Former President Donald Trump has confirmed that he was shot in the right ear during a terrifying assassination attempt at his rally in Butler County, Pennsylvania. The first image of the shooter, who was killed by the Secret Service, has been released.
In a statement from the hospital, Trump recounted the harrowing experience, saying he heard a “whizzing” sound and immediately felt the bullet “ripping through my skin.” Despite the injury, Trump managed to signal to his supporters that he was not severely hurt by pumping his fist and shouting “fight, fight, fight.
The shooter and a member of the crowd were killed in the incident, which left two others critically injured. The shots were fired from outside the security perimeter, with witnesses describing a man with a rifle bear crawling on a nearby roof.
“I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social account.
Photos captured the chaotic aftermath, showing Trump clutching his ear with blood trickling down his face as Secret Service agents quickly moved to cover and escort him to safety. Trump was rushed to the hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.
The attack, which occurred at 6:15 PM on Saturday, involved the shooter firing at least eight shots. The Secret Service’s counter-sniper team neutralized the shooter, who was positioned several hundred yards away. A witness told the BBC that agents “blew the shooter’s head off.
In his hospital statement, Trump expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and condemned the violent act. “It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead,” he said.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from political figures. President Joe Biden called the shooting “sick” and emphasized the need for unity in America. There’s no place in America for this kind of violence,” he said, adding that he was grateful Trump was safe.
Former President Barack Obama also condemned the attack, urging for civility and respect in politics. “Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery,” he stated.
The Butler County District Attorney, Richard Goldinger, confirmed the death of the shooter and a bystander. The identities of the victims have not yet been released. Law enforcement officials recovered an AR-style rifle at the scene, and the investigation is ongoing.
