On Saturday, July 17th, 2024, a shooting incident occurred during a campaign rally for former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. The attack left the former president injured and at least one bystander dead.
Sequence of Events
According to the available information, the incident unfolded as follows:
- The rally was underway, with Trump addressing a crowd of supporters, when the first shot rang out approximately 62 minutes into the event .
- Secret Service agents immediately rushed to protect Trump, shielding him behind the podium. Blood could be seen on Trump’s right ear, indicating he had been hit by the gunfire .
- After a brief 20-minute break, during which Trump was evacuated from the stage, the shooting resumed, with a total of 6 shots fired .
- The alleged shooter, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, was positioned on the rooftop of a nearby building, approximately 410 feet away from the stage .
- Crooks had been spotted earlier by snipers positioned inside the building, who had alerted the authorities about his suspicious movements.
- When Crooks emerged with a backpack and made his way to the rooftop, a Secret Service sniper neutralized him, ending the attack .
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Aftermath and Investigation
- Trump was reported to be “fine” by a spokesperson, though the extent of his injuries was not immediately clear .
- Tragically, at least one bystander was killed during the shooting .
- The FBI and Justice Department are now investigating the incident, examining Crooks’ background and motivations to determine if the attack was politically motivated .
- The Secret Service has faced scrutiny, with the agency’s chief stating she will not resign in the wake of the shooting .
The shooting at the Trump rally has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, raising concerns about the safety of campaign events and the ongoing threat of political violence in the United States .