In a harrowing episode during a Donald Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, gunfire erupted resulting in one fatality and two critically injured. A bullet grazed just above Trump's right ear. The U.S. investigative agencies are treating the attack as an assassination attempt on Donald Trump. Secret Service agents on the president's security detail swiftly neutralized the threat on-site.
The assailant has been identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old resident of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, about 40 miles south of Butler. An AR-15 semi-automatic rifle was found at the scene, likely the firearm used to target Donald Trump and his rally. The attacker was fatally shot in the head by the Secret Service in their counter-action.
Source: aajtak
Standing approximately 120 meters away on the roof of a manufacturing company, the gunman took aim and fired at Trump. The event took place in the open space of Butler Farm Show Grounds, offering the sniper a clear line of sight to the former president.
Behind the stage from where Trump was speaking, was a structure resembling a storage warehouse where the U.S. Secret Service's counter-sniper team was positioned. Shortly after the shooter opened fire, the counter-sniper team sprang into action, striking the assailant from around 200 meters away. The building where the shooter's body was recovered belongs to AGR International, a supplier of automated equipment for the glass and plastic packaging industry.
Source: aajtak
The building from which the shooter fired was adjacent to the Butler Farm Show Grounds, separated only by a barbed-wire fence. The shooting took place from above the building, to the back and left of the rally's spectator stands. According to American media, the attacker fired around 10 rounds, one of which narrowly injured Donald Trump's right ear. Secret Service agents rushed to move Trump from the scene, with blood visible near his ear and on his face.
Immediately following the assault on Trump, Secret Service agents quickly shielded him and evacuated the former president to his vehicle and subsequently to a hospital. After receiving initial treatment for his ear injury, Trump was discharged from the hospital.
Source: aajtak
A spokesperson for the U.S. Secret Service, Anthony Guglielmi, reported that the attack resulted in one death and two serious injuries among the rally attendees. He emphasized that an investigation is underway and the FBI has been informed. This shocking incident occurred just two days before the start of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where Donald Trump will formally be nominated as the party's candidate. In a message to his supporters, Donald Trump declared his determination to continue the presidential campaign undeterred by the attack, stating, 'No matter what happens, I will not surrender!'
