Shooting at Trump rally: Former president injured in attack on rally that kills bystander and shooter | US news

The former president fell to the ground as shots rang out and was mobbed by Secret Service agents. The sniper who was killed by police was identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks.

Donald Trump was shot and injured in an assassination attempt at a campaign rally; a spectator and the shooter were killed.

The former president escaped with a gunshot wound to the ear. The attack occurred early Saturday evening. the former president gave a speech to supporters in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The FBI identified 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks as the attacker, and the Secret Service said he fired “several shots” from an “elevated position.”

Latest news on the shooting: Trump releases statement after attempted murder

Crooks, who was a registered Republican according to state records, was killed by police snipers.

Two other people were also seriously injured in the shooting – all three victims were men.

Trump, who ducked under the podium as the shooting began, said a bullet pierced the top of his ear.

“I knew immediately something was wrong because I heard a hissing sound, gunshots and immediately felt the bullet go through the skin,” he said on social media.

“There was a lot of bleeding, so I realized what was happening.

“I want to thank the United States Secret Service and all law enforcement agencies for their quick response,” Trump added.

“First of all, I would like to express my condolences to the family of the person who was killed at the rally and also to the family of another person who was seriously injured.

“It is unbelievable that such an act can take place in our country.”

The incident occurred while Trump was giving a speech on stage. Suddenly, he fell to the ground and held his ear while a series of shots rang out and people screamed.

He was mobbed by Secret Service agents and lay there for about a minute while they shielded him.

Trump was helped to his feet with a bloody ear, raised his fist in the air and shouted “fight” before being dragged into a car.

The Secret Service declared he was “safe” and treated the incident as attempted murder.

“He is doing well and is being evaluated at a local medical facility,” Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said.

The footage shows a white-roofed building about 100 meters from Trump’s speech venue, with what looks like a corpse and a gun on top.

According to unconfirmed reports, several people at the event attempted to alert police and the Secret Service to the shooter.

FBI Special Agent Kevin Rojek told reporters the shooter’s motive remains unclear.

“Suspicious packages”

“Suspicious packages were identified in the shooter’s area and so, out of an abundance of caution, we disposed of bombs to ensure investigators could move safely in the area,” Rojek added.

George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police said an urgent investigation was underway to determine whether anyone else was involved in the incident.

Hours after the assassination attempt, Trump was photographed briefly waving as he disembarked from his plane in Newark, New Jersey.

Read more:
“Pop Pop Pop” – Witnesses describe the moment of the shooting
In pictures: Gunman fires multiple shots at Trump rally

President Biden condemned the shooting and said there was “no place for this kind of violence in America”.

“This is sick. Sick,” he said at a press conference in Delaware. “We cannot allow this to happen.”

He added: “I’ve been trying to reach Donald – he’s with his doctors. He seems to be doing well. I hope to speak to him tonight.”

Now the president is said to have spoken to his rival.

Former President Barack Obama wrote on X: “There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy.”

“While we do not yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump was not seriously injured and use this moment to recommit ourselves to decency and respect in our politics.

“Michelle and I wish him a speedy recovery.”

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said on X: “I am appalled by the shocking scenes at President Trump’s rally and send our best wishes to him and his family.

“Political violence in any form has no place in our society and my thoughts are with all the victims of this attack.”

Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu wrote: “Sara and I were shocked by the apparent attack on President Trump. We pray for his safety and a speedy recovery.”