Butler, Pennsylvania - Republican candidate Donald Trump was evacuated from the stage at a rally on Saturday after what sounded like shots rang out at the event in Pennsylvania, according to AFP.

The former president was seen with blood on his right ear as he was surrounded by security agents, who hustled him off the stage as he pumped his fist to the crowd.

Trump was bundled into an SUV and driven away.

"We saw a lot of people go down, looking confused. I heard the shots, it sounded like between firecrackers and a small caliber handgun," said John Yeykal from Franklin, Pennsylvania, who was attending his first Trump rally.

"President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act. He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility," a spokesperson for Trump said, per ABC News.

The "former President is safe," the Secret Service said after Trump was driven away in an SUV.

"This is an active crime scene," Secret Service officers told reporters, ordering them out of the area.

"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," Secret Service communications chief Anthony Guglielmi said on X.

Politicians JD Vance says Mike Pence should have "played a better role" and not certified 2020 election

The disturbance took place shortly after Trump took the stage at his final campaign rally before the Republican party convention starts on Monday in Milwaukee.

President Joe Biden has received an initial briefing on the incident, the White House said.

The suspected shooter who wounded Trump is dead, US media has reported, along with one bystander.

"Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger said two people are dead, including an apparent shooter," The Washington Post reported.

ABC News cited Goldinger as saying a second bystander may also have been hit.

President Biden said there is "no place for this kind of violence" in a statement following the shooting.

"I'm grateful to hear that he's safe and doing well," Biden said, adding: "I'm praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information."

He added: "Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. There's no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it."