Donald Trump survives assassination bid at rally, bullet pierces his right ear

Washington, July 14

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Donald Trump survived an attempt on his life when a young gunman fired multiple shots at the former US President at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, injuring his right ear, an incident that could dramatically change the already volatile political scene ahead of the high-stakes presidential election.

• Editorial: Attack on Trump

Trump, 78, was addressing his supporters at the packed outdoor election rally in Butler town on Saturday when bullets started flying. Video footage showed him grabbing his ear as shots were fired. Trump was seen with blood on his ear and cheek as he was rushed off the stage by Secret Service agents.

Four US Presidents assassinated in past

ABRAHAM LINCOLN The 16th President: Assassinated on April 14, 1865, during a special comedy performance at a theatre in Washington

AMES GARFIELD The 20th President: Killed six months after taking office on July 2, 1881, as he was walking to catch a train in Washington

WILLIAM McKINLEY The 25th President: Shot after giving a speech in Buffalo on Sept 6, 1901; was shaking hands with people as killer came across

JOHN F KENNEDY The 35th President: Was fatally shot by a hidden assassin armed with a high-powered rifle as he visited Dallas in November 1963

The crowd started screaming behind him and then someone yelled “Get down, get down, get down, get down!” as Secret Service agents piled on top of Trump to shield him. The shooting created chaos with people in the back of the venue immediately running to the exits. As he was being rushed off the stage, a defiant Trump boldly pumped his fist into the air and told the crowd to “fight!” He was then whisked away in a car to a Pittsburgh-area hospital. “Let me get my shoes,” Trump said as he was escorted to the safe place.

Must unite as one to condemn it: Biden

I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well. There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it. Joe Biden, US President

No place for violence in politics: Modi

Deeply concerned by the attack on my friend & former President Donald Trump. Strongly condemn it. Violence has no place in politics and democracies. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister

Russia indirectly blames Biden admn

The Kremlin on Sunday said it did not believe the current US administration was responsible for Saturday’s assassination attempt on Donald Trump, but added it had created an atmosphere that provoked the attack.

The shooting, which left one spectator dead and two others critically injured, is being investigated as an attempted assassination. The male attacker was also shot and killed by a member of the Secret Service. A spokesperson for the Trump Campaign said the former President was “fine” after the “heinous act”. The gunman was identified by the FBI as Thomas Matthew Crooks (20) of Bethel Park. He was registered to vote as a Republican.

Though Trump received only minor injuries, it was a close shave—a photograph by Doug Mills of the New York Times appears to show the streak of a bullet cutting through the air near the former president’s head. “It was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening,” Trump said. He said he would remain “resilient”. “Our love goes out to the other victims and their families. In this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand united, and show our true character as Americans, remaining strong and determined, and not allowing evil to win,” he said.

“I truly love our country, and love you all, and look forward to speaking to our great nation this week from Wisconsin,” indicating that he is going to attend the three-day Republican Party convention from Monday, which will nominate him as the party’s candidate in the November 5 presidential election.

In a post on his Truth Social social media account soon after the incident, Trump elaborated on what happened and described his injuries: “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… 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.” Trump said he would travel to Milwaukee on Sunday ahead of the Republican National Convention.