The Federal Bureau of Investigation has confirmed that the shooting during a rally held by former US President Donald Trump was an "assassination attempt" by the attacker. The federal pobe agency said that the identity of the shooter has been "tentatively identified" while the motive behind the attack was yet to be found.
The Republican leader was addressing a rally in the Butler area of Pennsylvania when gunshots were heard and Trump said that the bullet 'pierced' his upper part of the right ear. A person in the audience was killed while two other people were critically injured.
Addressing a press conference, the FBI said it was investigating the matter as an assasination attempt and the area is still an active crime scene. They further said that the attacker was not carrying any ID documents, so the officials were waiting for DNA and biometric data to make an identification.
"This evening we had what we're calling an assassination attempt on our former president Donald J Trump," said FBI field officer Kevin Rojek.
As per the law enforcement officials, the assailant who opened fire during the rally was identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Pennsylvania and the FBI said it was "surprising" that the shooter was able to fire so many rounds.
The State Police said they have identified the person killed and people injured but are not prepared to release names.