Trump says bullet pierced 'upper part' of right ear, in first statement after assassination attempt

Former President and 2024 GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump on Saturday night released a statement after an assassination attempt on him in which he said a bullet "pierced the upper part of my right ear."

The incident occurred at about 6:15 p.m. at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

"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," Trump said in a post to Truth Social. "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," he continued. "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!"

Two other people were wounded and one person was killed. The Secret Service is presumably referring to the shooter as the person killed.

Trump was taken to a nearby medical facility where he was treated for the wound.