are with all the victims of this attack."

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he is "appalled" by the assassination attempt of former President Trump and that the shooting has "no justification and no place anywhere in the world."

"I am appalled to learn about the shooting of former U.S. President Donald Trump at his rally in Pennsylvania," Zelenskyy wrote on X. "Such violence has no justification and no place anywhere in the world. Never should violence prevail."

"I am relieved to learn that Donald Trump is now safe and wish him a speedy recovery," he continued. "My condolences go out to the close ones of this attack’s victim, a rally attendee. I extend my wishes for strength to everyone who is horrified by this event. I wish America emerges stronger from this."

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., said he is "horrified" by the assassination attempt on former President Trump at his campaign rally in Pennsylvania, stressing that there is "no place for political violence in our democracy."

"Horrified by this apparent assassination attempt," Schiff wrote on X. "There is no place for political violence in our democracy. Absolutely none. Grateful for the swift response by law enforcement and Secret Service. Wishing President Trump a swift recovery."

Former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it was a "miracle" that former President Trump survived an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.

"It is a miracle that Donald Trump escaped an attempted assassination," Johnson wrote on X. "As we give thanks for his safety we are reminded once again of the tragic fragility of democracy in the face of violence and unreason. Our thoughts are with the president and the Trump family."

A CNN correspondent criticized former President Trump for yelling "fight!" to his supporters in the immediate aftermath of Saturday's assassination attempt in Pennsylvania.

Trump could be seen bleeding from his ear as he was hustled off stage Saturday evening, shortly after a gunman opened fire at his rally. As Secret Service agents moved him away once the shooter had been killed, Trump raised his first and yelled "fight!" repeatedly, to roars of appreciation from his supporters.

CNN special correspondent Jamie Gangel suggested the presumptive Republican nominee was sending the wrong message.

"I do want to say there was one thing that when I watched the tape, I found odd because of all of the heated rhetoric, and that is after he was hit, former President Trump got up and said, ‘fight, fight, fight,’" Gangel said.

"I think what we’re hearing from people is that’s not the message that we want to be sending right now. We want to tamp it down," she said.

Fox News' Joshua Q. Nelson contributed to this report.

Trump Campaign Office / Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images

Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla, said after the assassination attempt of former President Trump that the incident requires "immediate answers" from DHS and the Secret Service.

"The assassination attempt on President Trump and murder of an innocent American demands immediate answers from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Secret Service," Scott said in a statement. "It is a miracle that President Trump is alive and well but absolutely inexcusable that the deranged would-be assassin had a direct line of sight to the former president and the leading candidate for President of the United States."

"The U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) has an oversight responsibility and an obligation to the American people to demand answers from DHS and the U.S. Secret Service on how this happened and what steps are being taken to investigate this assassination attempt and make sure it never happens again," he continued. "Chairman Gary Peters must immediately hold a HSGAC hearing, before August 1st, with testimony from these agencies and deliver the answers that we as U.S. Senators and the American people demand and deserve from our government. The security of our Republic is being questioned and we as a nation need answers."

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Americans must "repudiate violence" and "lower the temperature of the political debate" after the assassination attempt of former President Trump at his rally in Pennsylvania.

"Today, we witnessed a heinous act of violence unfold in Pennsylvania," Rice wrote on social media. "Former President Trump is in my prayers right now. We as Americans must do better — to repudiate violence, lower the temperature of the political debate, and uphold the hallmarks of a healthy democracy."

Former President Trump is seen exiting his plane early Sunday morning, the first time after his assassination attempt.

He suffered injuries to his ear after the shooting at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

A dramatic video filmed at former President Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania Saturday shows the chaotic moments after attendees realized that someone was armed.

A video, filmed from the audience, shows Trump on stage speaking. Within a few seconds someone can be heard shouting: “He’s got a gun!”

Several people in the crowd seemed to realize that an individual was armed before any shots rang out. The footage shows those nearby descending into pandemonium.

“He’s got a gun!” shouts one of the attendees.

“He’s on the roof!” shouts another.

Multiple shots could then be heard ringing out. The video, still rolling, shows attendees running for cover.

A voice could be heard advising others not to go near the building on which the shooter is situated.

Within seconds it’s evident that the shooter had been neutralized.

“He’s dead. I just seen his hair go up. They shot him in the head,” someone says.

Local media are reporting that police are on the scene searching a van in Butler with out of state plates, and the bomb squad is on the way.

