New Delhi: Former US President Donald Trump was shot at during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday (July 13). The US secret service, in a statement on X, said that the shooter had been “neutralised”. 

The bullet is said to have pierced the upper part of Trump’s right ear and the Republican presidential candidate was “doing well” after the shooting, his team said.

A "suspected shooter fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside of the rally. US Secret Service personnel neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased,” the US secret service statement said. One spectator was killed and two others were critically injured, it added.

According to Al Jazeera, the shooting took place just as Trump began his speech. The former president touched his ear and dropped to his knees behind the podium. He was then swarmed by security officials and ushered off the stage.

“US Secret Service quickly responded with protective measures and the former president is safe and being evaluated. The incident is currently under investigation and the Secret Service has formally notified the Federal Bureau of investigation,” Anthony Guglielmi, chief of communications for the secret service said. 

The incident has drawn criticism from both political camps in the US with statements condemning the shooting from former US President Barack Obama and incumbent President Joe Biden among others.

“There’s no place in America for this type of violence. It’s sick. It’s sick,” Biden said.

"There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy. Although we don't yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn't seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics," Obama said.

The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.