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"It was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening," former United States (US) president and current presidential hopeful Donald Trump said on Sunday (July 14) hours after he survived an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.

In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said, "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."

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"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," he added.

Trump urges Americans to stand united

In the post, Trump, 78, urged all Americans to stand united. "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," he said.

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"I truly love our country, and love you all, and look forward to speaking to our great nation this week from Wisconsin," he added. The Republican presidential hopeful suffered a wound to his right year and suffered no major injury. The Trump campaign later said he was "doing well." 

Also read | How Trump assassination attempt has turbocharged his presidential re-run

Earlier on Sunday, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) identified the shooter as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks. He was a registered Republican, according to state voter records. 

Crooks was shot dead by Secret Service agents, the agency said, after he opened fire from the roof of a building about 140 metres from the stage where Trump was speaking. An AR-15-style semiautomatic rifle was recovered near his body.

Also watch | Donald Trump rally shooting: What we know so far

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One person who attended the rally was killed and two other spectators were critically wounded, the Secret Service said. 

Secret Service denies it refused additional protection for Trump

The Secret Service on Sunday denied claims that it had refused additional protection for Trump ahead of his rally. Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said on social media platform X that the assertions were "absolutely false."

Guglielmi said that the agency "added protective resources and technology and capabilities as part of the increased campaign travel tempo."

(With inputs from agencies)