Trump suffered an “assassination attempt” at a rally, and some Republican lawmakers condemned Biden for “inciting assassination”

He was shown grinning as he raised a hand to cover his right ear, then ducked as a sharp sound of breaking air – a series of gunshots – was heard. He was quickly swarmed by U.S. Secret Service agents and dragged to a waiting car off the stage. He raised his fist before being stuffed into the car. Trump posted on his “truth” social network that a bullet had penetrated the “upper part” of his right ear. Earlier, his spokesman said he was “fine” and was being treated at a local medical center. “I immediately knew something was wrong because I heard a whistling sound and gunshots and immediately felt the bullet penetrate the skin.” Trump wrote: “There was a lot of blood and I realized what was happening at the time.” Blood was clearly visible on Trump’s ears and face, and protective personnel rushed him away. U.S. Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said the suspect was shot dead by Secret Service personnel on the spot. He added that a bystander was killed in the shooting and two others were seriously injured. The Republican presidential candidate had just begun addressing his supporters in Butler, Pennsylvania, a key swing state in the November election, when the gunfire rang out. Multiple shots rang out as Trump spoke about his successor, President Biden, and his administration. After hearing the gunfire, several supporters holding placards and standing behind Trump ducked for cover. Witnesses told the BBC that the gunfire may have come from a single-story building to the right of the stage where Trump was speaking. The White House later said President Biden spoke with Trump before returning to Washington. Politicians from both parties joined Biden in condemning the apparent attack. Former President Barack Obama said there was “absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy” and that he was “relieved that former President Trump was not seriously hurt.” Trump’s former Vice President Mike Pence said he and his wife were praying for his former ally, and he urged “every American to join us.” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a statement: “I pray for former President Trump. I am grateful for the decisive response of law enforcement. The United States is a democracy. Any form of political violence is unacceptable.” Some Republicans quickly blamed President Biden for the shooting, accusing him of stoking concerns that Trump could return to the presidency. Senator JD Vance, who is considered to be on Trump’s shortlist for vice presidential candidate, said the Biden campaign’s rhetoric directly led to the incident. Republican Congressman Mike Collins accused the president of “inciting assassination.” Meanwhile, James Cuomo, chairman of the powerful House Oversight Committee, said he would subpoena the Secret Service director to appear before his committee.