Trump ‘defiant in the face of wickedness'

DONALD Trump credited God for saving him from "the unthinkable" after coming within an inch of death when a would-be assassin opened fire on the former US President.

- Christopher Bucktin

The Republican frontrunner was left bloodied after he was struck in the right ear in a shooting at his campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday.

One Trump supporter, last night identified as retired fire chief Corey Comperatore, 50, was killed as he shielded his wife and daughter from the gunfire. Two other men were critically injured and remained in hospital last night.

The FBI identified the attacker as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, who was shot dead by secret service snipers as he tried to flee the roof from where he fired.

Last night witnesses claimed they had warned security about the gunman "three or four minutes" before he opened fire.

Trump was taken to hospital after being bundled off stage by secret service agents.

On his Truth Social media platform yesterday, he said: "It was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening. We will FEAR NOT, but instead remain resilient in our faith and defiant in the face of wickedness.

"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.

"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.

"I truly love our country and love you all."

Yesterday Trump's senior campaign adviser said Mr Trump's life was saved only by his insistence on making reference to charts on the jumbotron video screen during the rally.

Dan Scavino said a slight move of his boss's head to the visual aid on screen was the reason he was not fatally struck. He added: "Thank God last night's rally was one in which President Trump wanted to use and reference the jumbotron, causing him to slightly move his head at the moment shots were fired."