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Donald Trump was tackled by his Secret Service during his Pennsylvania rally on Saturday after what sounded like gunshots erupted during his speech.
The exact cause of the noise is unclear at this time but the former president appeared to be bleeding on the side of his face while being rushed off stage.
A spokesperson for Trump’s campaign said that is he “fine” and being “checked out a local medical facility.” The spokesperson added that Trump “thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act.”
The former president was speaking about his stance on immigration when the sound of loud pops occurred to the left of the stage.
Trump turned his head in the direction of the sound only to seemingly be struck by something on the side of his face near his ear. He then quickly dropped to the ground as the crowd began screaming and running.
Within seconds, the Secret Service had tackled the former president to the ground and formed a barricade around him, shuffling off stage to safety.
Photos of Trump being escorted off show him bleeding on the side of his face while shaking his fist in the air.
The former president was then led to a motorcade to be driven away from the area.
Live videos showed rallygoers scrambling to understand what occurred then screaming and running. The event was evacuated and declared a crime scene.
Anthony Guglielmi, the chief of communications for the Secret Service said, “The Secret Service has implemented protective measures and the former President is safe. This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available.”
It is unclear how many rallygoers, if any, were injured.
President Joe Biden, who is in Delaware, has been briefed on the situation, according to a White House official.
This is a breaking news story, more follows…