Butler, PA - Authorities are investigating a shooting at a recent Donald Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The incident, a frightening and tragic event, resulted in the death of an attendee and the shooter. The incident is being examined as an assassination attempt on the former President and current presumptive Republican nominee.

As he was speaking at the rally, law enforcement officials believe that Donald Trump became the intended target of the assassination attempt. A swift response from Secret Service agents ensured Trump was quickly escorted away from the stage despite being visibly injured with his ear covered in blood.

Such a blatant attack during a public event has raised concerns about the former President's safety. Donald Trump's campaign responded swiftly with a statement shared by a spokesman, reaffirming that Trump is "fine" and is undergoing further checks at a medical facility.

The Secret Service echoed this sentiment, adding in a separate statement that "the former President is safe."

As we process this violent incident, we can't help but be grateful for the dedication of our law enforcement officials. The quick response from the Secret Service and other authorities ensured that the situation did not escalate further.

As the investigation continues, we hope this incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining peace and political integrity. Healthy discourse and differences of opinion are the cornerstones of any successful democracy, but violence and harm should never be the way to express disagreement.

We extend our condolences to the family of the attendee who lost their life in this tragic incident and wish the former President a quick recovery.

Several current and former political leaders have released statements on the event today.  

President Joe Biden: "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. 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".

President Barack Obama: "There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy. 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".

Maryland Governor Wes Moore: "Political violence is unacceptable and against what our country stands for. This kind of cowardice must be roundly condemned by all Americans. What happened today to President Trump is abhorrent and should never be tolerated. Ever. We are grateful for the swift action of law enforcement as we await more information and pray for former President Trump and his family. Our nation is and must be better than this".

Delaware Governor John Carney: "Please pray for former President Trump, and all the attendees at his rally. This kind of violence has no place in our politics. It is completely unacceptable and an affront to our country's values".

Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano: "As I head to Baltimore to hop on a plane to head to the RNC in Milwaukee tomorrow morning, it's important to remember: In our increasingly polarized world, it's crucial to remember the immense dangers that political violence poses to our society. Acts of violence driven by political beliefs not only harm individuals but also threaten the very foundation of our democracy. As a supporter of President Trump, I believe in his vision for America and the principles he champions. Prayers to President Trump, his family, and everyone at the rally".

Ivanka Trump: "Thank you for your love and prayers for my father and for the other victims of today's senseless violence in Butler, Pennsylvania. I am grateful to the Secret Service and all the other law enforcement officers for their quick and decisive actions today. I continue to pray for our country. I love you Dad, today and always"

Larry Hogan: "We are praying that President Trump and all in attendance are safe. Political violence must be universally condemned. America is a tinderbox right now. This must stop".

Statement from Donald Trump: I want to thank the United States Secret Service and all of Law Enforcement for their rapid response to the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania. 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 and shots and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so i realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Bernie Sanders: "Political violence is absolutely unacceptable. I wish Donald Trump, and anyone else who may have been hurt, a speedy recovery".

Tiffany Ariana Trump: "The outpouring of love and support for my dad is deeply appreciated. Thank you God for keeping my father alive. Political violence is never the answer. God bless the secret service and law enforcement who fearlessly intervened. Please include the families of the victims in your prayers. As you saw today, my father is a fighter andhe will continue to fight for you and the USA".

Congressman Andy Harris: "Praying for the safety of President Trump and the attendees of the Butler, PA rally".