ADDS STATEMENT FROM BIDEN
By Servet Gunerigok
WASHINGTON (AA) - Former US President Donald Trump “is fine” after he appeared injured Saturday following gunshots that were reported at a rally in the US state of Pennsylvania.
Trump was seen with a bloodied right ear as he was being whisked from the stage, according to social media footage.
Trump's spokesperson Steven Cheung said the former president “is fine.”
"President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act. He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility," he said in a statement.
The shooting is being investigated as a possible assassination attempt, CNN said, citing law enforcement officials.
The shooter was killed by the Secret Service, according to a source from the agency, said CNN. An attendee was also killed.
The Secret Service said it implemented protective measures and the former president is safe.
"This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available," it said.
President Joe Biden said he has been briefed on the shooting.
"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," he said. "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.”
Biden is expected to deliver remarks shortly.
Reactions from across the political and business worlds began pouring in with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, denouncing the shooting.
"Violence targeted at any political party or political leader is absolutely unacceptable," he said.
And billionaire tech investor Elon Musk announced he is endorsing Trump for president.
"I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery," he wrote on X.