Trump Confirms Bullet Hit His Ear When Shots Were Fired at Campaign Rally — Read Statement
Former president Donald Trump has issued a statement after being grazed by a bullet at a campaign rally in Butler, Pa.
“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,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “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,” Trump’s post continues. “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 realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”
Trump was rushed off stage after a weapon was fired during a campaign speech. His right ear appeared to be grazed as he was escorted away by Secret Service.
According to the Associated Press, the suspected shooter — identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pa. — “was engaged by members of the U.S. Secret Service counterassault team and killed.” A rally attendee is also dead, and two other attendees were critically injured.
The shooting is being investigated as an attempted assassination.
Shortly after the incident, Trump spokesman Steven Cheung told the The New York Times that the former president was “fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility,” while Secret Service confirmed that “the former President is safe.”
