By Stephen Zogopoulos, USNN World News
Butler, Pennsylvania – On July 13, former President Donald Trump’s rally at the Butler Farm Show grounds in Butler, Pennsylvania, was disrupted by a shocking act of violence. Greg Smith, a local resident who couldn’t get inside the venue, described witnessing the events unfold from outside.
“I had a clear view of the roof’s backside. I saw a man crawling up, bear-crawling, with a rifle,” Mr. Smith recounted. He and his group immediately tried to alert the nearby Secret Service agents to the impending threat.
“We could see the agents looking our way. I stood there for about a minute or two, pointing at the guy on the roof. The police were running around at the building’s base,” he said. “We kept shouting, ‘There’s a man on the roof with a rifle.’ But the police seemed confused. Next thing we knew, the man reached the roof’s peak and started firing. I couldn’t tell how many shots exactly, but it was a few.”
According to Mr. Smith, the Secret Service ultimately engaged the shooter. The attacker fired rounds into the rally, hitting former President Trump in the right ear and injuring three attendees, one fatally.
The FBI identified the shooter as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. As of now, the investigation continues with no disclosed motive, but authorities are treating the incident as an attempted assassination.
Pandemonium ensued as the shots rang out. “This isn’t what politics should be about,” stated Mr. Smith, sporting a red “Trump 2020” visor. “We may disagree with Joe Biden, but violence isn’t the answer. That’s not what America stands for.”
Former President Trump was swiftly escorted off the stage by Secret Service agents and taken to a local hospital. After being treated and released, he flew to his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey. Trump’s campaign later confirmed he was “doing well” despite the wound to his upper right ear.
Our hearts go out to the individuals who were wounded and to the family and friends of the person who lost their life in this tragic incident. We extend our deepest sympathies and support during this incredibly difficult time. The loss and pain felt by those affected are immeasurable, and our thoughts are with them as they navigate through this period of grief and recovery. We hope that our former President Donald J. Trump finds renewed strength in knowing that, despite the dangers, his followers remain steadfast in their support, flocking to his rallies with unwavering dedication.
The attack has cast a spotlight on the Secret Service’s security protocols. In response, the House Oversight Committee has summoned Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle for a hearing on July 22 to address these concerns.
This incident has also brought to light questions regarding the security measures—or the lack thereof—for other presidential candidates. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a notable challenger to President Biden, has voiced concerns about inadequate protection amidst the current volatile political climate. Critics are pressing the administration and Secret Service to ensure that all candidates receive appropriate security to prevent future tragedies.
In the aftermath, leaders from both political parties condemned the violence. President Joe Biden called for national unity in denouncing such acts, while Trump’s allies, including Representative Steve Scalise, highlighted the perceived threat of political violence incited by extreme rhetoric.
With less than four months until the November 5 election, this act of violence underscores the deep political divisions and fears of further incidents. Trump’s resilience, marked by his defiant message post-attack, may invigorate his campaign and his supporters.
As the nation contends with this latest episode of political violence, the call for fair and comprehensive security measures for all candidates becomes ever more urgent. Ensuring the safety of those pursuing public office is critical to upholding the democratic process.
Latest Developments
- Shooting under investigation as assassination attempt
- Slain suspect identified as 20-year-old Pennsylvania man who donated to democratic leftist organizations and was registered as Republican
- Trump leaves area of shooting, ‘doing well’
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