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Trump and Biden call for unity after assassination attempt at Trump rally

A bullet grazed former President Donald Trump's ear during a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump
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President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are calling for unity after an assassination attempt at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.

"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," Trump said on Truth Social.

Trump said he was hit in the upper part of his right ear before being ushered off the stage. He was reportedly checked out at a local hospital before flying back to New Jersey overnight, where he has a home.

The FBI identified the shooter early Sunday as a 20-year-old from Pennsylvania. A Secret Service officer shot and killed him moments after he shot into the crowd, killing one rally attendee and critically injuring two others.

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The victim who died was identified Sunday as 50-year-old Corey Comperatore, a husband and father of two children. Pennsylvania State Police identified the other two victims as David Dutch, 57, and James Copenhaver, 74. Both were said to be stable at an area hospital.

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"It was a chaotic scene," said Lt. Col. George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police. "Law enforcement, I believe, acted heroically — quickly identifying and neutralizing the threat, as well as responding to assist the various victims."

Trump thanked law enforcement for their actions and offered his condolences to the victims.

"Our love goes out to the other victims and their families. 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," Trump said on Truth Social.

RELATED STORY | Eyewitnesses to shooting at Trump rally describe what they saw

The FBI says the shooting remains an active investigation and is asking anyone with information, photos or videos to submit them at FBI.gov/butler or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

President Joe Biden speaks with Trump

President Joe Biden on Sunday addressed the nation for a second time since the shooting. He said he spoke with Trump briefly, adding that he's grateful that the former president is recovering.

"Jill and I are keeping him and his family in our prayers," President Biden said.

The president reiterated what he said Saturday night.

"There is no place in America for this kind of violence or any violence for that matter," President Biden said. "An assassination attempt is contrary to everything we stand for as a nation."

President Biden called on the country to unite, stating people should not lose sight of who they are as Americans.

Republican National Convention

Trump said on Sunday that he considered pushing back the Republican National Convention by two days, but ultimately decided against the schedule change.

"I cannot allow a 'shooter,' or potential assassin, to force change to scheduling, or anything else," he said.

Allies of the former president say Trump is in "good spirits" ahead of the convention.

"I think you're going to see a more emboldened Trump this week," said Scottie Nell Hughes, a Republican strategist and former Trump strategist.

The Republican National Convention will begin on Monday and run through Thursday.

During a press conference Sunday afternoon with law enforcement, including the Secret Service and FBI, officials said there is no known threat against the RNC and no changes are being made to the event's security plan.