As reported by Daily Mail, a new video has emerged showing the immediate aftermath of an attempted assassination on former President Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The attack, which occurred eight minutes into Trump's speech, resulted in significant chaos and the death of one attendee.
The video reveals the chaotic scene as Secret Service agents swiftly surrounded and shielded Trump after the gunfire. Among the confusion, Trump can be seen asking the agents for his shoes, which had been removed during the scuffle.
Photos taken after the incident show a ladder hidden behind trees leading to the roof of the nearby AGR building. This ladder is believed to have been used by Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old who positioned himself on the rooftop to carry out the attack.
Witnesses reported seeing Crooks acting suspiciously before the attack, including using a rangefinder and climbing with a backpack. Despite these warnings, Crooks managed to open fire 26 minutes after being spotted, resulting in one fatality and injuries to three others.
Law enforcement and the Secret Service are facing scrutiny for perceived lapses in security, with local police and Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle under intense pressure. Cheatle has stated she will not resign despite the criticism.
Secret Service snipers ultimately neutralized Crooks, who was killed after causing the fatal injury to one rally attendee. The swift action of the snipers prevented further casualties and secured the area.
During the attack, Trump was tackled to the ground by agents, resulting in his shoes being removed. Video footage shows agents tossing Trump's shoes off the stage, leading to his repeated requests for them afterward.
Trump later commented on the incident, explaining that the agents hit him so hard that his shoes fell off despite being tight. He praised the agents for their quick response, calling their actions "fantastic" and describing the experience as surreal.
An emergency room doctor on site performed CPR on the fatally wounded victim, who had sustained severe head injuries. Despite the efforts, the victim succumbed to their injuries.
Trump, who suffered minor injuries, including a bruise on his arm and a cut on his cheek, expressed his desire to return to the podium and continue speaking despite the shooting. He made his first public appearance following the attack at the Republican National Convention's opening night in Milwaukee.
The release of the new video has reignited discussions about the effectiveness of security measures at public events and the responsibilities of law enforcement agencies in protecting high-profile individuals. The video provides a stark reminder of the ever-present risks faced by public figures and the crucial role of the Secret Service in mitigating these threats.
In summary, the attempted assassination of former President Trump at a Pennsylvania rally has led to intense scrutiny of security measures, the quick response of the Secret Service, and the subsequent neutralization of the shooter. Trump's minor injuries and his requests for his shoes amidst the chaos have become a focal point of the incident, highlighting the unpredictable nature of such attacks.