WTAE reported that police are currently on the scene in Lawrence Avenue, where they are searching a van with out of state plates. A WTAE reporter said the van is believed to have sitting there for hours and a bomb squad is on the way.

It comes hours after a shooting at a Trump rally in Butler. The Secret Service says that a suspected shooter fired multiple shots. The shooter was killed by Secret Service. The agency said Trump is safe, but one spectator was killed and another injured.

US President Donald Trump greets Rep Steve Scalise(C) R-LA upon arrival at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in Kenner, Louisiana on January 14, 2019

House Majority Leader and shooting survivor Steve Scalise shared that Donald Trump visited him and his family back in 2017 during after a shooting at a practice session for the Congressional baseball game.

"President Trump was one of the first people to come check on me & console my family at the hospital when I was shot on the baseball field in 2017."

"That's the kind of caring person he is."

"Tonight I'm praying for him & the victims of this political violence."

"We know he's a strong fighter."

Photo by Kevin Dietsch-Pool/Getty Images

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reacted to the deadly shooting at former President Trump’s Pennsylvania rally on Saturday.

“I’m sickened by the shooting at former President Trump,” Trudeau wrote on X Saturday evening. “It cannot be overstated — political violence is never acceptable.”

He said he thoughts were with “former President Trump, those at the event, and all Americans.” 

A July 13, 2024 photo shows the White House in Washington, DC. US President Joe Biden is returning to Washington from his Rehoboth Beach vacation home after former US president Donald Trump was shot at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)

President Biden is expected to return to the White House on Saturday evening in the wake of the recent assassination attempt on former President Trump.

The sitting president is currently traveling from Delaware. He was exiting a church in Rehoboth Beach when he learned of the shooting.

"The President will depart Rehoboth Beach, Delaware en route to Dover Air Force Base," the White House said in a statement. "Then, the President will depart Dover Air Force Base en route to Joint Base Andrews...Later, the President will depart Joint Base Andrews en route to the White House."

The White House also said that Biden spoke with Trump on the phone, but no details were reported. According to the Associated Press, Biden is scheduled to meet with law enforcement and homeland security officials on Sunday.

President Biden speaks at a podium. (Getty)

Former President Trump was discharged from a Pittsburgh-area hospital late Saturday after he was injured during a shooting at his rally earlier in the day.

The local ABC affiliate reported he was discharged shortly after 9PM Eastern Time, and Fox News Digital confirmed the presumptive Republican nominee had indeed left.

Trump had reportedly been treated at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, which hosts a Level I trauma center and is about 45 minutes south of the Butler Farm Show Complex where the rally was held.

Meanwhile, President Biden was returning to the White House on Saturday evening, cutting short a trip to his beach house in Kent County, Del.

Biden called the shooting "sick."

"We cannot allow for this to be happening," he added.

Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images

Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., said she was “thankful” that former President Trump is “safe” following the deadly shooting at his Pennsylvania rally on Saturday.

“Political violence has absolutely no place in this country or anywhere in the world – period,” Lee, who represents the Los Angeles area, said. “I’m thankful Donald Trump is safe. My condolences go to the loved ones of the person who lost their life at today’s rally.”

The Democrat added that law enforcement and the Secret Service “must conduct a thorough investigation and ensure those responsible are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

She called it a “critical time in our history and we must not allow this violence to escalate further.”

AP Photo/Evan Vucci

"The FBI has assumed the role of the lead federal law enforcement agency in the investigation of the incident involving former President Donald Trump that occurred earlier today in Butler, Pennsylvania," the FBI said in a statement on Saturday night, obtained by Fox News Digital.

"Special agents of the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office responded immediately, to include crisis response team members and evidence response technicians. We will continue to support this investigation with the full resources of the FBI, alongside our partners at the U.S. Secret Service and state and local law enforcement," it said.

"Anyone with information that may assist with the investigation is asked to call our tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI."

Merrick Garland

Attorney General Merrick Garland released a statement on Saturday night condemning the shooting at former President Trump’s Pennsylvania rally.

The Biden official said he was actively looking into the situation.

“I have been briefed on the shooting at former President Trump’s rally, and have briefed the President. The FBI, ATF, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and the Department’s National Security Division are currently working with the Secret Service as well as state and local law enforcement partners on the ground in Butler, Pennsylvania,” Garland said.

“My heart is with the former President, those injured, and the family of the spectator killed in this horrific attack.”

He finished, “We will not tolerate violence of any kind, and violence like this is an attack on our democracy. The Justice Department will bring every available resource to bear to this investigation.” 

