Before shots rang out at Donald Trump’s campaign event, a police officer had a face-off with the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, on a nearby roof, as told by two law enforcement sources to the Associated Press.
During the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday evening, the former President was hit by a bullet in the right ear. The suspected shooter, 20-year-old Crooks, was shot dead by the Secret Service. Another attendee was also killed, while the injured are currently stable.
Trump, according to his campaign spokesperson, was unharmed and received medical attention locally before being released. The incident is classified as an assassination attempt by the FBI.
The FBI is leading the investigation into Crooks’ actions and motives leading up to the shooting. He was seen on the roof with a rifle, aiming at Trump when the Secret Service intervened.
Eye witnesses alerted law enforcement about the shooter on the roof before the shooting began. A rally attendee noticed the shooter’s movements and tried to get help before shots were fired.
Following the incident, questions have arisen about security measures and protection for political figures like Trump. The shooting has prompted an investigation and calls for Secret Service reforms.
The shooting occurred ahead of the Republican National Convention, where Trump is expected to announce his vice-presidential running mate, setting the stage for the upcoming election against Joe Biden.
Trump confirmed his attendance at the convention, emphasizing his determination not to let the shooting disrupt his plans. Biden, meanwhile, ordered a review of security measures for the convention.
Biden acknowledged the Secret Service’s efforts and expressed condolences to the victim’s family. He assured that Trump is provided with adequate security measures as a former President and a prominent political figure.