‘It was God alone who prevented the unthinkable’
Former US President Donald Trump has released a statement following a suspected assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania.
Trump was speaking at an event in Butler, Pennsylvania when a gunman opened fire.
A bullet clipped the ear of the 78-year-old and according to NBC, an audience member was killed.
The Secret Service located the shooter, who had positioned himself on a roof approximately 200 yards away from where the event was taking place and shot him dead.
He has since been identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks who, according to the New York Post, was a registered member of the Republican party.
In a statement released on his social media platform ‘Truth’ Trump said: “Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers yesterday, as it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening.
“We will fear not, but instead remain resilient in our Faith and Defiant in the face of Wickedness.
“Our love goes out to the other victims and their families. We pray for the recovery of those who were wounded, and hold in our hearts the memory of the citizen who was so horribly killed.
“In this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand United, and show our True Character as Americans, remaining Strong and Determined, and not allowing Evil to Win.
“I truly love our Country, and love you all, and look forward to speaking to our Great Nation this week from Wisconsin. DJT.”
After the Republican presidential candidate was struck, Secret Service personnel were quick to shield him and escort him from the stage.
Eyewitnesses at the scene said they had tried to notify police about the shooter before he opened fire.
Greg Smith told the BBC that he saw the man crawling along the rooftop: “He had a rifle, we could clearly see him with a rifle. We’re pointing at him, the police are down there running around on the ground.”
However, Kevin Rojek, Special Agent in charge of the FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office said that authorities weren’t aware of the gunman until the shooting began.
The FBI issued a statement once the suspect was neutralised which read: “US Secret Service personnel neutralised the shooter, who is now deceased. US Secret Service quickly responded with protective measures and the former president is safe and being evaluated.”
Trump was rushed from the scene to a nearby medical facility but has since been discharged.
An investigation is ongoing.
