‘I was shot with a bullet’: Trump releases statement on Truth Social after shooting

Former President Donald Trump released a statement on Truth Social after a shooting Saturday during his campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Trump was injured and the Secret Service was investigating a possible assassination attempt. A shooter died, according to Butler County District Attorney Richard A. Goldinger. A rally attendee also died and another was injured.

“I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear,” Trump wrote. “I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin.”

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Here is the complete statement on Truth Social:

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 realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!

VIDEO OF THE SHOOTING

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During the shooting, Trump stopped speaking to the crowd, held his right ear, and moved lower behind the podium. The U.S. Secret Service surrounded him. During a coordinated response, someone shouted, “Shooter is down!”

There was blood on Trump when he stood back up. He raised his right fist, as U.S. Secret Service agents formed a ring around him to protect him while moving him away from the podium.

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The agents took him away from the crowd and into a vehicle. Some in the crowd screamed in terror. The U.S. Secret Service counterattack group in military gear rushed into the rally to search for the threat. U.S. Secret Service agents in suits wielded their guns.

The U.S. Secret Service later released a statement saying the incident was an “active investigation.”

Law enforcement evacuated the rally and used crime scene tape to block an area. A police helicopter flew above the area.

Steven Cheung, a spokesman for the Trump campaign, released a statement: “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.”

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Photos from the rally

ABC News video right after the shooting

This is a developing story. CNN, ABC News, and the Associated Press contributed to this report. Torres is reporting from the Local 10 News headquarters in Pembroke Park.