Former President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, where he sustained a gunshot wound to the upper part of his right ear, causing significant bleeding.
Meteor Nigeria had reported that the presumptive Republican candidate for president had been escorted off the stage at a rally after a gun incident.
However, later on Sunday, Trump, in a statement posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, described the incident as an assassination attempt even as he expressed gratitude to the Secret Service and law enforcement for their swift response.
” 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,” Trump recounted.
“Much bleeding took place, so I realised then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”
He extended condolences to the family of the deceased individual and another injured person at the rally, emphasizing the shocking nature of the violence.
The shooter, identified as deceased, remains unidentified with no further details disclosed.
“It is incredible that such an act can take place in our country,” Trump remarked. “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.
The incident has sparked national concern and an ongoing investigation to uncover the motive behind the shooting.
Witnesses reported scenes of distress as security personnel rushed Trump to safety amid the unfolding incident.
His campaign later reassured the public that he was “fine” and undergoing evaluation at a medical facility.
President Joe Biden, briefed on the incident, expressed relief that Trump was unharmed.
“I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well,” Biden stated. “Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. There’s no place for this kind of violence in America.”
Across the political spectrum, condemnation of the violence was swift. Senator Bernie Sanders denounced the incident, emphasizing, “Political violence is absolutely unacceptable.”
Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, who recently endorsed Trump on his social media platform X, expressed support for Trump’s recovery, further stirring reactions amidst ongoing political tensions.
Reports indicated Musk had previously donated to a pro-Trump political group.
Republican leaders joined in solidarity, with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell condemning the “despicable act” and affirming that “violence has no place in our politics.”
However, Congressman Greg Steube sparked controversy by linking the incident to Trump’s legal challenges, stating, “They tried to jail him and now they’ve tried to kill him.”
Steube’s remarks drew criticism amid ongoing investigations into the motive behind the shooting.
Trump, currently facing multiple criminal charges related to his presidency, including attempts to overturn the 2020 election results, has remained a divisive figure in American politics.
The Secret Service has launched an active investigation into the incident, promising further updates as details emerge.
