A gunman and an audience member have died after an assassination attempt on Donald Trump – with the former president escaping with a bullet wound to his ear.
It happened on Saturday evening as Trump was speaking to supporters in Butler, Pennsylvania
The Secret Service said a gunman fired “multiple shots” from an “elevated position outside of the rally venue”.
He was killed and US law enforcement sources, speaking anonymously, believe he was aged about 20 and from Pennsylvania.
MUST READ: World leaders condemn assassination attempt on Trump
Two others were also critically injured in the incident – and all three victims were men
Trump, who ducked below the podium as the shooting began, said a bullet pierced the upper part of his ear.
The incident unfolded as Trump was on stage giving a speech. He suddenly hit the floor clutching his ear as a series of shots rang out and people screamed.
He was mobbed by Secret Service agents and stayed down for around a minute as they shielded him and armed security jumped on stage.
Trump was helped to his feet with a bloodied ear, pumped his fist in the air and shouted “fight” before being bundled away into a vehicle.
The Secret Service said he was now “safe” and it was treating the incident as an attempted assassination.
Footage shows a building with a white roof, about 150m from where Trump was speaking, with what appears to be a body and a rifle on top.
Meanwhile, United States President Joe Biden has condemned the shooting and said there was “no place in America for this kind of violence”.
In a oress conference in Delamere Biden said “It’s sick. Sick, We cannot allow for this to be happening.”
He added: “I tried to get a hold of Donald – he’s with his doctors. Apparently, he’s doing well. I hope I get to speak to him tonight.”
Former president Barack Obama wrote on X: “There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy.
“Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics.
“Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery.”
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said on X: “I am appalled by the shocking scenes at President Trump’s rally and we send him and his family our best wishes.
“Political violence in any form has no place in our societies, and my thoughts are with all the victims of this attack.”
Israel’s president, Benjamin Netanyahu, posted: “Sara and I were shocked by the apparent attack on President Trump. We pray for his safety and speedy recovery.”
(Editor: Nkoli Omhoudu)
