Elon Musk promptly endorsed former president Trump Saturday after multiple gunshots were fired during his rally in Pennsylvania.
“I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery,” the CEO of X wrote in a caption attached to a video of Trump being escorted away by Secret Service agents.
The footage showed Trump, blood covering his ear and splashed on the side of his face, collecting himself before turning to the crowd defiantly.
The interruption occurred less than ten minutes into the rally in Butler, Pa.
“Last time America had a candidate this tough was Theodore Roosevelt,” Musk tweeted later.
Trump said he is “fine” in a statement, adding he is being checked at a local medical facility. One rally attendee was killed in the attack and the shooter was fatally shot moments after opening fire, the Associated Press reported.
“An incident occurred the evening of July 13 at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania,” Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said in an official statement. “The Secret Service has implemented protective measures and the former President is safe. This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available.”
Musk had not formally announced his support for either candidate before Saturday. In March, Musk teased a last-minute presidential endorsement, saying he’s “leaning away from Biden” although noting he intends to keep his pledge not to donate to either 2024 candidate.
“I’m leaning away from Biden,” Musk told TV personality Don Lemon in an interview. “I’ve made no secret of that.”
Trump’s team’s statement treated the incident Saturday as an assassination attempt.
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act,” the statement read. “He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow.”
Immediately following the incident, several Republican lawmakers, including Trump’s top three choices to be his running mate, expressed prayers for the president’s health and the rally’s attendees. Trump is reportedly considering Governor Doug Burgum (R., N.D.) and Senators J.D. Vance (R., Ohio) and Marco Rubio (R., Fla.) for the vice-presidential slot on the ticket.