The Gunman
Authorities are still searching for a motive behind the shooting of former President Donald Trump during a rally on Saturday night. The 20-year-old suspect, identified as Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, left no manifesto or social media clues explaining his actions.
Gunfire erupted just minutes into Trump’s speech, sending the crowd into chaos. Trump, visibly startled, grabbed his right ear and ducked behind the podium as shots rang out. “I saw the bullets go flying toward the stage,” a rally attendee said.
Trump supporter Gary Fleeger, who was in the stands about 30 feet behind the former president, described the terrifying moment: “I could hear zing zing. I could see him go like this [raising his hand to his head] like a bee had stung him and within seconds the Secret Service was all over the top of him.”
The Map
The sniper team quickly returned fire, stopping the attack within seconds. “A very difficult job identifying the threat and neutralizing it within a second,” said Paul Eckloff, a former Secret Service agent.
PHOTO: Police snipers return fire after shots were fired while Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump was speaking at a campaign event in Butler, Pa., on Saturday, July 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
After being helped to his feet by Secret Service agents, Trump pumped his fist in the air and shouted “fight” before being rushed from the scene. Supporter Carol Niklaus said, “We thought they killed him. We really did.”
The attack resulted in two critical injuries and one fatality among the crowd. Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old father and former Pennsylvania fire chief, was killed. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro paid tribute to Comperatore on Sunday, saying, “Corey dove on his family to protect them last night at this rally. Corey was the best of us.”
Pray for the daughters of Corey Comperatore. It is so, so hard to lose your dad at this age. pic.twitter.com/UFB8qKiCpG
— Caroline Downey (@carolinedowney_) July 14, 2024
The rally, held at a fairground now considered an active crime scene, was Trump’s last before the Republican National Convention. “This was just a bad day,” said Anthony K., a witness. “I was right there by the railing and fence. I could see it. This has gotta stop.”
On social media, Trump called on Americans to “stand united.” Angela Fleeger, another supporter, shared her shock: “We were excited. We were there to see the next president and this was just completely shocking.”
Investigators revealed that the AR-15-style rifle used in the attack was legally purchased by Crooks’ father, and explosives were found in Crooks’ car. They believe he acted alone.
The Witness
One witness reported trying to warn the Secret Service about a man climbing onto the roof near the rally. “We noticed the guy bear-crawling up the roof of the building beside us,” he said. “Next thing you know, I’m wondering why Trump is still speaking.”
A local police officer reportedly climbed to the roof but retreated when Crooks pointed the gun at him.
With the Republican National Convention starting in Milwaukee today, President Biden has directed the Secret Service to review all security protocols for the event. Meanwhile, a House committee has called on the head of the Secret Service to testify about the security shortfall that led to the assassination attempt.
The Miracle
In an interview with the New York Post, Trump said that if he hadn’t turned his head to read a chart, he would not have survived the attack.
“I’m not supposed to be here, I’m supposed to be dead,” he said. “I’m supposed to be dead.”
MORE ‘It Was God Alone’: Trump Gives Thanks to God for Protecting His Life from Assassin’s Bullets
***Please sign up for CBN Newsletters and download the CBN News app to ensure you keep receiving the latest news from a distinctly Christian perspective.***
#Piecing #Prelude #Assassination #Attempt #Gunman #Map #Miracle
