Thomas Matthew Crooks purchased 50 rounds of ammunition just hours before the shooting near Trump, raising concerns about how he obtained a gun only 130 yards away from the former president.
As reported by Daily Mail, authorities later revealed that Crooks used an AR-style rifle, legally obtained by his father, to carry out the attack. The Secret Service is under intense scrutiny for not sweeping the roof where Crooks positioned himself.
Local law enforcement had flagged the roof as a security concern, but the Secret Service did not act on this information.
Multiple witnesses reportedly warned law enforcement about a gunman in the building, but these warnings went unheeded. A video emerged showing Crooks on the roof moments before he opened fire, highlighting the security failures.
Crooks was 130 yards away from where Trump was speaking when he opened fire. The bullet struck Trump in the ear, but he turned his head at the moment, possibly saving his life. Trump’s campaign has stated that he is otherwise "fine."
"Look, they're all pointing," a man behind the camera is heard saying in a video. "Yeah, someone's on top of the roof – look."
The video shows Trump supporters pointing towards the roof, questioning why Crooks was allowed there. After being shot, Trump raised his fist and shouted "fight," rallying his supporters even after the attack.
During the attack, Corey Comperatore, a former fire chief, was killed. David Dutch and James Copenhaver sustained critical injuries but are now stable. Law enforcement and police stood over Crooks' body on the roof after the assassination attempt, further investigating the scene.
Crooks is a registered Republican who had donated to a progressive group supporting Joe Biden. He graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022. The Bethel Park School District has confirmed Crooks' graduation and pledged full cooperation with investigators.
Trump’s campaign has reassured supporters that he is recovering well. They have also emphasized the need for stricter security measures in future events. Many of Trump’s fans have expressed their outrage over the security lapses that led to the incident.
The shooting has reignited debates about gun control and the accessibility of firearms. The incident is expected to lead to significant changes in how security is managed for high-profile events.
In conclusion, the attempted assassination of Donald Trump by Thomas Matthew Crooks in Butler, Pennsylvania, has exposed significant security lapses. Crooks, who legally obtained his weapon and ammunition, managed to get dangerously close to Trump despite warnings.
The attack resulted in the death of Corey Comperatore and critical injuries to others. The incident has sparked debates about security and gun control, with many calling for stricter measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
