Donald Trump assassination attempt: Melania Trump breaks silence after husband survives ‘monster’ shooter

Former US President Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, have called for unity after he survived an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania, which killed one attendee and critically injured two others.

In his second statement, since he narrowly escaped with his life after a bullet fired from an AR-15-style semiautomatic rifle “pierced” his upper right ear on Saturday local time, Mr Trump issued his prayers to everyone impacted by the attack.

“Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers yesterday, as it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening,” the 78-year-old said on his TruthSocial platform.

“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.”

The FBI has identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks — who went to school less than an hour down the road from Butler Farm Showgrounds, where the rally was held.

Crooks was shot dead after being located on a roof with a rifle, around 130m from the stage where Trump was speaking.

Bullets fired by Crooks killed an attendee and wounded two others. It is reported they both remained in a critical condition.

“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,” Mr Trump continued.

“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, and look forward to speaking to our Great Nation this week from Wisconsin.”

In the hours following his statement, former first lady Melania Trump broke her silence — describing the shooter as a “monster” who tried to “ring out Donald’s passion”.

“I am thinking of you now, my fellow Americans,” she said.

“We have always been a unique union. America, the fabric of our gentle nation is tattered, but our courage and common sense must ascend and bring us back together as one.”

“When I watched that violent bullet strike my husband, Donald, I realized my life, and Barron’s life, were on the brink of devastating change. I am grateful to the brave secret service agents and law enforcement officials who risked their own lives to protect my husband.

Mrs Trump, 54, extended her sympathies to the “innocent victims” who were killed and injured at the rally.

“A monster who recognized my husband as an inhuman political machine attempted to ring out Donald’s passion - his laughter, ingenuity, love of music, and inspiration. The core facets of my husband’s life – his human side – were buried below the political machine. Donald, the generous and caring man who I have been with through the best of times and the worst of times.”

“Dawn is here again. Let us reunite. Now.”

“I am thinking of you, my fellow Americans. The winds of change have arrived. For those of you who cry in support, I thank you. I commend those of you who have reached out beyond the political divide – thank you for remembering that every single politician is a man or a woman with a loving family.”