‘Monster’: Melania blasts Trump rally shooter

Melania Trump has made an emotional statement about the assassination attempt against her husband Donald, saying it brought her family close to the “brink of devastating change”.

Former US First Lady Melania Trump described the shooter as a “monster”.

Former First Lady Melania Trump has issued an emotional statement about the assassination attempt against her husband Donald, describing the gunman as a “monster” who brought her family to the “brink of devastating change”.

Melania claimed the shooter saw “my husband as an inhuman political machine” before opening fire.

She added that “political games are inferior to love.”

“When I watched that violent bullet strike my husband, Donald, I realised 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,” she said in a statement.

Donald Trump after an apparent rally shooting.

Secret Service personnel dived on the former President. Picture: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images/AFP

She also conveyed her sympathies to the other victims of the shooting as well as their families.

The gunman has been identified as 20-year-old Pennsylvanian Thomas Matthew Crooks, who was killed by the Secret Service, according to law enforcement. The FBI is investigating the incident.

Footage circulating on social media allegedly shows the shooter on a rooftop after being shot.

The FBI has identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks.

Mr Trump gestures to the crowd on his way off stage. Picture: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images via AFP

Former President Donald Trump, who had blood gushing out of his ear after the shooting before he was whisked away for treatment, later confirmed he will still attend the Republican National Convention in Wisconsin this week.

“I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realised then what was happening,” Mr Trump said after being treated at an unspecified medical facility.

“I want to thank the Secret Service, and all of law enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place.

“I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person who was badly injured.”

Donald and Melania Trump pictured together in 2021. Picture: AFP.

In a separate post, Trump said he believed “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,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

“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.”

His team has set up a fundraiser for the victims.