Donald Trump has issued a statement following the devastating assassination attempt during a Pennsylvania rally on Saturday (July 13).

Cameras captured the moment 78-year-old Trump became the target of an assassination attempt as he stood at the podium to speak to hundreds that had gathered at the Butler Farm Show grounds.

The former POTUS could be seen clutching his ear before taking cover and being swamped by security personnel.

Trump has revealed that he sustained an injury to his right ear. Tragically, one rally-goer was killed amid the attacks, with another two men injured.

Trump's full statement, shared on his social media platform Truth Social shortly after the attempt on his life, can be seen in full below:

"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 realized then what was happening.

"GOD BLESS AMERICA!"

The FBI has since identified the shooter as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. Sources have claimed that Crooks positioned himself on the rooftop of a manufacturing plant just over 130 yards away Trump's stage.

Crooks was killed by Secret Service snipers and an AR-style rifle was later recovered by his body, reports say.

After receiving medical attention, Trump is now recuperating at his home in New Jersey.

Following the chaotic and concerning incident, one of Trump's senior advisers has told BBC's World Service show Weekend that his "heart sank" when he heard the news.

Describing the event as a "scary day", Stephen Moore said: "I got a text from one of my associates saying that Trump had been shot and my heart just sank, and I was afraid to ask the question ‘is he going to be alright?’"

"It appeared from the video that he’d only been grazed by this bullet but what’s so frightening to all of us is that if that bullet had been one inch further towards his head this would have been an assassination."

Moore went on to state that the former POTUS "needs more protection", before questioning whether or not "the Secret Service was totally prepared" for an incident like Saturday's to occur.

Featured image credit: Anna Moneymaker/Getty 

World leaders have banded together to condemn the attempted assassination of Donald Trump after a recent rally ended in tragic fatalities.

Over the weekend, the former president of the United States was rushed off stage after shots were fired from the crowd at his rally in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania.

Video footage of the incident shows Trump being covered by security personnel after a bullet grazed past his ear six minutes into his speech, leaving him with streaks of blood coming down his face.

While he was being led off the stage and back into his car, the 78-year-old could be seen raising a fist of defiance, letting his followers know that he had survived the attack.

Credit: Anna Moneymaker/Getty

At least one spectator was killed and two others were critically wounded, according to reports after the incident.

The shooter, who has now been identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was shot dead by the FBI and upon further investigation, a firearm was confiscated from a property he was linked to.

Taking to Truth Social after the attack, Trump updated his followers on his condition.

"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," he wrote in a statement. "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."

Credit: Anna Moneymaker/Getty

He continued: "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 realized then what was happening," he added before concluding: "God bless America."

Credit: Truth Social

In the wake of the attack, many world leaders have taken to condemn what took place at Trump's rally, including French President, Emmanuel Macron, who stated: "France shares the shock and indignation of the American people."

The leader of Ireland, Simon Harris also took to X to condemn the attack writing: "What we saw last night from Pennsylvania was frightening and wrong."

"It is a relief that former President Trump is safe and survived the assassination attempt. Our hearts are with the innocent spectators killed and critically injured. There can be no place for political violence," he added.

The Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky also posted a statement on the social media platform, stating that he was "appalled to learn about the shooting of former U.S. President Donald Trump at his rally in Pennsylvania.

"Such violence has no justification and no place anywhere in the world. Never should violence prevail," he continued. "I am relieved to learn that Donald Trump is now safe and wish him a speedy recovery. My condolences go out to the close ones of this attack’s victim, a rally attendee.

"I extend my wishes for strength to everyone who is horrified by this event. I wish America emerges stronger from this," he added.

Credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty

Sweden’s Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, also chimed into the conversation saying: "Sweden condemns the terrible attack in Pennsylvania. My thoughts go out to those who have been affected and to their families. Sweden stands behind the United States and wishes Donald Trump a speedy recovery."

The president of Egypt, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, said: "We are following with concern the treacherous incident faced by former US President and presidential candidate Donald Trump, and affirm Egypt’s condemnation of the incident. I express my wishes for President Trump’s speedy recovery and for the US election campaign to continue in a peaceful and healthy environment, devoid of any appearances of terrorism, violence or hatred."

The Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she is following the news from Pennsylvania with “apprehension” and extended her best wishes for a "speedy recovery" to Trump.

South Korea’s president, Yoon Suk Yeol, posted on X: “I am appalled by the hideous act of political violence. I wish former President Trump a speedy recovery. The people of Korea stand in solidarity with the people of America.”

Credit: Jung Yeon-Je - Pool/Getty

Thailand’s Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, also took to X to write: “I am appalled to learn of the shooting incident during former President Trump’s rally. We are strongly concerned and do not tolerate such forms of violence. On behalf of the Thai people, I wish former President Trump a speedy recovery. Our thoughts are also with the injured and affected families.”

 Philippine President Ferdinand 'BobgBong' Marcos Jr added: “It is with great relief that we receive the news that former President Donald Trump is fine and well after the attempt to assassinate him. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

Together with all democracy-loving peoples around the world, we condemn all forms of political violence. The voice of the people must always remain supreme.”

Credit: Win McNamee/Getty

Trump's presidential rival and current President of the United States Joe Biden also addressed the situation in a tweet, writing: "I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania. I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well. I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information.

 "Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it." he concluded.

Featured Image Credit: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post/Getty 

Donald Trump has spoken out about miraculously surviving as attempt on his life.

On Saturday (July 13), the 78-year-old former POTUS took to the stage as a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Roughly 10 minutes into his address, shots rang out, and the former president could be seen clutching at the right side of his head, before being bundled to the ground by his security detail.

Trump had been targeted by a 20-year-old shooter, who the FBI have since identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks from Pennsylvania. Crooks had taken aim from a rooftop approximately 130 meters away.

After authorities shot Crooks dead, an AR-style rifle was recovered at the scene. Crooks was not on the FBI's radar and the motive for his attack is not clear, per the Wall Street Journal.

Tragically, one male rally-goer was killed as a result of the shooting, with a further two men critically injured amid the chaos.

Trump was struck by a bullet in the right ear, narrowly avoiding death. He was treated for his injuries before returning to his New Jersey home.

Now, Trump has spoken to the New York Post about his "very surreal experience" and surviving the attack.

Recalling his medical treatment following the shooting, he told The Post: "The doctor at the hospital said he never saw anything like this, he called it a miracle."

“I’m not supposed to be here, I’m supposed to be dead,” he added. “I’m supposed to be dead.”

Describing his security agents as "linebackers", Trump added that his shoes were knocked off as they bundled him to the ground.

In videos from the aftermath of the attack, Trump could be heard saying: "Wait, I want to get my shoes."

“Let me get my shoes on, let me get my shoes on," he said, per the New York Times.

He later clarified his comments to The Post, saying: "The agents hit me so hard that my shoes fell off, and my shoes are tight."

Commending the work of the Secret Service agents present at the scene, Trump shared details into Crooks' death, saying: "They took him out with one shot right between the eyes."

“They did a fantastic job,” Trump continued. "It’s surreal for all of us."

The former president also joked about having an "iconic" photo of himself without having to die.

“A lot of people say it’s the most iconic photo they’ve ever seen,” Trump told The Post. "They’re right and I didn’t die. Usually you have to die to have an iconic picture."

The image in question (seen above), shows Trump defiantly raising a fist to his supporters as agents attempted to remove him from the stage. Footage from the moment shows Trump shouting the word "Fight!"

"I just wanted to keep speaking, but I just got shot," he added.

On Sunday, Trump landed in Milwaukee for the Republican National Convention. As he exited the steps of his jet, he once again raised his fist while wearing a bandage covering his ear.

Featured image credit: Anna Moneymaker/Getty

The widow of the man who was tragically killed during the attempt to assassinate Donald Trump has spoken out.

An attempt on Trump's life took place in Pennsylvania. Credit: Trump Campaign Office/Handout/Anadolu/Getty

Over the weekend, the nation was left reeling when 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania, targeting the 78-year-old Republican candidate.

Trump narrowly escaped serious injury - or worse - sustaining only an ear wound, but the attack left one rally-goer dead and two others seriously injured.

Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old volunteer fire chief from Sarver, Pennsylvania, lost his life during the shooting.

