The Eagle News Service:

Former President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in United States on Saturday evening. The incident resulted in the death of a spectator and the gunman, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks.

Trump addressed a crowd of supporters, chaos erupted when shots were fired from an elevated position outside the venue. Witnesses described the former president swiftly ducking to the ground as Secret Service agents moved in to protect him. Despite suffering a bullet wound to his ear, Trump was visibly defiant, pumping his fist as the crowd chanted “USA.”

Security forces responded quickly, neutralizing the shooter, who had fired multiple shots. Tragically, one bystander was killed, and two others sustained critical injuries during the attack.

In a statement on his Truth Social platform, Trump recounted the moment he realized he had been shot, thanking law enforcement for their rapid response. After receiving medical attention at a local facility, he returned to New Jersey, reportedly in good spirits.

President Joe Biden condemned the violence in a national address, stressing that such acts have no place in American society. He also expressed sympathy for the victims and their families.

The FBI is currently investigating the incident, which marks the most serious attempt on a presidential figure since the 1981 assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan.

The nation remains on edge as authorities continue to piece together the events leading up to the tragic shooting at the political rally.