The bullet hit my right ear - Trump

WASHINGTON: Former US President Donald Trump has confirmed that he was shot in his right ear and that he is in good condition, after an incident that resulted in death on Saturday during his campaign rally in Pennsylvania, according to Anadolu Agency.

"It is extraordinary that such an action can happen in our country. Nothing is known about the shooter at the moment, who has now died. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the top of my right ear.

"I immediately knew something was wrong because I heard a wheezing, a gunshot, and immediately felt the bullet penetrate the skin. A lot of bleeding occurs. So, I realized what was happening," the US presidential candidate wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social.

According to the footage, the initial moment of the shooting began with the sound of gunshots being heard. Shortly afterwards, Trump was seen raising his hand to the right side of his head with his right ear bleeding, as he was led off the stage at Butler.

The US Secret Service said in a statement on X that the suspected shooter who fired several shots at the stage, injuring Trump during his campaign rally has been shot dead.

The US Secret Service communications chief, Anthony Guglielmi, said one spectator was killed, while two others were seriously injured in the incident.

The incident is being investigated and the Secret Service officially notified the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Meanwhile, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said in a statement: "The entire Department of Defence condemns this terrorism which has absolutely no place in our democracy".

Former US President Barack Obama also expressed his condemnation over the incident.

"While we still don't know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump was not seriously injured, and use this time to recommit to decency and respect in our politics. Michelle and I wish her a speedy recovery," she said in a statement. – BERNAMA-ANADOLU