The FBI has confirmed that former President Donald Trump was struck by a bullet or a bullet fragment when a gunman fired at him earlier this month. The agency released a statement on Friday, saying, "What struck former President Trump in the ear was a bullet, whether whole or fragmented into smaller pieces, fired from the deceased subject's rifle."

The incident occurred on July 13, 2024, during a political rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Trump was campaigning for his second term. The gunman, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, opened fire at the rally, killing a 50-year-old former fire chief and seriously wounding two other rally-goers.

Trump, who was seen wearing a bandage on his ear during the Republican National Convention, has repeatedly asserted that he was struck by a bullet. His former White House physician, Ronny Jackson, also confirmed that Trump was hit by a bullet.

The FBI's statement comes after FBI Director Christopher Wray received criticism for saying it was unclear whether Trump's bloodied ear was the result of a bullet or shrapnel during a congressional hearing on Wednesday.

The FBI has said it is seeking to interview Trump as part of its investigation into the assassination attempt. The agency also said it continues to examine bullet fragments and other evidence in the attack.