Former US President Donald Trump released a statement following the attempted assassination on Saturday during a rally in Pennsylvania.
The attack on Trump, carried out by a shooter who law enforcement officials say was then killed by the Secret Service, marks the first attempt on a president or presidential candidate since Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981.
In his statement, Trump expressed gratitude to the Secret Service and the American people for their support. He also extended condolences to the family of the deceased individual from the rally and to another person who is in critical condition.
Trump explained that initially, he was unsure of what was happening until he felt a sharp and painful sensation in his ear.
Posting on his social media platform, Truth social, Trump wrote; “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.
“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. 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.
“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. Much bleeding took place, so I realised then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA.”
