Trump says ‘God alone’ saved him in assassination attempt in Pennsylvania

Former President Donald Trump said Sunday it was “God alone” who prevented his assassination and pledged to remain defiant “in the face of wickedness” as the Republican Party prepares to open its national convention in Milwaukee.

Mr. Trump also offered condolences to other victims in the shooting that turned his campaign rally in Butler County, Pennsylvania, into a crime scene Saturday and shocked the nation.

“Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers yesterday, as it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening,” Mr. Trump posted on Truth Social.

Mr. Trump was struck in the right ear but survived and is reported by aides to be “fine.” He was walking unaided when he arrived in New Jersey early Sunday.

One rally attendee was killed and two others were critically injured, the Secret Service said.

“Our love goes out to the other victims and their families. We pray for the recovery of those who were wounded, and hold in our hearts the memory of the citizen who was so horribly killed,” Mr. Trump posted. “In this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand United, and show our True Character as Americans, remaining Strong and Determined, and not allowing Evil to Win.”

The FBI identified the gunman as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania.

Crooks opened fire on Mr. Trump from the rooftop of a building less than 150 yards from the Pennsylvania event stage while Mr. Trump was speaking. He was quickly shot and killed by Secret Service agents.

Law enforcement recovered an AR-style rifle at the scene of the shooting, a source told the Associated Press.

The political leanings of Crooks were not immediately clear.

Records show Crooks was registered as a Republican voter in Pennsylvania. Still, federal campaign finance reports also show he gave $15 to a progressive political action committee on Jan. 20, 2021, the day President Biden was sworn in to office.

• Dave Boyer contributed to this report.