The dramatic footage of Donald Trump being escorted from the stage after reports of gunfire interrupted a live interview with Jim Chalmers on Sky News.
The treasurer spoke with Kieran Gilbert before the station switched to live coverage of the dramatic events at a Pennsylvania election rally.
Initial reports indicate that Trump was interrupted in the middle of his speech by a series of loud bangs, after which the former president was immediately escorted off the stage and into a car by Secret Service agents.
It is unclear whether the sounds were gunshots. There is no confirmation yet of the source of the sounds.
He was heard saying, “Let me get my shoes,” and raising his fist in the air as he was led off the stage, while being supported by officers.
It is now being reported that Trump was hit by a piece of glass that flew off a teleprompter and shattered during the shooting.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese immediately condemned the shooting, saying there was “no place for violence in the democratic process.”
“Today’s incident at former President Trump’s campaign event in Pennsylvania is disturbing and confronting,” he said Sunday morning.
Anthony Albanese has condemned the shooting at the Trump rally that saw the former US president chased off the stage with a bloodied face
It is unclear whether the sounds were gunshots, and there have been no reports confirming the source of the sounds
“I am relieved to hear that former President Trump is now safe.”
Later in the day, Albanese reiterated his comments at a press conference in Canberra.
“Like all Australians, I was shocked by the appalling scenes at former President Trump’s campaign event in Pennsylvania,” he said.
Let’s be clear: the people at this event, the candidate, the crowd, and the free press that covered the event were all participating in the democratic process.
‘In Australia, as in the United States, the essence and purpose of our democracy is that we can express our views, discuss our differences and resolve our disagreements peacefully.
“Every act of violence is an insult and must be unequivocally condemned.”
Mr Albanese also called for calm in the political debate.
“We need to lower the temperature of the debate. There is no benefit to the escalation of some of the rhetoric that we have seen in some of our political discourse in the democratic world. It is a phenomenon that is not unique to the United States,” he said.
‘There is nothing to be gained from speculation, I caution you to be careful when reading unverified accounts of events.
“And beware of those who seek to misinform. This is a time for unity, a time for calm and to allow the authorities in the United States to do their job.”
Dr Chalmers spoke to Sky News before the station switched to live coverage of the dramatic events.
It appeared that Trump had blood on his cheek.
When asked to comment on the rapidly unfolding events, Dr. Chalmers said he hoped the presidential candidate was “okay.”
“I mean, these are extraordinary scenes and I hope former President Trump is OK,” he said.
‘You can see how much professionalism the Secret Service responded to this.
“I think it’s heartwarming to see that he had his arm up and that he was mobile. We hope he’s okay.
“These are extraordinary scenes, and I’m sure you’ll be talking about them all day long.”
Earlier in the interview, Dr Chalmers was asked about the ‘likely’ prospects of a second Trump presidency. He said Australia would work with whoever won on November 5.
“I’m not going to make any predictions about the outcome of the US election. It’s clearly a matter for the American people and the Australian government,” he said.
“The Australian people will work closely with whoever the Americans choose to lead them from early next year at the November election.”
A White House statement described the moment as an “incident” and not a “shooting” and said that US President Joe Biden had been briefed on the incident.
Initial reports indicate that Trump was interrupted in the middle of his speech by a series of loud bangs, after which the former president was immediately escorted off the stage and into a car by Secret Service agents.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers reacts live to breaking news of Trump falling to the ground amid reports of gunfire
Trump spokesman Steven Cheung also later confirmed to the media that the ex-president is “doing well.”
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their swift action during this heinous act,” Cheung said in a statement shared by CNN.
“He is fine and is being evaluated at a local medical facility. More details will follow.”
