Donald trumps death: Bullet pierces ear at rally; secret service kills shooter

Former US president and Republican candidate for the 2024 presidential election Donald Trump escaped by centimeters an assassination attempt during a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday, convulsing an already turbulent political scene in America.

Bullets fired by a lone gunman positioned on a nearby rooftop nicked Trump’s right ear and bloodied it — he later said he was “fine” — but one other person, besides the assailant who was immediately shot dead by the Secret Service, was killed in the incident. Two other rallygoers were also critically injured.

In iconic images immediately flashed across the world, a fearless Trump, breaking free from a huddle of Secret Service agents protecting him, raised a clenched fist with blood streaking across his cheek. The indelible moment, consecrated into campaign merchandise within hours of the incident, inflamed and galvanised his supporters, and is expected to power him back to the White House.

The shooter was identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks (20). His father, Matthew, 53, told CNN he was trying to figure out “what the hell is going on” but would “wait until I talk to law enforcement” before speaking.

Reported to be an outstanding student, images of Crooks wearing glasses, braces, and an American flag T-shirt emerged in the hours after the shooting, even as law-enforcement authorities probed the motive behind the diabolical attack.

Amid swirling conspiracy theories about it being an “inside job”, there were calls for the resignation of the Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle, who has backed a so-called 30×30 initiative, a pledge to have 30% women in law enforcement by 2030.



But Trump himself thanked the Secret Service and law enforcement officials for their “rapid response” and extended his condolences to the family of the person at the rally who was killed, although he later said “it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening”.

"We will FEAR NOT, but instead remain resilient in our faith and defiant in the face of wickedness," Trump posted on Truth Social, adding, "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 also affirmed his commitment to continue his campaign and said he was looking forward to the upcoming Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee this week, saying: "I truly love our country, and love you all, and look forward to speaking to our great nation this week from Wisconsin."

The assassination attempt drew universal condemnation from all sides of the political spectrum in America and beyond, with President Biden calling it "sick" and phoning Trump to inquire about his wellbeing.

"There's no place in America for this kind of violence, it's sick. It's sick. It's one of the reasons why we have to unite this country. We cannot allow for this to be happening. We cannot be like this," Biden said immediately after the incident.