14/7/2024–|Last update: 7/14/202406:28 PM (Makkah Time)
An American website published a video showing an armed man who is suspected of shooting former US President Donald Trump. Footage shows the suspect on the roof of a building, holding a rifle, and what appears to be his body following being killed by a US Secret Service sniper.
The US Federal Bureau of Investigation confirmed today, Sunday, that last night’s shooting incident at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania was an assassination attempt. The FBI has identified the shooter, who was killed, and is currently investigating the incident.
According to US media, the FBI identified the gunman, who was shot dead by Secret Service agents, as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania.
🚨#BREAKING: New video obtained by TMZ shows the shooter, reportedly identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, opening fire at former President Donald Trump before being shot. In the background, a woman can be heard yelling Crooks, what are you doing?! Get over here! pic.twitter.com/q3xiySmHSk
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) July 14, 2024
The video clip, published by TMZ, shows the gunman lying on his stomach on the roof of a building, aiming a rifle at a target.
The website reported that “the young man had long brown hair and was carefully trying to identify the target from a distance before pulling the trigger.”
The footage does not show the man firing, but rapid shots can be heard followed by screams from people who are unseen. A man can be heard saying, “He’s turning this way, watch out,” while another says, “Someone’s been shot,” and adds, “He’s over there, lying on the ground.”
Meanwhile, a man’s voice is heard saying, “This is exactly why we need Trump here.”
Several bullets
The New York Times quoted a Secret Service spokesman as saying that the suspect fired several shots at the podium where Trump was standing from a high position.
“This shows the dangers of extremists having weapons,” the Secret Service spokesman said.
After hearing several shots, Trump was seen putting his hand to his ear, with blood running down his ear and cheek, as he had been wounded in the ear by a bullet. Trump then ducked under the podium, as Secret Service agents rushed toward him and surrounded him before evacuating him to a nearby vehicle.
Former US President Trump Shot in Pennsylvania Assassination Attempt
A video clip published by an American website showed an armed man suspected of shooting the former US President Donald Trump positioned on the roof of a building with a rifle in his hand, followed by footage of what appears to be the suspect’s body following he was killed by a US Secret Service sniper.
The US Federal Bureau of Investigation confirmed that the FBI concluded today, Sunday, that the shooting incident targeting Trump in Pennsylvania last night was an assassination attempt. The FBI identified the shooter, who was killed, as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old man from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, according to US media.
🚨#BREAKING: New video obtained by TMZ shows the shooter, reportedly identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, opening fire at former President Donald Trump before being shot. In the background, a woman can be heard yelling Crooks, what are you doing?! Get over here! pic.twitter.com/q3xiySmHSk
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) July 14, 2024
The video clip, published by TMZ, showed the gunman lying on his stomach on the roof of a building, pointing a rifle at a target.
The website reported that “the young man had long brown hair, and that he was carefully trying to identify the target from a distance before pulling the trigger.”
The man is not seen shooting in the footage released, but rapid succession of shots can be heard followed by screams from people not seen on camera.
A man can be heard saying, “He’s turning this way, watch out,” while another person is heard saying, “Someone’s been shot,” adding, “He’s over there, lying on the ground.”
Meanwhile, a man’s voice is heard saying, “This is exactly why we need Trump here.”
Several bullets
The New York Times quoted a Secret Service spokesman as saying that the suspect fired several shots at the podium where Trump was standing from a high position.
“This shows the dangers of extremists having weapons,” the Secret Service spokesman said.
After hearing several shots, Trump was seen putting his hand to his ear, while blood was running down his ear and cheek, as the bullet had wounded him in the ear.
Trump then ducked under the podium, as Secret Service agents rushed towards him and surrounded him, before evacuating him to a nearby vehicle.
Trump’s Post-Shooting Statements
Following the incident, Trump spoke to reporters from the hospital, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and expressing gratitude for the quick response of the Secret Service. He stated that he was “lucky” to have escaped with only a minor injury and expressed concern for the safety of the people around him. He also criticized the current political climate, which he argued had contributed to an environment of animosity and violence.
Public Reaction
The shooting incident sparked widespread outrage and concern across the nation, with many condemning the attack and expressing solidarity with the former president. Political figures from both sides of the aisle condemned the violence, emphasizing the need for unity and civility in the face of such threats. Social media platforms were flooded with reactions, with many users sharing their shock and horror at the incident.
Security Concerns
The shooting incident has raised concerns regarding the security of former presidents and the growing threat of political violence in the United States. Security experts are calling for a review of security protocols and an increased focus on protecting high-profile individuals from potential threats. Law enforcement agencies are facing increased pressure to address the issue of political extremism and the potential for violence associated with it.
The Future
The shooting incident is a sobering reminder of the dangers of political polarization and the importance of fostering a culture of respect and understanding. As the investigation continues, the nation awaits answers regarding the motives behind the attack and the broader implications for the political landscape.