Donald Trump issues statement after being shot at election rally

The former President has spoken out

One spectator at the event was killed, with two more being critically injured.

The gunman was shot and killed by the Secret Service, and has since been identified by the FBI as Thomas Matthew Crooks.

"The FBI has identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the subject involved in the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump on 13 July, in Butler, Pennsylvania," the FBI said in a statement.

"This remains an active and ongoing investigation."

Following the incident, Trump took to his own social media platform Truth Social to issue a statement.

"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 wrote.

"Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured.

"It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead. 

"I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear," Trump continued.

"I 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 realised then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!"

The 78-year-old has since left hospital and returned home to New Jersey.

Witnesses told the BBC they saw a man with a rifle crawl onto a roof while Trump was speaking.

"We noticed a guy crawling... up the roof of the building beside us, 50 ft away from us," they told the outlet.