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The latest on the assassination attempt on former President Trump

AYESHA RASCOE, HOST:

We're continuing to cover the latest developments following last night's attack on former President Donald Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania. It left him injured and two people, including the gunman, dead. It's been decades since a presidential candidate has been injured or killed in the United States.

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PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: The idea that there's political violence or violence in America like this is just unheard of. It's just not appropriate.

RASCOE: President Biden last night condemned the attack, calling it sick. He later spoke on the phone with Trump. Trump thanked Secret Service and law enforcement on social media shortly after the attack, and he also expressed condolences for the family of the person who was killed. The scene at the outdoor rally was stunning and frightening. It was captured live as Trump, wearing a red MAGA hat, spoke to his supporters about illegal immigration.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)

DONALD TRUMP: And look what happened to our country - probably 20 million people. And, you know, that's a little bit old, that chart. That chart's a couple of months old.

RASCOE: And suddenly mid-sentence, Trump winced, grabbed his ear, then dropped to the floor amid the sound of loud pops. Secret Service agents rushed behind the lectern to cover him. On the bleachers behind Trump, people ducked, and some screamed. Moments later, agents hurried Trump off the stage. He was bleeding from the top of his right ear but had his fist raised.

The FBI has taken over the investigation, which it's calling an attempted assassination. This morning, Trump posted again to Truth Social, saying, it is more important than ever that we stand united and show our true character as Americans. He still plans to speak later this week at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Stay with us as we bring you reaction from around the country as the day continues. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

Ayesha Rascoe
Ayesha Rascoe is a White House correspondent for NPR. She is currently covering her third presidential administration. Rascoe's White House coverage has included a number of high profile foreign trips, including President Trump's 2019 summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Hanoi, Vietnam, and President Obama's final NATO summit in Warsaw, Poland in 2016. As a part of the White House team, she's also a regular on the NPR Politics Podcast.