Sun. Dec 22nd, 2024
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TRUMP fans shot during the failed assassination attempt on the former President may have been hit by the Secret Service.

Gunman Thomas Crooks, 20, tried to kill the president as he spoke during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday.

Donald Trump was shot in the ear by Thomas Crooks in a failed assassination attempt on Saturday

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Donald Trump was shot in the ear by Thomas Crooks in a failed assassination attempt on Saturday
Corey Comperatore was killed during the assassination attempt

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Corey Comperatore was killed during the assassination attempt
Supporters in the crowd ducked for cover in the stands

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Supporters in the crowd ducked for cover in the stands
Snipers shot Crooks dead almost immediately after he opened fire

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Snipers shot Crooks dead almost immediately after he opened fire
Gunman Crooks pictured at his high school graduation in 2022

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Gunman Crooks pictured at his high school graduation in 2022

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A police sniper then shot Crooks dead just moments after the wannabe assassin hit Trump in the ear.

His faithful dived to the ground during the horror attack as screams rang out around the field.

But, three innocent rally-goers were hit in the hail of bullets, leaving one man dead and two in a critical condition.

Corey Comperatore, a former fire chief, died when he was shot protecting his daughters from the flying bullets.

Authorities do not yet know who fired the fatal bullets that cut the “hero’s” life short meaning it could have been the Secret Service or cops as they returned fire.

Corey’s sister said in a post: “The PA Trump Rally claimed the life of my brother, Corey Comperatore. The hatred for one man took the life of the one man we loved the most.”

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said: “I asked Corey’s wife if it would be okay for me to share that we spoke. She said ‘yes.’ She also asked that I share with all of you that Corey died a hero.

“Corey dove on his family to protect them last night at this rally.”

The FBI is investigating whether the shooting was an act of terrorism, with Crooks’ phone being taken to the agency’s lab in Quantico, Virginia.

Crooks reportedly used an AR-style rifle to fire six to eight bullets at the president, CBS News reported.

Dad of Donald Trump gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, breaks silence as it’s revealed shooter was registered Republican

There were also bomb-making materials found at his home during an investigation.

One local cop climbed on top of the roof during the shooting and saw Crooks, who then pointed his rifle at the officer, per the Associated Press.

The officer quickly backed down the ladder and the gunman then shot toward Trump, according to the outlet.

President Biden has also ordered an independent review of security at the rally and has directed the Secret Service to examine measures for the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee this week.

In an Oval Office address, Biden said: “We must stand together.

“We do not know the motive of the shooter.”

But security experts have slammed the Secret Service for letting Crooks get onto the roof in the first place.

What we know so far:

Jim Cavanaugh, a former Secret Service agent, told NBC News he was surprised that the shooter was able to occupy a viewpoint within shooting range of the rally.

He said: “Whenever I’ve been with them, every single high ground is taken by them or the local SWAT police… there’s nobody allowed walking on rooftops. They command the high ground.

“Having been on Secret Service details, it’s amazing to me that somebody was on an elevated position that they didn’t know about.”

Steve Nottingham, a former SWAT commander, said Saturday’s shooting was “a fundamental security failure.”

Nottingham said the Secret Service had failed in its pre-event scouting of the area and real-time monitoring of places where a gunman could be.

He said: “They were behind the curve, because they should have had those places covered ahead of time.”

‘EXTEND MY CONDOLENCES’

Trump posted to his social media platform Truth Social after the shooting to share more about the moment he knew he was shot.

“I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania,” Trump wrote hours after the shooting.

“Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured.

“It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead.

“I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin.

“Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”

Members of Trump’s family as well as former presidents have condemned the shooting and offered their sympathy.

Former president Barack Obama said, “There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy” while President Joe Biden had a similar sentiment, saying, “We must unite as one nation to condemn it.”

Donald Trump Rally Shooting Timeline

DONALD Trump was shot at his Pennsylvania rally on July 13.

1pm: Doors open at the Butler Farm Show grounds where Trump was expected to speak at 5pm.

4:11pm: Sean Parnell gave the opening speech.

4:35pm: David McCormick rallied the crowd.

5:30pm: Crowds were still waiting for Trump.

6:03pm: Trump takes the stage.

6:11pm: Gunshots were fired as Trump delivered remarks.

6:12pm: Trump was ushered off stage by Secret Service agents.

6:42pm: Secret Service confirmed Trump is safe.

7:24pm: The shooter and one rally attendee are confirmed dead by law enforcement officials.

8:42pm: Trump confirms he was shot in the ear, sharing a statement on Truth Social.

8:49pm: The Secret Service confirms the shooter and a rally attendee are dead. Two others remain critically injured.

The former president took cover after the shots as the Secret Service drew their weapons

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The former president took cover after the shots as the Secret Service drew their weapons
Comperatore was described as a 'hero' for protecting his daughters

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Comperatore was described as a ‘hero’ for protecting his daughters
The former president - swarmed by Secret Service agents - with blood covering the right side of his face

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The former president – swarmed by Secret Service agents – with blood covering the right side of his face
One bloodied attendee told the media about his attempts to help someone in the crowd

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One bloodied attendee told the media about his attempts to help someone in the crowd

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