CNN Anchor Reprimands Trump, Tells Him to 'Fight!' Just After Assassination Attempt

A CNN correspondent criticized former President Trump for shouting “Fight!” at his supporters immediately after Saturday's stunning assassination attempt in Pennsylvania.

Trump could be seen bleeding from his ear as he was carried off stage Saturday night, shortly after a gunman opened fire at his rally. As Secret Service agents led him away after the shooter was killed, Trump raised his fist and shouted “Fight!” repeatedly, to cheers from his supporters.

CNN special correspondent Jamie Gangel suggested the presumptive Republican nominee was sending the wrong message.

“I want to say that one thing I found odd when I watched the video because of all the heated rhetoric was that after he was punched, former President Trump stood up and said, 'Fight, fight, fight,'” Gangel said.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is seen with blood on his face surrounded by Secret Service agents as he is led off stage during a campaign event at the Butler Farm Show Inc. in Butler, Pennsylvania, July 13, 2024. Rebecca Droke/AFP via Getty Images (Rebecca Droke/AFP via Getty Images)

“I think what we're hearing from people is that's not the message we want to send right now. We want to tone down the message,” she said.

SHOOTING AT TRUMP RALLY INVESTIGATED AS POSSIBLE ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT

Gangel's remarks drew criticism from some conservatives, many of whom welcomed Trump's defiance in the moment. The attacker killed at least one participant and seriously injured two others, according to reports.

CBS host Margaret Brennan also criticized Trump on Saturday for failing to urge his supporters to lower the political “temperature” in his social media statement, where he expressed condolences to other victims and thanked law enforcement for their swift response.

Trump was released from a Pittsburgh-area hospital Saturday night and is now safe.

After addressing the nation and condemning the “sick” attack, President Biden spoke on the phone with Donald Trump. Other former presidents and bipartisan voices also condemned the shooting and wished Donald Trump a speedy recovery.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is moved off stage during a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Fox News' Charles Creitz and Adam Shaw contributed to this report.