Donald Trump’s family’s reaction to the shooting: “I love you, Dad”

The family of former President Donald Trump has responded to his assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday evening.

In a statement shared on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), Ivanka Trump, the former president’s daughter, said: “Thank you for your love and prayers for my father and the other victims of today’s senseless violence in Butler, Pennsylvania. I am grateful to the Secret Service and all other law enforcement officers for their quick and decisive actions today. I continue to pray for our country.”

“I love you, Dad, today and always.”

Eric Trump posted a photo of his father on X shortly after the shooting with his arm raised in defiance, with the caption: “This is the fighter America needs!” He followed this with another post with the comment: “Never give up!”

Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., posted the same photo on X, accompanied by the words: “He will never stop fighting to save America.”

The defiant expressions of solidarity come after her father, Donald Trump, was grazed by a bullet that pierced part of his ear when a gunman opened fire at his rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday night.

One protester was killed and two others were seriously injured, according to the Secret Service, which neutralized and killed the gunman. The Secret Service and police were praised for their actions.

Authorities have not yet determined the identities of the injured and dead.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has identified Thomas Matthew Crooks as the “perpetrator involved in the shooting.”

“The FBI has identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the perpetrator involved in the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania,” it said in a statement Sunday morning.

The incident occurred as Trump was speaking to thousands of supporters at the rally. The shooting occurred just minutes after Trump’s speech, when loud bangs were heard and Trump ducked for cover while clutching his face or ear. When he got back up, he was surrounded by Secret Service agents and blood was streaming down his face.

Trump was taken off the stage and taken to nearby Butler Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Trump’s motorcade left the hospital around 9 p.m. and Trump left Butler shortly afterward, according to a statement from Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, as reported Newsweek.

Melania Trump, the former president’s wife, has not yet commented on the incident.

Newsweek emailed Melania Trump’s office on Sunday for comment.