Former president Trump released a statement Saturday saying that a bullet “pierced” his ear after an attempt was made on his life at a campaign rally.
“I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear,” he wrote on Truth Social. “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 expressed his gratitude for the Secret Service agents and law enforcement that sprung to action after the incident in Butler, Pa. Trump also shared his sympathies for the family of the rally-goer who was killed by the assassin.
“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,” Trump said. “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 Trump campaign and the RNC confirmed in a subsequent statement that the Republican National Convention will go on as scheduled, with the former president arriving in Milwaukee soon.
“President Trump looks forward to joining you all in Milwaukee as we proceed with our convention to nominate him to serve as the 47th President of the United States,” the joint statement read. “As our party’s nominee, President Trump will continue to share his vision to Make America Great Again.”
After multiple gunshots rang out, Trump could be seen bleeding from his right ear as he was being led offstage into the safety of the crowd. Trump raised his fist in defiance before Secret Service escorted him away to his motorcade. The assassination attempt occurred less than ten minutes into the rally in Butler, Pa.
Secret Service immediately killed the shooter, who was stationed on the roof of a nearby building outside Trump’s rally, Butler County district attorney Richard Goldinger and law-enforcement officials told the Associated Press. An audience member was also killed, and at least two separate attendees are believed to be in critical condition.
Shortly after Trump was ushered away, his campaign said that he was “fine,” adding that he was being checked at a local medical facility.