Biden condemns shooting at Trump rally, says no place for violence

President Joe Biden has issued a statement following the shooting incident at former President Donald Trump’s campaign rally in Pennsylvania.

The disturbance, which occurred as Trump began his final rally before the Republican party convention, led to the former president being rushed off stage by Secret Service agents.

“I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania. 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 said via X on Sunday.

The incident unfolded dramatically, with witnesses reporting a series of loud bangs that sounded like gunshots. Trump was seen with blood on his right ear as security personnel surrounded him and quickly escorted him off the stage. The Secret Service later confirmed that the “former President is safe.”

John Yeykal, an attendee from Franklin, Pennsylvania, described the scene stating, “We saw a lot of people go down, looking confused. I heard the shots, it sounded like between firecrackers and a small caliber handgun.”

In his statement, President Biden expressed gratitude to the Secret Service for their swift action in ensuring Trump’s safety. He also took the opportunity to call for national unity in the face of such violence.

“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 stated.

The incident has been declared an active crime scene, with Secret Service officers ordering reporters to leave the area.