BUTLER, Penn. (TND) — A man said he saw former President Donald Trump get shot Saturday night at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, according to a report.
Dr. Joseph Meyn told CNN he heard gunshots ring out as the Republican was onstage delivering a speech shortly after 6 p.m. ET.
Meyn said people around him thought fireworks were going off.
But, he said, he knew right away a gun was being fired.
Meyn told the media outlet there was a lot of confusion followed by "complete pandemonium."
"And then, you know, there was a state policeman there, a I believe a swat team, you know, showed up relatively quickly," he said. "They jumped the side -- there's a fence; it was next to the bleachers. They jumped the bleachers and start clearing the bleachers and then I helped carry the body of the man down out of the bleachers and they took him to a tent behind the bleachers."
Another witness, who was covered in blood, told CNN he tried to help the man who was hurt. He said he rushed to the man and attempted to stop the bleeding.
"I jumped over a barrier and put my hand on the guy's head," he said, adding that his military instincts kicked in.
A few hours after the shooting, Trump confirmed he was shot in the ear. He shared the update on social media -- while he was being treated at a hospital.
"I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania," he wrote on Truth Social. "Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured. It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!"Congressman Matt Gaetz, a Republican who represents Florida, said news of the shooting is "deeply jarring." He added that he “almost joked” with Trump recently, saying, "the only thing they can do now is try to assassinate you."
"It was just days ago I was speaking with President Trump and in almost jest I said -- they've tried to impeach you, they've tried to convict you, they've tried to imprison you, the only thing they can do now is try to assassinate you -- and we've not witnessed that in the United States of America for the first time in about half a century and it is not something we ever want to see in our politics and I hope that this is something so thoroughly condemned and rejected that we never have to experience this as a country again," the congressman told WEAR.
Soon after the shooting, Bidena addressed the public, saying Trump was "doing well" and that he hoped to speak to Trump soon. He later said the two connected.
During a news briefing, the president said "everybody must condemn" the suspected assassination attempt on Trump.
“We cannot allow this to be happening,” Biden said. “The idea that there’s violence in America like this is just unheard of."Vice President Kamala Harris shared similar sentiments. She said she and her husband, Doug, are relieved Trump wasn't seriously hurt.
"We are praying for him, his family, and all those who have been injured and impacted by this senseless shooting," she wrote. "We are grateful to the United States Secret Service, first responders, and local authorities for their immediate action. Violence such as this has no place in our nation. We must all condemn this abhorrent act and do our part to ensure that it does not lead to more violence."
Authorities said the apparent gunman and an attendee in the crowd are dead.
Congressman Ronny Jackson, who was Trump’s doctor during his presidency said his nephew was among the wounded.
“My nephew was injured at the Trump rally in Butler Pennsylvania," Jackson said in a statement. "Thankfully his injury was not serious and he is doing well. My family was sitting in the front, near where the President was speaking. They heard shots ringing out — my nephew then realized he had blood on his neck and something had grazed and cut his neck. He was treated by the providers in the medical tent. Thank you to all those that have reached out to check on him. Please join my family and me in praying for all who were injured and the life lost. The President and the survivors are lucky to be alive.”
Meanwhile,Trumpwill be in Milwaukee to accept the Republican presidential nomination, according to a combined statement released by Trump's campaign and the Republican National Convention.
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.____________
EDITOR'S NOTE: The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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