A witness at Trump's rally, Brandon Christie, shared his firsthand experience of the shooting on 'Hannity' Saturday.

"We're all just there, you know, looking up at the screen that he has up. And I heard a loud pop and I thought it was like the speaker cracking and we heard another one."

"And then people start screaming. And so we all just hit the ground. And I started looking around as what was going on, and I saw one of the Secret Service guys, he was firing back. There was probably 6 or 7 shots total, maybe. And then I woke up in the bleachers and people were just screaming and crying, and there's just blood everywhere."

"There's just there's blood all over his family members. There was a guy up there trying to administer CPR. It just. It all happened so quick. Like, still trying to process everything, and we're just all down on the ground, and people down on the ground are crying. We don't know what to do. People are just screaming and crying."

"And then all of a sudden, people will start standing up and we start walking out and we locked on top of the building. And there are Secret Service up there. They're standing around what we now know was the shooter. At that time, we really didn't know where it was coming from."

"Now no one really started running, we just all kind of hit the ground and people were yelling for paramedics and police to come. And there was probably 6 or 7 state troopers that just all of a sudden showed up out of nowhere, and they pulled him off the bleachers. And he was dead at that time."

The FBI and U.S. Secret Service are actively investigating the scene.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken says he is "shocked and saddened" by the shooting at this evening's Trump rally in Pennsylvania.

"I’m shocked and saddened by the shooting at former President Trump’s rally and grateful that he is safe. As @POTUS said, there is no place for political violence in America and we must all condemn it," he said.

The incident took place at a campaign rally in Butler. The Secret Service says that a suspected shooter fired multiple shots. The shooter was killed by Secret Service. The agency said Trump is safe, but one spectator was killed and another injured.

As was communicated earlier this evening, President Trump is doing well and grateful to law enforcement and first responders for their fast action. President Trump looks forward to joining you all in Milwaukee as we proceed with our convention to nominate him to serve as the 47th President of the United States. As our party's nominee, President Trump will continue to share his vision to Make America Great Again.

Tiffany Trump, former President Donald Trump's daughter, issued a statement Saturday night after assasination attempt of her father at Pennsylvania rally.

Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images

Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, said on Saturday she was “praying” for former President Trump following the deadly shooting at his Pennsylvania rally.

“I’m praying for President Trump, his safety, and for our country,” Gabbard, who now identifies as an independent, wrote on X.

Brandon Christie, a witness at Trump’s rally, tells ‘Hannity’ about seeing the audience member who was reportedly shot, saying ‘there was blood all over' his relatives.

House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chair James Comer (R-KY) (C) speaks during a news conference. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The Chairman of the GOP-led House Oversight Committee James Comer said that he wants the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) Director Kimberly Cheatle to appear for a hearing on the former President Trump shooting “soon."

In a statement, Comer thanked the "brave" USSS members.

"My prayers are with President Trump and the victims of the assassination attempt at today’s rally in Pennsylvania," he said. "I thank the brave Secret Service members who put their lives at risk to protect President Trump and for the American patriots in the audience who helped innocent victims."

Comer said that Americans "demand" answers after the USSS said that the suspected shooter fired towards to the stage "from an elevated position outside the rally venue."

"Political violence in all forms is unamerican and unacceptable," Comer said. "There are many questions and Americans demand answers."

Comer said that committee would send Cheatle an invitation "soon."

"I have already contacted the Secret Service for a briefing and am also calling on Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to appear for a hearing. The Oversight Committee will send a formal invitation soon.”

Former first daughter Ivanka Trump responded to the apparent assassination attempt on her father, former President Donald Trump, at a rally in Pennsylvania.

House Homeland Security Republicans are requesting a briefing on what they say is an "attempted assassination" of former President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania.

"The Committee has been in contact with the United States Secret Service and has just requested an official briefing for our members on the attempted assassination of President Trump this evening in Pennsylvania," the GOP's account says.

"We are grateful for the bravery and quick response of the Secret Service agents. We will be conducting thorough oversight to ensure the American people receive answers," they say.

The incident took place at a campaign rally in Butler. The Secret Service says that a suspected shooter fired multiple shots. The shooter was killed by Secret Service. The agency said Trump is safe, but one spectator was killed and another injured.

Rep. Mike Kelly on Capitol Hill

Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Pa., told Fox News Digital that former President Trump had gotten “seven, eight minutes into his speech” before chaos unfolded at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

“It wasn’t too long after that, these shots rang out,” Kelly said. “I saw him go down and the security team piled on top of him right away.”

