During an interview on Sunday, Senator Ron Johnson from Wisconsin, a Republican, raised eyebrows by hinting at the possibility of there being “more than one” shooter involved in the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. This statement referenced a conspiracy theory without concrete evidence.
Last week, at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Trump was hit by a bullet in his right ear in an incident classified by the FBI as an assassination attempt and potential domestic terrorism. The alleged shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was neutralized by a Secret Service counter-sniper. The attack also resulted in the death of former firefighter Corey Comperatore, 50, and left two others seriously injured, who are now reported to be in stable condition as of Monday.
In a released statement on July 14, the FBI stated, “While the investigation shows that the shooter acted alone, the FBI continues to explore the possibility of any co-conspirators linked to this attack.”
Following the tragic event, unverified conspiracy theories have surfaced online. One theory suggests the involvement of another shooter besides Crooks, including speculation about a second gunman positioned near the rally site, with claims of an additional individual observed on a water tower.
Online videos with poor quality have been circulated, showing a dark spot near the water tower’s vent, hinting at the presence of a person. However, there is no concrete evidence to support the existence of a second shooter.
During an appearance on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo, Senator Johnson questioned whether there was just one assailant involved or potentially more. He referenced “interesting” internet videos by purported experts that challenge the FBI’s narrative of a single shooter.
Johnson did not specify the particular videos or experts he was alluding to.
The senator urged all witnesses with relevant information to document and preserve their observations to assist with the ongoing investigation.
As the ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Johnson stressed the bipartisan effort in probing the incident, stating, “Chairman [Richard] Blumenthal and I are committed to conducting transcribed interviews with law enforcement and members of the public present at the rally.”
Expressing skepticism about the FBI and Secret Service’s investigative abilities, Johnson remarked, “We cannot rely on the FBI and Secret Service for a transparent and unbiased investigation. Unfortunately, we must seek information from other sources.”
The recent shooting raises concerns about the security of presidential candidates and has led to criticism of the Secret Service. Some have called for the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, who has held the position since 2022.
Questions arise regarding how Crooks managed to access a rooftop merely 150 meters from Trump’s stage. The Secret Service admitted to not inspecting the building, delegating that task to local law enforcement.
On Monday, Cheatle is scheduled to testify before lawmakers in a hearing titled “Oversight of the U.S. Secret Service and the Attempted Assassination of President Donald J. Trump.”