A news station has been slammed for a controversial segment where an anchor shot at a Donald Trump doll.
On June 13, the former president of the United States was left bleeding from his ear after an attempted assassination took place at one of his campaign rallies in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Security was forced to storm the stage and shield Trump from potential bullets as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks was seen shooting from the roof of a shed before an FBI sniper eventually killed him.
One shot grazed Trump’s ear, spraying blood across his face.
Corey Comperatore, who was sitting behind Trump, was shot and killed while two other people, David Dutch and James Copenhaver, were left seriously injured.
After the attack, it was announced that the 78-year-old was "doing fine" before he took to his social media platform 'Truth Social' to address his followers.
"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 afterward. "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."
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."
While the investigation into the killer's motives continues, a resurfaced clip bearing similarities to the weekend's harrowing incident has become a talking point online.
A bizarre on-air stunt from the New Zealand television show Breakfast saw hosts on the program take turns aiming a bug-spray device shaped like a gun at a small Donald Trump doll.
And let's just say, the clip hasn't aged well on YouTube.
Have a look at the reposted clip below:"That’s so unprofessional," commented one user.
"That is just sick. This is journalism????" another added.
"Terrible behavior from these immature presenters. It's time to have more tolerance of others' political beliefs," a third chimed in.
And one person also suggested whether the act was "premeditated."
At the time, the news station received a handful of complaints - three, to be precise - about the "offensive" nature of the segment.
However, TV NZ allegedly disputed those claims, arguing it was lighthearted in tone, and after an investigation, BSA found the segment had not breached broadcasting guidelines.
"We consider it was clear the segment was intended as a joke and was consistent with discussion typically featured on Breakfast," the BSA said at the time, as per News.com.au.
Just days after the shooting, Trump appeared at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, showing his loyal devotees that he is still well and truly in the race to reclaim the White House.
