During a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was shot in the ear. The incident left his face streaked with blood and prompted a swift response from his security team. Trump quickly re-emerged, rallying the crowd with a fist pump and the words “Fight! Fight! Fight!” The shooter was killed, one attendee was dead and two others were injured. Authorities have not publicly identified the suspected shooter or their motive though the FBI is leading the investigation.
Trump later addressed the shooting on his Truth Social platform, confirming the bullet pierced his right ear. The attack has raised questions about the effectiveness of Secret Service security protocols. Trump is slated to receive the Republican nomination at the upcoming convention in Milwaukee.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from both political parties and global leaders. President Joe Biden called for unity against violence while figures like UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed their shock and support for Trump. Various world leaders echoed similar sentiments, denouncing political violence and wishing Trump a speedy recovery.
The shooting adds to an already tense political atmosphere as Trump and Biden are locked in a tight race for the November election. Recent polls indicate a close contest, reflecting Americans’ concerns about rising political violence.