POLITICS
Incredible photo shows bullet flying past Donald Trump’s head during assassination attempt
The former US president was left bleeding after being struck in the ear during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Donald Trump was at an election rally in Butler, Pennsylvania when gunshots from somewhere in the crowd began to ring out. He took cover, with assistance from the Secret Service, but not before a bullet had grazed his ear. An iconic, if shocking, moment in world history that was caught on camera in quite incredible fashion by New York Times photographer Doug Mills.
Mills attended the rally and snapped the former US president just as a bullet whizzed past his head. A number of shots were fired by gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks, one of which clipped Trump’s ear, causing him to reemerge with blood streaming down the right side of his face. Whether the one seen in Mills’ photo is the one which partially connected with the 78-year-old is unclear.
Donald Trump is out of danger
One man sadly died and two others were critically injured as a result of the shooting, with Crooks swiftly killed by the Secret Service (although not swiftly enough).
After being taken to a local medical center for treatment, Trump posted a statement on Truth Social, a social network he himself founded. In it, he condemned the attack, offered his condolences to the families of the other victims and thanked the Secret Service and local law enforcement for their reactions to the incident: “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”.
He also confirmed that he was struck by a bullet that “pierced the upper part of my right ear” and that he “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.”
In true Trump style, he ended the post in defiant fashion: “GOD BLESS AMERICA!”
Politicians around the world condemn Trump attack
Leaders from numerous countries around the world have been quick to condemn the attempt on Trump’s life. One of the first to comment was current president Joe Biden, who said he was “grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well”. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Javier Milei, the president of Argentina, and French president Emmanuel Macron have also shared messages of support for the 78-year-old.