Security increased across NYC following Donald Trump assassination attempt
NEW YORK (WABC) -- Security is being increased across New York City following an assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump.
It was chaos and pandemonium in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday as the Secret Service rushed to shield the former president, who says he had just been shot in the ear.
More than 300 miles away on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, local emergency service and counterterrorism police were deployed to Trump Tower.
Out of an abundance of caution, the NYPD is increasing its presence across the city, including at Trump Tower, 40 Wall Street, Foley Square, and City Hall.
There is no known threat or connection to New York City at this time.
Former President Trump landed in Newark, New Jersey late Saturday night, six hours after the shooting.
Mayor Eric Adams said 'Whatever your politics, we should all be able to agree that violence is wrong and we should be able to disagree peacefully.'
Adams said he is praying for the safety of the former president.
Retired FBI Agent and ABC News contributor, Rich Frankel says a multi-faceted investigation will include a hard look at how the shooter got to his perch without issue.
"This was not somebody who was just trying to scare the president. He took a shot at the former president - he got him in the ear," Frankel said, "I think you're going to see a much more in-depth assessment of every person who is able to get in eyesight."
Trump supporters proudly paraded MAGA flags at Trump Tower in the wake of a possible attempt on the former president's life - not wavering in their support.
"I just felt like we have to show him that we're with him - he fights for the American people every day, and it's our turn to fight for him," said Christine Randall.
The threat environment undoubtedly intensified. Experts say this will change the approach to high-profile events, whether it be rallies or the upcoming conventions.
Meanwhile on Long Island, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman says the Trump shooting has prompted him to add security to public figures and politicians. He considers Donald Trump his friend.
"We texted each other a little over a week ago and I spoke with him on the phone a couple of times within the last 30 days. We were with each other in the South Bronx," Blakeman said.
Suffolk County Republican Congressman Andrew Garbarino - also in disbelief - is concerned on how this would have happened.
"I'm shocked that someone could get as close as they did with the President while he is making his speech," Garbarino said.
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