Long Beach police to increase presence in city following shooting at Trump campaign rally in Pennsylvania

The Long Beach Police Department announced that it will carry out an “increased police presence” in the wake of an apparent shooting at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania for former President Donald Trump.

“We are aware of the security incident in Pennsylvania and are in constant contact with our law enforcement partners in the region,” the department stated on its X (Twitter) account shortly after the shooting. “We will have an increased police presence.”

The LBPD did not immediately respond to the Watchdog to provide more information.

At this time, there are no "specific or credible threats" to Los Angeles County stemming from the shooting, the LA County Sheriff's Department posted on X (Twitter).

News footage showed Trump appear to clutch his right ear after several pops were heard, then duck behind a podium as Secret Service agents surrounded him. Photos distributed online appeared to show blood on Trump’s right ear and face. Trump was taken to a medical facility after the shooting, and a campaign aide later said he was “fine,” according to The Hill.

The Secret Service announced on social media that it was investigating the shooting, which it was treating as an “assassination attempt,” according to the Associated Press. The shooter was "neutralized" by the Secret Service, according to a press statement released by Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi. The statement also confirmed two spectators were critically injured and one killed.

Long Beach public officials condemned the shooting on social media.

“The attack on former President Trump was horrific and we should all condemn this shooting in the strongest possible terms,” Congressional Representative Robert Garcia, D—Long Beach, posted on X (Twitter) shortly after the apparent shooting. “There is no place in our country for political violence” 

Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson used similar language to Garcia, saying his violence against elected officials and candidates “should not be tolerated” and that his prayers are with “our nation, and those impacted” at the campaign rally.

Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-33), who represents Southeast Los Angeles including Lakewood and Long Beach, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that "gun violence is too rampant in this country" saying she is "saddened" that more Americans were killed at the rally.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, who represents the 4th District which includes Long Beach, also posted on X saying while she doesn't agree with Trump's politics, "all candidates have the right to safely campaign in public without fear of violence."

Caitlin Antonios contributed to this article.

Editor's note: This article was updated to include further statements from local and federal officials.