October 4, 2024

US President Joe Biden has spoken after a shooting targeting rival Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.

Trump was rushed off the stage after a series of bangs rang out.

He was seen with blood on his face as he rose back to his feet, and was swiftly escorted to safety by Secret Service agents.

READ MORE: Trump rushed off-stage after apparent gunshots at rally

Two people, including the suspected gunman, have died.

“I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania,” Biden said in a statement.

“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.

“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.”

Vice-presidential hopefuls, family, and rivals have all spoken out after the shooting.

The former US president’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, said in a statement Trump was “fine”.

“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act,” the statement reads.

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

The Secret Service also confirmed Trump was “safe” as they said an investigation was underway.

Former president Barack Obama condemned the shooting in a post on X.

“There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy,” he wrote.

“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.”

WATCH: Video shows what happened at Trump rally

https://twitter.com/DonaldJTrumpJr/status/1812257391150502372?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr, posted a photo on X of Trump, his fist raised and his face bloody in front of an American flag, with the words: “He’ll never stop fighting to Save America.”

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, Florida Senator Marco Rubio, and Ohio Senator JD Vance, the three men on Trump’s shortlist for vice president, 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.”

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, said in a statement on X that he had been briefed on the situation and Pennsylvania state police were on hand at the rally site.

“Violence targeted at any political party or political leader is absolutely unacceptable. It has no place in Pennsylvania or the United States,” he said.

President Joe Biden is being briefed on the situation, but has not yet issued a statement.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese labelled the incident as “concerning and confronting”.

“There is no place for violence in the democratic process,” he said in a statement.

“I am relieved to hear reports that former President Trump is now safe.”

Former prime minister and Australian ambassador to the US, Kevin Rudd, also issued a statement.

“All Australians are shocked by the attack on former President Trump at his campaign rally this evening in Pennsylvania,” he said.

“Violence has no place in our democracies.

“It is a relief to see that President Trump is safe. Our thoughts are with him and his family.”

With Associated Press.

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