Trump injured in shooting at Pennsylvania rally

Former US President Donald Trump is safe after a shooter opened fire at a rally hitting him in the ear and killing a spectator.

Suspected gunman, 20-year-old Pennsylvania man Thomas Matthew Crooks, was shot dead by US Special Service agents.

The Republic candidate was rushed off the stage after a bullet pierced his upper right ear. One spectator was killed and two others critically injured and officials say the shooting is being investigated as an assassination attempt.

The shots were fired just minutes after Trump started his speech.

Trump posted on social media site Truth Social that he “immediately knew something was wrong”.

“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 Secret Service released a statement saying the shooting came from outside the venue.

The gunman “fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside the rally venue”.

“It is incredible that such an act can take place in our country,” Trump wrote.

US President Joe Biden said he was “grateful” Trump was safe and doing well.

“Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it.”

He said the shooting was “sick”.

New Zealand Prime Minister also condemned the shooting on X (formerly Twitter).

“I’m shocked by the events at Donald Trump’s Pennsylvania rally today. My thoughts are with the former president, his family, and the victims of this attack. No country should encounter such political violence.”

The New York Times reports disinformation experts are warning of unsubstantiated claims about the attack flooding social media sites.