PENNSYLVANIA: Attempted assassination of Donald Trump at campaign Rally

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Sunday, July 14th, 2024

Donald Trump was shot in the ear during an attempted assassination at a campaign rally on Saturday, significantly impacting the presidential race and raising concerns about his security. Trump was swiftly surrounded and protected by his security team, emerging moments later with a blood-streaked face, and showing resilience by pumping his fist and mouthing “Fight! Fight! Fight!” Despite the dramatic scene, the Trump campaign confirmed that he was “doing well” and had not suffered any major injury.

The FBI identified 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the suspect involved in the attack. Crooks, a registered Republican, was shot dead by Secret Service agents at the scene. The attack also resulted in one attendee’s death and two others being critically wounded. Authorities have yet to determine Crooks’ motive.

Trump, 78, had just begun his speech when he was shot. He initially grabbed his ear and then dropped to his knees before Secret Service agents covered him. He later described the incident on Truth Social, stating, “I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. Much bleeding took place.” Trump was quickly transported to safety and later arrived at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey.

This incident is the first attempted shooting of a U.S. president or major party candidate since the 1981 assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan. The attack has prompted immediate scrutiny of the Secret Service’s security measures, especially as Trump is provided lifetime protection as a former president. The shooting comes less than four months before the November 5 election, where Trump faces a rematch with Democratic President Joe Biden. Opinion polls suggest a tight race between the two candidates.

Trump is set to receive the Republican Party’s formal nomination at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on Monday. His defiant response to the attack is expected to bolster his chances of reclaiming the White House, according to investors and political analysts.

Eyewitness accounts and subsequent investigations revealed that the shots were fired from outside the secured area. The FBI has taken the lead in the investigation, expressing surprise that the suspect managed to fire multiple shots. The House Oversight Committee has summoned U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to testify regarding the security breach on July 22.

Trump supporters have criticized the Secret Service’s handling of the incident. Conservative activist Jack Posobiec questioned how a sniper with a rifle could get so close to a presidential nominee. The Secret Service and FBI continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.