FBI calls Trump rally shooting assassination attempt as secret service kills gunman

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) says the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania was an assassination attempt.

The former US president was hit in the ear after gunfire erupted while he was delivering a speech at his campaign rally on Saturday.

During a press conference after the incident, Kevin Rojek, FBI field officer, said: “This evening we had what we’re calling an assassination attempt on our former President Donald J Trump.”

The FBI said it is working to identify the gunman and ascertain the motive behind the attack.

Meanwhile, the US secret service said its operatives shot and killed the suspected gunman.

The secret service said one spectator was killed while two others were critically injured. The three victims were said to be all males.

The gunman was said to have used a rifle and fired from an elevated position outside the rally.

“US secret service personnel neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased. US secret service quickly responded with protective measures and the former president is safe and being evaluated,” Anthony Guglielmi, chief of communications, said in a statement.

President Joe Biden said he has spoken to Trump, noting that there is “no place in America for this sort of violence”.

Former President Barack Obama has also reacted to the incident, calling for “civility” in American politics.

“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.