Florida, US

On Saturday (July 14)  during a Pennsylvania rally, shots were fired at former president Donald Trump. Trump was promptly whisked off the stage by his security personnel but the bullet injured his right ear.

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The FBI has identified the suspected gunman, who was shot and killed by the Secret Service, as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks. According to reports, the shooter and a bystander lost their lives in the incident.

While the world leaders are expressing their shock and condemning such an act of violence, some social media users are spinning conspiracy theories. 

One popular theory claims that 'The Simpsons' predicted an assassination attempt on Donald Trump. This theory gained traction after a user suggested that the animated series, known for its satirical portrayal of middle-class American life and uncanny predictions, had predicted the incident.

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Sharing a series of screenshots from the episode, one user said, "The Simpsons have some explaining to do."

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Another wrote, "No way The Simpsons predicted Donald Trump getting shot."

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In his first statement after the shooting attempt, Donald Trump said, “I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin.”

Also read: Trump assassination attempt: It didn`t kill him, but will it make him stronger?

"I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response to the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania. Most importantly, 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 that was badly injured,” he added.

Also read: Trump rally shooting: Witness recounts how man next to him was shot dead as former prez survived

“It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, and shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realised then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA,” Trump said.

(With inputs from agencies)