Former President Donald Trump was swiftly removed from the stage minutes into his rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday after loud noises resembling gunshots or explosions were heard, according to multiple media reports and video footage.
Trump appeared to fall to the ground while delivering a speech. Secret Service members immediately surrounded him, and he remained on the ground for about a minute, multiple media outlets reported.
He then got back on his feet and raised his fist in the air. He had blood on the side of his head and ear.
Trump is currently safe, according to a spokesperson for the Secret Service, and a Trump representative told CNN that the presumptive Republican candidate for the 2024 presidential election is being checked out at a medical facility.
“Secret Service has implemented protective measures, and the former President is safe,” Anthony Guglielmi, chief of communications for the U.S. Secret Service, tweeted shortly after the incident. “This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available.”
As Trump spoke, he reached for the side of his head when popping sounds echoed through the rally. He crouched down as Secret Service agents rushed the stage and surrounded him. He was walked off the stage with agents on all sides and quickly escorted into a waiting vehicle.
Audience members screamed as the scene unfolded.
Trump has become increasingly pro-crypto in recent months, and that stance has attracted significant financial support from prominent members of the crypto community—including the Winklevoss twins, the co-founders of crypto exchange Gemini, who donated large sums in Bitcoin.
Trump has strongly affirmed his commitment to the sector, commenting on the importance of the U.S. to lead the industry. He has pledged to protect the self-custody rights of crypto users and to prevent the creation of a central bank digital currency.
Editor’s note: This story is developing and will be updated accordingly.
Edited by Andrew Hayward
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Source: https://decrypt.co/239689/donald-trump-rushed-away-injury-shots-fired-rally
