7/14 9:05 AM PT -- Donald Trump released a statement on Truth Social saying ... "I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on 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."

"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, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!"

5:07 PM PT -- The Associated Press reports the shooting is officially being investigated as an assassination attempt on ex-President Trump. The would-be assassin has yet to be identified, but is confirmed to be dead.

4:21 PM PT -- A SOURCE WHO HAS SPOKEN WITH A MEMBER OF THE SECRET SERVICE TELL TMZ, TRUMP WAS NOT HIT BY A BULLET. RATHER, A BULLET HIT HIS TELEPROMPTER AND THE GLASS STRUCK HIM BY THE EAR.

We're also told 2 people at the rally were hit by gunfire and are in the hospital. We do not know their condition. Sources say the shooter was taken down by Secret Service. The Associated Press says the shooter is dead and one attendee was killed.

4:38 PM PT -- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. -- who's father was famously shot and killed in Los Angeles while running for president in 1968 -- released the following statement on X, "Now is the time for every American who loves our country to step back from the division, renounce all violence, and unite in prayer for President Trump and his family."

4:19 PM PT -- Footage is circulating online showing law enforcement dragging an individual out of the venue. Unclear if this is the shooter.

4:16 PM PT -- Candidate for a Senate seat in Pennsylvania David McCormick said during a Fox News interview that someone else in the crowd was hit, and was given first aid.

4:13 PM PT -- A spokesperson for the Secret Service has just tweeted about the incident ... reiterating that Trump is safe, and they are not investigating the incident. Further info will be released when available.

4:10 PM PT -- Elon Musk has tweeted out his endorsement for Donald Trump following the shooting ... saying he's the toughest president since Teddy Roosevelt.

4:00 PM PT -- While some outlets are reporting the shots came from inside the venue, others are saying the weapon was actually longer range from outside the event. It's unclear exactly which is the case at this time.

3:58 PM PT -- The White House has released a statement saying the former president is safe.

3:50 PM PT -- Steven Cheung -- Trump's communications director -- tells TMZ ... "President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act. He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow."

Donald Trump has been shot and injured at a rally in Pennsylvania.

The former President of the United States was giving a rally in Butler, PA when pops rang out through the crowd, causing confusion and screams to echo in the air.

Watch the video ... Trump clearly reacts as the sound of three shots ring out, then places his hand on his ear and drops to the ground. Secret Service lunges forward, wrestling him down -- protecting the Republican nominee with their bodies.

A flurry of bullets rang out afterward ... seemingly law enforcement returning fire though it's unclear exactly where those are coming from.

Trump's down on the ground for around a minute before his security detail wrenches him back to his feet, trying to hustle him away from the podium. Trump pushes back though, raising his fist in defiance to the shocked crowd.

While it's unclear exactly where the shot came from, it seems Trump was hit by one of the projectiles ... because blood is leaking from somewhere on his head near his ear.

Another photo shows the blood oozing from the side of his head down to his mouth ... though the former president appears unfazed and continues with his power fist toward the audience.

Secret Service continues pushing until DJT is off the stage and hustles him to his motorcade. He has been taken to a local medical facility.

Rifleman took the stage after Trump was rushed away ... keeping a wary eye out for the shooter or shooter.

We don't know the extent of his injuries.

Story Developing ...