The attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, has raised significant concerns about the effectiveness of the Secret Service. An eyewitness claims to have alerted security forces to the perpetrator minutes before the shooting, but the attack was not prevented.
According to an eyewitness interview with the BBC, a man and his friends spotted the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, as he took up position on a roof with an assault rifle. Despite their efforts to alert the police and Secret Service agents, no action was taken until after several shots were fired. Crooks, dressed in light camouflage, managed to fire multiple shots, one of which grazed Trump's ear, causing a bleeding wound. A bystander was killed, and two others were seriously injured before a Secret Service sniper neutralized the shooter.
In the wake of the attack, the Secret Service faces intense scrutiny and criticism. The agency has denied allegations that it failed to provide adequate protection for Trump, stating that additional protective measures were in place. However, questions remain about how the shooter was able to get a clear shot at the former president.
The incident has prompted a strong response from political figures across the spectrum. Attorney General Merrick Garland has vowed to devote all available resources to the investigation, while Republican Party officials, including Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., have assured supporters that the former president is in good spirits and remains committed to his campaign.
The attack has also sparked international reactions. Argentine President Javier Milei blamed the 'despair of the international left' for the attack, while Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel criticized the arms business in the United States. President Joe Biden condemned the attack and called for unity, emphasizing that political violence has no place in the country.
- The shooting occurred during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Trump had been speaking for only a few minutes. The Secret Service quickly evacuated Trump from the stage, and heavily armed police officers intervened to protect the public. The agency confirmed that the shooter was outside the rally venue and fired multiple shots toward the stage.
- Republican Party officials have confirmed that plans for the Republican convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, will proceed as scheduled. Trump's first statements after the attack were posted on his Truth social network account, where he expressed gratitude to the Secret Service and law enforcement agencies for their quick response.
- The attack has brought political violence to the forefront of the US election campaign. President Biden's appearance highlighted the need for unity and a collective condemnation of political violence. Despite the attack, Trump and his supporters remain resolute in their campaign efforts.
