Video captures chaotic moment when Trump reportedly shot on stage at rally

Former President Donald Trump was speaking at a rally being broadcast from Butler County, Pennsylvania, Saturday when he was rushed off stage by U.S. Secret Service after a multiple shots were fired - one of which grazed the candidate's ear.

Video captured the moment the chaotic scene erupted.

Live updates on Trump rally: Donald Trump rushed from stage at rally after apparent gunshots; 1 person and shooter dead

At least six bangs that sound like gunfire are heard while the Republican candidate is on stage - some as he stands behind a podium and after he appears to crouch down behind the podium after the first bang.

Video showed Trump being removed from the site by Secret Service, with his fist raised, after the shots.

It also showed some members of the crowd scatter after initial shots were fired. Others are seen in the video crouching down in stands, some filming the melee with cell phones.

The gunman was killed by Secret Service agents, officials said. One spectator was killed and two others were "critically injured," the Secret Service said.

The ex-president released a statement not long after the shooting:

"I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear," Trump wrote. "I knew immediately that something was wrong in that i heard a whizzing sound and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin."

Where was Trump rally? Butler County, PA appearance was site of shooting Saturday

Where was the Trump rally?

The rally took place in Butler, a rural community at the Butler Farm Show, a fairground in Butler County.

As of the last census the city's population was just over 13,000 and, according to the United States Census Bureau, is 2.7 square miles.

Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump is assisted by guards during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024.
Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump is assisted by guards during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024.

'The former President is safe'

United States Secret Service Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi released the following statement shortly after the incident took place.

"An incident occurred the evening of July 13 at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania. The Secret Service has implemented protective measure and the former President is safe. This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released."

In a statement issued later, Gugliemi reported the suspected shooter fired multiple shots toward the stage at approximately 6:15 p.m. He said the shooter was in an elevated position outside the rally.

Steven Cheung, spokesperson for Trumo, confirmed in a statement that the former president was "fine" but being treated at an area medical facility.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Video shows shooting at Trump rally in Butler as he's rushed off stage