Trump escapes a failed assassination attempt during a Pennsylvania campaign event

After a young gunman opened fire on the former US president during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, Donald Trump narrowly avoided death by wounding his right ear. This incident has the potential to significantly alter the already unstable political landscape in the lead-up to the highly anticipated presidential election. The attacker who tried to kill the former president was identified by the FBI as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20 years old man and a resident of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania.

As the shots rang out, Trump grabbed his right ear with his right hand, then brought his hand down to look at it before dropping to his knees behind the podium. The Secret Service agents then swarmed and covered him. He emerged about a minute later, his red "Make America Great Again" hat knocked off and could be heard saying "wait, wait," before agents ushered him into a waiting vehicle.

An audience member was also dead, while another person was in critical condition.

Saturday’s incident has also cast a shadow on the credibility of the United States Secret Service, the agency tasked with providing security to the US politicians.

The bullet, fired from an AR-15 style rifle, pierced Trump upper right ear, resulting in severe bleeding, after which the former US president was escorted out of the venue by the US Secret Service officials.

Following the shootout, the US agency is facing massive public backlash for failing to intercept the threat. As Trump supporters seek answers from the officials, a host of conspiracy theories are also floating alleging “deliberate” security lapses and internal involvement.

Pro-Trump billionaire Elon Musk has even asked for the resignation of the agency director Kimberly Cheatle. US President Joe Biden, condemning the act, has announced an independent investigation into how the attack took place.