On Saturday, July 13, an unknown assailant opened fire at Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during his speech in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Preliminary reports indicate that Trump was lightly wounded. The attacker was shot and killed by Secret Service agents, Fox News reports, citing law enforcement sources.
"One spectator was killed, two others were wounded and are in critical condition," the US Secret Service stated.
According to available information, Donald Trump was wounded in the ear. Bodyguards immediately shielded him after the shots were fired and then escorted off the stage.
Former President Trump is now safe, and the US Secret Service is investigating the shooting incident at his rally in Pennsylvania, said Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi.
Trump assured that he is feeling fine and undergoing a medical check-up. He reported that he was wounded in the ear.
"I was hit by a bullet that grazed the top of my right ear. I immediately realized something was wrong as I heard a whistling sound, gunshots, and felt the bullet tear through my skin. There was heavy bleeding, and that's when I understood what was happening," Trump wrote on his Truth page.
Former president's spokesperson Steven Cheung stated that Trump is undergoing a medical examination in a Pennsylvania hospital. Shortly thereafter, it was reported that the presidential candidate had left the medical facility.
The Republican candidate's campaign stated: "Donald Trump still plans to attend the Republican Party convention in Milwaukee next week, where he is to be officially nominated for the presidency."
NBC News, citing American officials, reported that there are no signs that the shooting is "linked to any foreign entity."
CNN reported that the FBI identified the suspected shooter at Trump's rally as a 20-year-old man from Pennsylvania.
According to the investigation, the shots were fired from an "elevated position" outside the rally area.
An AR-type rifle was found at the scene.
Current US President and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden stated that he was informed of the incident and is praying for Trump's recovery. Biden later said he is awaiting additional information about the shooting at the rally and is glad that Donald Trump is alive. Biden reportedly spoke with Trump by phone.
Following the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, President Joe Biden's campaign temporarily suspended the airing of campaign ads on television.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on social network X: "Sara and I were shocked by the attack on President Trump. We are praying for his safety and speedy recovery."
EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell condemned the attack on Trump, calling the incident an "unacceptable act of violence."
Elon Musk expressed support for Trump on his social network X, writing: "The last time America had a candidate this cool, it was Theodore Roosevelt."
