Former United States (US) President, Donald Trump was whisked off from a campaign rally in Butler County, Pennsylvania, on Saturday after gunshots cut short the event.
Two people died, including the shooter and a rally attendee, and two got injured, according to the Butler County Attorney.
After investigations, the FBI identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania.
The FBI confirmed that it was a serious assassination attempt against Trump, who will be seeking another White House mandate in November’s election.
He was making a speech when he suddenly collapsed to the ground after three rounds of gunfire were heard. Several other rounds followed afterwards before Secret Service agents closely guarded Trump out of the campaign venue.
His right ear was stained with blood as a defiant Trump, raising his fist, was escorted into a van, abruptly ending his rally that had just started.
He was taken to a local health facility for examination before being discharged later.
“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,” an early statement from the Secret Service said.
Trump was later confirmed to have been injured on his right ear in a clear assassination attempt. He wrote on Truth Social that a bullet pierced the upper part of his right ear.
“I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania,” he said.
“Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured.”
