Trump says bullet pierced his ear, recounts ‘whizzing sound, shots’

Former President Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform on Saturday that he was “shot with a bullet,” which “pierced” his right ear, and recounted a “whizzing sound” and “shots” at his Pennsylvania rally.

“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. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening.”

Trump was rushed off stage at his campaign rally in Butler, Pa., less than 10 minutes after his event began. The former president was speaking about immigration when several shots rang out and Trump grabbed his ear before later being instructed to get down. 

Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesman for the U.S. Secret Service, said in a statement that a “suspected shooter fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside of the rally venue” at around 6:15 p.m.

“US Secret Service personnel neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased,” Guglielmi continued. “US Secret Service quickly responded with protective measures and the former president is safe and being evaluated.” 

One attendee died and two more were critically wounded, Guglielmi added.

“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 his post. 

“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.”

Updated at 9:23 p.m.