Former President Donald Trump was rushed off stage by U.S. Secret Service Saturday after at least six shots rang out, rattling the crowd and injuring the president during a rally in Western Pennsylvania.

The gunman was killed by Secret Service agents, officials said. One spectator was killed and two others were "critically injured," the Secret Service said.

The ex-president released a statement not long after the shooting:

"I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear," Trump wrote. "I knew immediately that something was wrong in that i heard a whizzing sound and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin."

The shooting took place in Butler, a city about 35 miles north of Pittsburgh.

At least six loud bangs are heard while the president is on stage - some as he stands behind a podium and and some after he appears to crouch down behind the podium after the first shot.

Trump was removed from the site by Secret Service, with his fist raised, after the noises.

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During a live broadcast, Trump reached for his ear after shots broke out. He appeared to have blood on his ear, cheek and lips as he left the stage.

People began screaming as agents pushed Trump to the ground.

The crowd was evacuated and Secret Service removed reporters from the site, calling it "an active crime scene."

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Where was Trump's rally?

The rally took place in Butler, a rural area part of the greater Pittsburgh area.

As of the last census the city's population was just over 13,000 and, according to the United States Census Bureau, is 2.7 square miles.

The rally took place at the Butler Farm Show, a fairground in the county. 

Trump enjoyed broad support in the area in the 2020 election, capturing 65% of the vote to Biden's 33%.

'The former President is safe'

United States Secret Service Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi released the following statement shortly after the shooting took place.

"An incident occurred the evening of July 13 at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania. The Secret Service has implemented protective measure and the former President is safe. This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released."

Steven Cheung, Trump's spokesperson, confirmed in a statement that the former president was "fine" but being treated at an area medical facility.

"Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act," Cheung said Saturday.

Contributing: Joey Garrison and David Jackson

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.