Assassination Attempt on Trump: Bullet Grazes Former President’s Ear During Rally.

Gunfire erupted at a Donald Trump rally on Saturday, causing panic among the crowd. The former president, now the Republican presidential candidate, was struck by a bullet that grazed his ear, spilling blood before he emerged to pump his fist in the air, seemingly mouthing the words “Fight! Fight! Fight!”

As shots rang out, Trump instinctively grabbed his right ear, inspecting his bloodied hand before dropping to his knees behind the podium. Secret Service agents quickly swarmed to cover him. Approximately a minute later, Trump, his red “Make America Great Again” hat knocked off, could be heard saying “wait, wait,” before being ushered into a waiting vehicle.

The Secret Service and Trump’s campaign confirmed his safety following the shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania, about 30 miles north of Pittsburgh. The identity and motive of the shooter remain unclear, and both Republicans and Democrats swiftly condemned the violence.

Shots appeared to come from outside the area secured by the Secret Service, according to NBC, which cited three U.S. law enforcement officials. An audience member was reported dead, and another person critically injured, as per a Washington Post reporter citing the Butler County district attorney.

President Joe Biden called for an end to political violence, stating in televised remarks that Trump appeared to be doing well. “There’s no place in America for this kind of violence. It’s sick,” Biden said, adding that he had been thoroughly briefed on the matter and planned to talk to Trump. “Everybody must condemn it.”

The shooting occurred less than four months before the November 5 election, where Trump faces a rematch against Democratic President Joe Biden.

“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act. He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow,” said spokesperson Steven Cheung in a statement.

Trump had just begun his speech when gunshots erupted, causing chaos as attendees hit the ground. Secret Service agents quickly surrounded Trump, who disappeared behind the podium for about a minute before being rushed to a waiting vehicle.

The election race between Trump and Biden remains tight, with most opinion polls, including those by Reuters/Ipsos, showing the two evenly matched.

Ron Moose, a Trump supporter present at the rally, described the chaos: “I heard about four shots, saw the crowd drop, and then Trump ducked quickly. The Secret Service jumped to protect him immediately, within seconds.”

Moose also noted seeing a man running, pursued by officers in military uniforms, and additional shots fired, though he was unsure of the source. By then, snipers had set up on a nearby warehouse roof.

An eyewitness described a man armed with a rifle crawling on a roof near the event. The eyewitness, wearing a red Trump hat, recounted, “I was thinking, why is Trump still speaking? Why haven’t they pulled him off stage?” Moments later, five shots rang out.