As the investigation into the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump intensifies, questions are being raised about the U.S. Secret Service’s handling of the incident. The alleged gunman, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, managed to fire multiple shots from a rooftop overlooking the outdoor Pennsylvania rally stage where Trump was speaking. Law enforcement officials have revealed that Crooks was armed with an AR-15-style rifle and fired up to eight shots before being shot and killed by a Secret Service sharpshooter.
The firearm used in the attack was legally purchased by Crooks’ father in 2013, according to an urgent trace conducted by the ATF. Additionally, there were items found in the suspect’s car parked outside the rally that appeared to be explosives, possibly grenades. However, forensic results are still pending to confirm whether these items were indeed explosives. Bomb technicians and other experts have been called in to investigate.
The FBI has stated that there are no links between Crooks and any international terrorist group, but they are still looking into whether he had any ties to domestic terrorist organizations. The suspect had no U.S. military affiliation, according to the Pentagon. Investigators are also examining Crooks’ social media activity for any potential clues, particularly focusing on misinformation he may have recently consumed.
Former President Trump, who suffered a bullet wound to his right ear, had a conversation with President Joe Biden following the incident. Trump was less than 10 minutes into his campaign speech when the gunfire erupted. Video footage captured the moment when shots were fired, showing Trump reaching for his ear and falling to the ground. One attendee, Corey Comperatore, was fatally shot, while two others were critically injured.
The FBI is leading the investigation and executed a warrant at Crooks’ residence in Bethel Park. It is still unclear why the Secret Service or local law enforcement did not post someone at the building to prevent access to the rooftop. The Secret Service has denied reports that they rejected a request from Trump’s campaign team for additional security resources.
In response to the incident, Senator Josh Hawley has called for a full and public committee investigation into the assassination attempt, while the House Homeland Security Committee has requested testimony from Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle. Attorney General Merrick Garland has canceled his travel plans to closely monitor the investigation.
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