Politics

Trump nearly killed but rushed off stage at rally as bangs heard

Published

2 years ago

July 13, 2024

Donald Trump ducks as loud bangs heard during Pennsylvania rally

Secret Service agents have rushed former President Donald Trump off stage after what sounded like gunshots rang out at a rally in Pennsylvania.

Footage showed him grimace and raise a hand to his ear, before ducking as sharp cracks – apparently shots – broke out.

He was quickly swarmed by secret service agents and rushed off stage to a waiting vehicle.

In a statement Trump’s campaign said he was “fine” and was being “checked out” at a local medical facility.

“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act,” spokesman Steven Cheung said.

The former president appeared to have blood on his right ear and raised a fist as he was bundled off stage and into a car.

Armed police took to the podium soon after.

In a statement, the Secret Service said Trump was safe and that measures for his protection had been implemented.

They added that an active investigation was now under way and that further information would be released when available.

The Republican candidate for president had been addressing his supporters in Butler, Pennsylvania – a crucial swing state in November’s election.

Multiple bangs rang out as Trump spoke about his successor, President Joe Biden, and his administration.

Several supporters holding placards and standing behind Trump ducked as the apparent shots were heard.

One witness, Jason, told the BBC that he heard five shots, which went off in quick succession.

“We see the Secret Service jump on Trump to protect him. Everyone in the crowd dropped down very quickly,” he said.

“He shortly thereafter stood up and put his fist up in the air, said a couple of things.”

Tim – who was also at the rally – told the BBC that he had heard a “barrage” of shots.

“There was a spray which we initially thought was a fire hose, and then the speaker on the right hand side started coming down,” he said.

“Something must have hit the hydraulic lines [which caused it to fall]. We saw President Trump go to the ground and everyone started dropping to the ground because it was chaos.”

The White House said President Biden, who is in his home state of Delaware, had received an initial briefing.

Politicians of both parties have condemned the apparent attack.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, said “violence targeted at any political party or political leader is absolutely unacceptable”.

Former Vice-President Mike Pence said he and his wife were praying for Trump, adding that he urged “every American to join us”.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a statement: “My thoughts and prayers are with former President Trump. I am thankful for the decisive law enforcement response. America is a democracy. Political violence of any kind is never acceptable.”

Politics

INEC postpones nationwide voter revalidation until after 2027 elections

Published

2 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has announced the postponement of the proposed nationwide voter revalidation exercise until after the 2027 General Election.

This follows a meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners, RECs, on Friday, April 10.

A statement signed by INEC’s National Commissioner, Chairman, Informationa and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said

“the voter revalidation exercise is a critical component of the Commission’s mandate to maintain a credible and up-to-date National Register of Voters.

It is designed to verify and review existing voter records, ensure the accuracy of personal data, eliminate duplicate and ineligible entries, and strengthen the overall integrity of the voter register.

The exercise also aims to provide an opportunity for registered voters to confirm their details and make necessary corrections where required.

INEC remains committed to the conduct of free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections.”

Politics

ADC Congress Ideato South: New Leadership Team Emerges

Published

9 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

Following the just conducted ADC Congress, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ideato South Local Government Area, Imo State, has announced its new leadership team. The team, led by Chairman Hon. Eze Chijioke, includes:

– Chairman: Hon. Eze Chijioke
– Secretary: Chief Duru Maurice
– Youth Leader: Mr. Obinwanne Okwara
– Woman Leader: Mrs. Anueyiagu Ogechi
– Organizing Secretary: Hon. Godian Egemba

The team is expected to lead the party to victory in future elections.

Politics

ADC Owerri Municipal Gets New Chairman: Hon. Success Opara Emerges Amidst State Leadership Tussle

Published

1 day ago

April 9, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Owerri Municipal, Imo State, has concluded its Local Government Area Congress, with Hon. Success Opara emerging as the new Chairman. The congress, conducted in all wards across Owerri Municipal, saw party faithfuls voting for Opara, who is expected to lead the party to victory in future elections.

However, there’s an ongoing leadership tussle within the Imo State ADC, with Chief Emmanuel Amushie claiming to be the authentic state chairman, recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). On the other hand, Prof. James Okoroma has also been declared the authentic state chairman by the national leadership of the ADC.

Furthermore the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has removed the faction led by Prof. James Okoroma as the recognized leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Imo State, as of April 9, 2026. INEC recognizes only the Amuchie-led Executive as the lawful and legitimate leadership of the ADC in Imo State.

The removal follows a Court of Appeal ruling directing parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court. INEC has also suspended recognition of all leadership factions of the ADC until the court reaches a final decision.