Viral photo shows Donald Trump dodging bullet that grazed his right ear after split second head tilt

Trigger Warning: This article contains some graphic information and content that may trigger some readers. Discretion is advised.

HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA: A photo taken at former President Donald Trump's Pennsylvania rally shows a gunshot that narrowly missed his head.

The image, captured by New York Times photographer Doug Mills, features a gray streak just above Trump's left shoulder.

In other photos taken by Mills, Trump is seen inspecting his right ear, and in another image, he has blood on his hand after checking it, according to Marca.

Photo shows bullet flying past Donald Trump's head before grazing his right ear

After the incident, Trump posted on Truth Social that a bullet had "pierced the upper part of my right ear." He described the sensation of the bullet "ripping through the skin" and mentioned hearing a "whizzing sound."

Trump notably expressed his gratitude to law enforcement in Butler, Pennsylvania, and the US Secret Service for their swift response. He also extended his sympathies to the families of the deceased and to the individual who was seriously injured at the rally.

Additionally, the shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Mathew Crook, was killed by Secret Service snipers. When the counter-sniper team heard the shots fired from Crook's rifle, they returned fire, resulting in his death at the location where he targeted the former president.

Additionally, records show that Crooks was a Republican voter in Pennsylvania. However, federal campaign finance documents reveal that on January 20, 2021—President Joe Biden's inauguration—he contributed $15 to a progressive political action committee, as per Associated Press.

Eye witness calls the incident a 'terrible tragedy'

When the gunfire erupted, Rep Dan Meuser and several other Republican candidates and officials were seated in the front row. He told the AP, "It was pretty clear after the first pop that it was gunfire. My eyes were glued on Trump. It was just a lot of mayhem, and just a terrible, terrible tragedy, a terrible shame."

Meuser stated that he had met Trump earlier in the evening, describing the former president as "loose," "cool," and playful during their interaction.

The congressman expressed appreciation for the many texts and calls he received from both Republican and Democratic colleagues, including Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro, who reached out to check on him. However, he noted that the incident left him feeling upset and somewhat powerless.

He said, "The level of lack of civility and hostility, maybe this will send a ringing signal to all those to cool it."

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