438

[UPDATED] Shots Fired at Donald Trump Rally

Just minutes ago it was reported that several shots had been fired at Donald Trump while he spoke at a rally in Pennsylvania.

Videos posted to Twitter show him ducking for cover, then standing up and being led away by his security detail with what appears to be a bleeding ear:

Assuming Trump’s apparent wound is as superficial as it appears, a cynical person might argue this could be designed to a) paint him as a dangerous anti-establishment figure, b) elicit sympathy and c) further heighten tensions and divisions.

Certainly, you can imagine the above beautifully composed image of a bloodied Trump defiantly raising his fist defining the race moving forward. His supporters are already calling him a “warrior”, “gangsta” and so on.

If and/or when the culprit is revealed we’ll know more about the direction of the narrative.

It probably means Trump is the pick to win the “election” in November as well, for now at least.

Update: Reports are coming through that the alleged shooter was killed on the scene by law enforcement –

People are sharing this headline from CNN and pointing out the apparent dishonesty…

…but of course, it can be argued the MSM downplaying the incident makes Trump look like even more of an outsider – if that’s indeed the aim.

Update II: Casualties and alleged shooter: According to reports, one bystander in the crowd was killed and two more were injured, no names or other details have been released.

The shooter has been identified by the FBI as one Thomas Matthew Crooks, although other reports on social media contradict this.

In the UK, the government is already upping the ante on “extremism”, with Lord Woodcock writing a letter to the Home Secretary warning that the political climate makes assassinations “more likely.”

We’ll update with any relevant info as the story develops.

SUPPORT OFFGUARDIAN

If you enjoy OffG's content, please help us make our monthly fund-raising goal and keep the site alive.

For other ways to donate, including direct-transfer bank details click HERE.