His loved ones say he sacrificed his life to protect his family during the attack.

Comperatore's daughter, Allyson, shared an emotional tribute on social media, describing how her father saved their lives.

"He truly loved us enough to take a real bullet for us. And I want nothing more than to cry on him and tell him thank you," she wrote.

Trump has since been seen with a bandage over his ear. Credit: Joe Raedle/Getty

Speaking from the White House on Sunday, President Joe Biden extended condolences to Comperatore's family.

"He was a father. He was protecting his family from the bullets that were being fired, and he lost his life. God love him," Biden said.

His widow, Helen Comperatore, revealed she declined to speak with President Biden following the incident, per the New York Post.

"I didn’t talk to Biden," Helen stated from her Pennsylvania home on Monday. "I didn’t want to talk to him. My husband was a devout Republican, and he would not have wanted me to talk to him."

“I don’t have any ill will towards Joe Biden. I’m not one of those people that gets involved in politics. I support Trump. That’s who I’m voting for, but I don’t have ill will towards Biden,” she said.

“He didn’t do anything bad to my husband. A 20-year-old despicable kid did.”

Trump has since been seen with a bandage over his ear. Credit: Joe Raedle/Getty

Helen described the rally as an anticipated “exciting day” for the family to support Trump.

As the shots erupted, Comperatore instinctively shouted “Get down”. They have been reported as his final words, as he heroically shielded his family with his body, sacrificing his life in the process.

Two others were injured alongside Trump during the incident, with David Dutch receiving serious injuries to his liver and ribs, requiring multiple surgeries.

James Copenhaver, 74, of Moon Township, Pennsylvania, attended the rally as a registered Democrat with a keen interest in local politics.

Albert Quaye, a supervisor in Moon Township, described Copenhaver as a retired individual deeply involved in community activities, including the Moon Township Military Banner Committee, which honors local veterans.

Featured image credit: Joe Raedle/Getty

A man attempted to assassinate Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, leading to a chaotic and harrowing sequence of events on Saturday evening.

The shooter has been identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, CNN reports. Crooks was fatally shot by a Secret Service sniper at the scene. The FBI emphasized that the investigation into the assassination attempt remains active and ongoing, urging anyone with information to come forward.

Kevin Rojek, FBI Pittsburgh special agent in charge, stated that the motive behind the shooting remains unknown at this time.

Due to the gunman not having any identification on him, federal investigators utilized DNA analysis to confirm his identity biometrically. The shooting resulted in the death of one audience member at the rally, with two others currently in critical condition; all victims are men, although their identities have not yet been released.

Here's everything you about what went down at the deadly rally:

6.03PM: Donald Trump took the stage at his campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, greeted by the crowd and began his speech.

6.11PM: Multiple shots were fired towards the stage. Trump instinctively grabbed his ear and fell to the ground.

6.12PM: Secret Service agents swiftly reacted, shielding the 78-year-old Trump as chaos erupted. Despite the ordeal, Trump defiantly raised his fist to the crowd before being rushed off-stage.

6.14PM: Trump's motorcade departed from the rally venue.

6.42PM: The Secret Service confirmed an incident had occurred, assuring the public that Trump was safe.

7.03PM: Trump's campaign team announced that he was "fine" and undergoing medical evaluation at a local facility.

7.10PM: Butler County district attorney Richard Goldinger reported one fatality among the rally attendees and confirmed the death of the gunman.

7.28PM): Law enforcement officials informed that the shooting was being investigated as an assassination attempt.

7.55PM: US President Joe Biden issued a statement expressing concern and pledging support for Trump's safety.

8.42PM: Trump shared on his Truth Social platform that he had been shot in the upper part of his right ear, acknowledging the severity of the incident.

9.02PM: The US Secret Service detailed that multiple gunshots had been fired from outside the venue and that the gunman had been "neutralised."

11.53PM: Law enforcement held a news conference, officially declaring the incident as an assassination attempt.

1.37AM: The FBI identified the gunman as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, stating that the investigation was ongoing.

Here's how Trump responded to the events on his Truth Social platform: "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 realized then what was happening.

"GOD BLESS AMERICA!"

Featured image credit: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post/Getty