“The people behind me in the stands, they were screaming about somebody getting hit.”He said security forces got into the stands about 15 rows behind where Kelly was standing and “they took somebody out.”

“I didn’t know how bad but the people around him all had blood, they had blood on him,” Kelly said. “And the president, of course, they rush him off.”

Kelly said the town, Butler, is a small rural community where he never would have imagined such political violence occurring.“

But what happened today, and thinking of what in the world has happened to the United States of America – we have become a third-world country,” he said.

Photo by Trump Campaign Office / Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas condemned the deadly shooting at former President Trump’s Pennsylvania rally on Saturday “in the strongest possible terms.”

“We condemn this violence in the strongest possible terms and commend the Secret Service for their swift action today,” Mayorkas wrote on X after the shooting that left Trump in the hospital.

He added, “We are engaged with President Biden, former President Trump, and their campaigns, and are taking every possible measure to ensure their safety and security.”

Trump later confirmed he was shot in the ear in the incident that left a rally goer and the shooter dead.

Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump is assisted by security personnel after gunfire rang out during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pennsylvania, U.S., July 13, 2024. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid

The Secret Service confirms details of the shooting at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania, and confirms that one spectator was killed and two others injured.

"During Former President Trump’s campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on the evening of July 13 at approximately 6:15 p.m., a suspected shooter fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside of the rally venue," the statement said.

"U.S. Secret Service personnel neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased. U.S. Secret Service quickly responded with protective measures and Former President Trump is safe. One spectator was killed, and two spectators were critically injured. This incident is currently under investigation. and the Secret Service has notified the FBI."

President Biden held a brief press conference in the aftermath of the shooting at former President Trump's rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

In his speech, Biden said that he has "tried to get a hold of Donald" and plans to talk to him soon.

"Apparently he's doing well," Biden said. "I plan on talking to him shortly...Look, there's no place in America for this kind of violence."

"It's sick. It's sick," he continued. "It's one of the reasons why we have to unite this country."

Biden also condemned political violence and said that the former president's rally should have been "conducted peacefully."

"Everybody must condemn it. Everybody," he said.

Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

An FBI fly team is en route to Butler, Pa. to conduct an "assassination investigation,” secret service source tells Fox News' Lucas Tomlinson.

Gunfire broke out shortly after Trump began speaking at the rally at Butler Farm Show grounds.

AP Photo/Evan Vucci

Attorney General Merrick Garland has been briefed on the incident involving former President Trump.

Fox News' David Spunt reports that Garland had been fully briefed, as has FBI senior leadership on the incident.

The incident took place in Butler, Pennsylvania. Gunfire broke out shortly after Trump began speaking at the rally at Butler Farm Show grounds on Saturday evening.

Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Former Attorney General Bill Barr reacted to the shooting at Trump's Pennsylvania rally, condemning Democrats who have labeled the former president an "existential threat to democracy."

“The Democrats have to stop their grossly irresponsible talk about Trump being an existential threat to democracy. He is not," Barr said.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry said state and local law enforcement is cooperating with federal investigators after the shooting at Trump's rally in Butler.

“I am deeply disturbed by this act of violence that has absolutely no place in the Commonwealth or anywhere," Henry said in a statement.

"My regards are with the families who will be forever impacted by this heinous act. I am hopeful for a speedy recovery for former President Trump. We are in contact with our law enforcement partners and will work cooperatively with them.”

Fox News' Lissa Kaplan contributed to this update.

Rebecca Droke/AFP via Getty Images

Former President Bill Clinton issued a statement condemning the shooting at former President Trump's rally in Butler, Penn.

"Violence has no place in America, especially in our political process. 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," Clinton posted on social media.

AP Photo/Evan Vucci

"FBI personnel are on the scene in Butler, Pennsylvania and the FBI will continue to work jointly with the U.S. Secret Service as the investigation moves forward," an FBI spokesman said.

ormer Congresswoman Gabby Giffords and her husband, U.S. Senator Mark Kelly, at the Washington, DC premiere of "Gabby Giffords Won't Back Down" on July 11, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Shannon Finney/Getty Images for Briarcliff Entertainment)

Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., whose wife, former Rep. Gabby Giffords, was shot in 2011 during a constituent meeting in Arizona, said the two were “horrified” by the deadly shooting incident at former President Trump’s Pennsylvania rally.

“No one should ever have to experience political violence — we know that firsthand,” Kelly wrote on X. “We’re keeping former President Trump, his family, and everyone involved in our thoughts."

