Featured Image Credit: REBECCA DROKE/AFP via Getty Images/Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
Topics: Donald Trump, Politics, US News, Health
Poppy Bilderbeck
Topics: Donald Trump, Politics, US News, Health
Donald Trump has spoken out following being 'pierced' by a bullet as gunshots rang out at a rally.
Yesterday evening (13 July) at around 6:15pm, the former president of the US was making a speech at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania when gunshots sounded.
A video of the rally shows the moment multiple gunshots can be heard sounding through the air.
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Trump's hand can be seen flying to the right hand side of his face before he ducks to the ground, as members of the Secret Service rushing onto the stage to cover him.
As the 78-year-old is ushered off the stage, Trump rises through the agents raising a first into the air in defiance, but with blood on his face.
The Secret Service released a statement earlier today (14 July) confirming 'a suspected shooter fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside of the rally venue'.
It continued: "US Secret Service personnel neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased. US Secret Service quickly responded with protective measures and the former president is safe and being evaluated."
And Trump has since spoken out about the incident and his health.
Trump took to social media platform Truth Social, which he founded.
His statement reads: "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.
"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. 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 realised then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!"
Trump has since left hospital and has returned to his home in New Jersey, BBC reports.
The Republican National Committee added on its website that Trump is 'doing well' and is 'grateful to law enforcement and first responders for their fast action'.
It continues: "President Trump looks forward to joining you all in Milwaukee as we proceed with our convention to nominate him to serve as the 47th President of the United States. As our party's nominee, President Trump will continue to share his vision to Make America Great Again."
The incident is still being investigated and the Secret Service stated it had 'formally notified the Federal Bureau of investigation'.
The FBI has since identified the alleged shooter as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, from Bethel Park in Pennsylvania.
One spectator is confirmed as having been killed and two others are reported as having been critically injured.