Former President Donald Trump was the target of an assassination attempt during a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday, law enforcement officials reported.

Trump, with his ear covered in blood from what he described as a gunshot wound, was swiftly escorted away by Secret Service agents. His campaign later confirmed he was “fine.”

A local prosecutor confirmed that the suspected gunman and at least one attendee were dead. The Secret Service reported two spectators critically injured.

About two and a half hours after the incident, Trump posted on his Truth Social media site that a bullet “pierced the upper part of my right ear,” describing the immediate realization and significant bleeding.

The suspected shooter, killed by the Secret Service, marks the first assassination attempt on a president or presidential candidate since Ronald Reagan in 1981.

This incident occurs just four months before the presidential elections and days before Trump is to be named the Republican nominee at the party’s convention.

Trump’s spokesman, Steven Cheung, thanked law enforcement and first responders, stating Trump is “fine” and being evaluated at a local medical facility, with more details to follow, the Associated Press has reported.

The Secret Service noted the shooter fired from an elevated position outside the rally venue, confirming Trump’s safety and ongoing evaluation. President Joe Biden condemned the violence, calling it “sick.”

Officials, speaking anonymously to The Associated Press, clarified that the shooter was not a rally attendee and was killed by the U.S. Secret Service counterassault team, which engages active threats while other agents ensure the protection and evacuation of the person under their protection.

It remains unclear whether Trump was hit by gunfire or injured during the protective actions.

Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger confirmed in a phone interview that the suspected gunman was dead and at least one rally attendee had been killed.

Written by B.C. Begley