Giffords was shot in the head in the 2011 incident, leaving her with permanent damage. Six others were killed at the time.

An eyewitness told the BBC on Saturday that he saw a "man on top of a roof" near President Trump's Pennsylvania rally.

"We noticed the guy crawling up the roof of the building beside us, 50 feet away from us," the witness, whose name is Greg, said. "He had a rifle, we could clearly see him with a rifle."

Greg alerted police to the man on the roof, according to the BBC.

"Next thing you know, I’m thinking to myself why is Trump still speaking? Why have they not pulled him off the stage?" he said. "I’m standing there pointing at him... the next thing you know, five shots ring out."

REUTERS/Tom Brenner

President Biden's campaign announced it will pull down television ads as quickly as possible after the shooting incident at former President Trump's Pennsylvania rally, according to a campaign official.

The Biden campaign was in the midst of a $50 million ad blitz this month, with spots running in all key battleground states.

Biden will soon deliver an address on the incident from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

Fox News' Paul Steinhauser and Sarah Tobianski contributed to this update.

A witness at the incident at the rally for former President Trump in Pennsylvania says that “everyone hit the ground” and they later saw a body being carried out.

Saurabh Sharma, president of American Moment, a D.C.-based conservative staff training nonprofit, told Fox News’ Digital’s Audrey Conklin that the former president was speaking about immigration.

“Then we hear what I remember as two sounds. They were pretty light. And so, like, I thought they were fireworks, a bunch of people muttering around. We thought they were fireworks, but everyone instantly hit the ground. I think the president hit the ground as well,” 

Sharma said that the Secret Service swarmed him, and the president eventually waved at the audience and pumped his fist. However, he said that the real story was in the bleachers where there was a “huge commotion.”

“There was a lot of blood. Like, you could see a lot of people that had blood on their shirts, and it looked like a body got carried out,” he said.

He said there was “stunned silence.”

“Everyone was pretty somber. Like no one was like, in a rush or stampeding to leave,” he said.

REUTERS/Brendan McDermid

Former President Trump has been hospitalized after a security incident at his rally in Butler, Penn., according to his son Donald Trump Jr.

Trump Jr. told ABC News his father is in "good spirits" as he remains under observation, adding that the presumptive Republican nominee is "never gonna stop."

Trump's condition is unclear.

The crowd reacts after shots were fired at republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump's rally on July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

President Biden released a statement in response to the shooting at former President Trump's rally on Saturday.

"I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania," the statement began. "I’m 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 added.

The sitting president also expressed appreciation to the Secret Service in his response.

"Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety," the statement continued. "There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it."

Fox News' Peter Doocy contributed to this update.

Former President Obama reacted to the gunshots fired at former President Trump's Saturday rally by condemning political violence and expressing relief at the latter's safety.

"There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy," Obama said in a statement released shortly after the incident.

"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. Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery."

Law enforcement sources have confirmed the shooter is dead, and that at least two rally attendees were injured

Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., said in a statement he is "praying for President Donald Trump."

“I am praying for President Trump and all of those hurt at today’s rally. We owe our gratitude to the swift action of brave law enforcement heroes and first responders who acted quickly," Scalise said.

“For weeks Democrat leaders have been fueling ludicrous hysteria that Donald Trump winning re-election would be the end of democracy in America.

"Clearly we've seen far left lunatics act on violent rhetoric in the past. This incendiary rhetoric must stop."

Scalise nearly died in June 2017 when a gunman opened fire on congressional Republicans at Eugene Simpson Stadium Park in Alexandria, Virginia.

Fox News Digital's Taylor Penley and Julia Johnson contributed to this update.

Rebecca Droke/AFP via Getty Images

Former Congressmember Gabby Giffords who survived an assassination attempt in 2011 quickly responded to the apparent attack on former President Donald Trump 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."

Gifford's was shot in the head outside a Safeway grocery store in Casas Adobes, Arizona during a gathering with constituents. Six people were killed in the mass shooting. She resigned from Congress after the attack and continues to suffer the effects of her shooting.

Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

President Biden has been briefed on the incident at former President Trump's rally, according to the White House.

The president was briefed by Kimberly Cheatle, Director of the United States Secretary Service, Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Department of Homeland Security and Liz Sherwood-Randall, Assistant to the President and Homeland Security Advisor 

White House staff who participated include Jeff Zients, Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff, Steve Ricchetti, Assistant to the President and Councelor to the President and Annie Tomasini, Asistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff, a White House official said.

Fox News' Sarah Tobianski contributed to this update.

Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump reacts as multiple shots rang out during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pennsylvania, U.S., July 13, 2024. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid

President Biden has been briefed by the Department of Homeland Security on the incident involving former President Trump.

DHS tells Fox News Digital that DHS Secretary Mayorkas and USSS Director Cheatle have briefed President Biden on the incident.

The incident took place in Butler, Pennsylvania. Gunfire appeared to break out shortly after Trump began speaking at the rally at Butler Farm Show grounds on Saturday evening.

The former president had just begun to speak to the crowd when as many as five shots were heard, and he went down, surrounded by Secret Service agents.

Vice President Kamala Harris has received an initial briefing on the incident at former President Trump’s rally.

Fox News' Sarah Tobianski contributed to this update.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has compared former President Trump to Theodore Roosevelt after an apparent security incident at a rally in Pennsylvania.

"Last time America had a candidate this tough was Theodore Roosevelt," he said on X.

He also said he "fully endorse[s] President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery."

Former US President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush attend the Opening Day game between the Texas Rangers and the Chicago Cubs at Globe Life Field on March 28, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Former President George W. Bush released a statement reacting to an apparent shooting at a Trump rally.

In the statement, Bush said that he and his wife are "grateful" that President Trump is safe after there were reports of gunfire at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

 "Laura and I are grateful that President Trump is safe following the cowardly attack on his life," the statement read. "And we commend the men and women of the Secret Service for their speedy response."

Fox News Digital's Paul Steinhauser contributed to this update.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) condemned the violence reported at former President Trump's rally in Butler, Penn.

"Violence has no place in our politics or communities. I am grateful for the quick response by law enforcement today and hope former President Trump is not seriously injured," Cooper said.

Pennsylvania Republican Senate candidate David McCormick told Fox News he was in the front row when seven to eight "shots" rang out at Trump's rally.

"The crowd just sort of went to the ground and the Secret Service came and very quickly tackled the president," McCormick said.

He said it was unclear from which direction the shots came.

McCormick said someone behind him in the bleachers was "definitely wounded."

"There was a lot of blood and the police came in and helped that carry that person out of the stands so they can get the care they needed."

McCormick said he did not know if others were wounded.

Asked if Trump is lucky to be alive right now, McCormick said, "I think so."

Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump reacts as multiple shots rang out during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pennsylvania, U.S., July 13, 2024. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid

The Trump campaign says that former President Trump is "fine" after a major security incident at a rally in Pennsylvania, and that he is being treated at a local medical facility.

“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act," Trump campaign communications director Steven Cheung told Fox News Digital's Brooke Singman.

He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow."

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker in a post on X says that "violence is never the answer" after a security incident involving former President Trump in Pennsylvania.

"Violence is never the answer in our democracy," he said. "I am closely monitoring the situation and praying for former President Trump's recovery. Thankful to the Secret Service for their quick response."

The incident took place in Butler, Pennsylvania. Gunfire appeared to break out shortly after Trump began speaking at the rally at Butler Farm Show grounds on Saturday evening.

The former president had just begun to fire up the crowd when as many as five shots were heard, and he went down, surrounded by Secret Service agents.

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. reacted to the incident at former President Trump's Thursday rally in Pennsylvania by calling on Americans to pray for the former president.

"Now is the time for every American who loves our country to step back from the division, renounce all violence, and unite in prayer for President Trump and his family," Kennedy wrote in a post on X.

It's unclear what transpired, but Secret Service agents rushed to surround Trump onstage after the former president ducked for cover amid what some have described as popping noises or gunshots.

Kennedy's family is no stranger to tragedies. His father Robert F. Kennedy, Sr. was shot and killed by an assassin in 1968, as was his uncle, the late former President John F. Kennedy in 1963.

Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Pa., was in attendance in the front row at Trump's rally in Butler and provided an eyewitness account of the security incident.

Meuser said he was siting with Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Pa., and GOP Senate candidate Dave McCormick in the front near Trump at the rally.

He told Fox News Digital he heard what sounded like 8-10 "shots." He said it appeared multiple people in the crowd may have been hit and were down.

Fox News' Chad Pergram contributed to this update.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has been briefed on the security incident at former President Trump's rally in Butler.

"Violence targeted at any political party or political leader is absolutely unacceptable," Shapiro said in a statement.

"It has no place in Pennsylvania or the United States.

"I have been briefed on the situation. @PAStatePolice are on the scene in Butler County and working with our federal and local partners."

Fox News Digital's Julia Johnson contributed to this update.