Shooter was a monster, says Melania Trump

Melania Trump, former US first lady, has described the shooter who attempted to assassinate her husband as a monster.

Gunshots interrupted former US President Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday while he was delivering a speech.

Trump said the “bullet pierced the upper part of my right ear” after he felt it ripping through his skin.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said the shooting was an assassination attempt by 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks.

One rally attendee was killed and two spectators were critically injured, authorities said. All were identified as men.

Reacting in a statement on Sunday, Melania said the incident shook her to the core.

“When I watched that violent bullet strike my husband, Donald, I realized my life, and Barron’s life, were on the brink of devastating change,” she said.

“I am grateful to the brave secret service agents and law enforcement officials who risked their own lives to protect my husband.

“To the families of the innocent victims who are now suffering from this heinous act, I humbly offer my sincerest sympathy.”

Melania expressed shock at how “a monster who recognized my husband as an inhuman political machine attempted to ring out Donald’s passion – his laughter, ingenuity, love of music, and inspiration”.

The former first lady reminded citizens of how humanity transcends politics and called for an ascension above hate.

The US Secret Service said its agents fatally shot Crooks, who attacked from an elevated position outside the rally venue.