Charles wishes Trump speedy recovery as gunman's former classmates say he was relentlessly bullied at school

KING Charles has written privately to Donald Trump, wishing him a speedy recovery after the former US president was shot during an assassination attempt.

- Christopher Bucktin

News of His Majesty's letter emerged yesterday as more details of the gunman were revealed.

As police in the US tried to find a motive for the attack, Buckingham Palace provided details of Charles's letter to Mr Trump, who was addressing the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

According to courtiers, the King's message was delivered via the UK embassy in Washington DC.

It is understood his letter condemned the violence, expressed condolences for the victims and their families and wished the former president and those injured a quick recovery. Buckingham Palace said the contents would be kept private.

Sources close to Mr Trump, who holds a deep affection for the royal family, said he had been "hugely touched" by the King's kindness.

In 2019, Charles, as the Prince of Wales, hosted Mr Trump and his wife Melania for afternoon tea at Clarence House with Camilla during a Nato summit in London.

The then-president was also feted with a state banquet hosted by the late Queen dur ing a state visit to the UK earlier that year.

Last night it was reported that Thomas Crooks, 20, inset below, purchased 50 rounds of ammunition hours before taking aim at Mr Trump on Saturday at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

It was also claimed that Crooks, who shot dead a Trump supporter and injured two more, tried out for his high school's rifle team but was turned away because he was a bad shooter. He was on the roof of a manufacturing plant about 130 yard away from Mr Trump when he squeezed out eight rounds. Secret Service snipers responded quickly, returning fire and killing him instantly.

Alongside his body was an AR-style semiautomatic assault rifle that his father had bought. He was wearing a shirt for a popular gun YouTube channel, Demolition Ranch.