Former President Donald Trump was shot during a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday, prompting swift action from law enforcement and widespread concern across the nation. President Joe Biden addressed the incident from the Oval Office on Sunday night, expressing relief that Trump's injuries were not more severe.

The shooting occurred at a presidential campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, located in the western part of the state, approximately an hour north of Pittsburgh. About six minutes into Trump’s speech, he visibly reacted to popping noises, clutching his ear. Secret Service agents quickly surrounded him as chaos erupted among rally attendees.

Trump, after momentarily taking cover, stood up with assistance from agents, bravely acknowledging the crowd with a raised fist despite visible blood on his ear and face. He was swiftly escorted offstage and transported to safety.

The assailant, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, fired multiple shots, tragically resulting in the death of one spectator, former firefighter Corey Comperatore, and leaving two others critically wounded. David Dutch, 57, and James Copenhaver, 74, are currently hospitalized in stable condition at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.

Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and Secret Service, are treating the incident as an assassination attempt and an act of domestic terrorism. Kevin Rojek, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Pittsburgh field office, emphasized the ongoing investigation to determine Crooks' motive, which initial findings suggest may be tied to political ideology.

Crooks, armed with a semiautomatic rifle, fired shots from a nearby rooftop outside the Secret Service’s established security perimeter. Despite efforts by local police to locate him before the shooting, Crooks managed to evade detection until he opened fire.

President Biden condemned the attack, urging national unity and cautioning against premature conclusions about the shooter’s motives. He has directed the Secret Service to enhance security measures for Trump and ordered a comprehensive review of security protocols ahead of the Republican National Convention.

In response to the harrowing incident, Melania Trump expressed gratitude to law enforcement while emphasizing the need to transcend political divisions. Trump’s children—Ivanka, Donald Jr., and Eric—voiced solidarity and resilience, underscoring their father’s determination to continue fighting for the country despite the violent threat he faced.

As investigations continue, the nation remains on edge, grappling with the implications of an attack that targeted a former president during a public event, highlighting the ongoing challenges of ensuring security in a polarized political climate.