A stunning new theory about the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump has emerged during a congressional hearing.
According to the Daily Mail, Republican Representative Clay Higgins of Louisiana proposed a controversial "second bullet" hypothesis during a House Task Force hearing investigating the July 13 shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Higgins, a former law enforcement official, questioned Dr. Ariel Goldschmidt, the medical examiner who conducted the autopsy on shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks. The congressman suggested that multiple bullets may have struck Crooks despite the official report indicating only one fatal wound.
During the hearing, Rep. Higgins asked Dr. Goldschmidt if a combination of two shots could have caused injuries on Crooks's shoulders. He specifically inquired about the possibility of the ninth shot fired that day striking Crooks before the fatal tenth shot.
Higgins proposed a theory reminiscent of the "magic bullet" controversy surrounding President John F. Kennedy's assassination. He suggested that two bullets might have entered Crooks's body through the same entry point, with one passing through completely.
Dr. Goldschmidt firmly rejected this theory, stating it was not possible based on the evidence from the autopsy.
The hearing also revealed new information from law enforcement officials present at the Trump rally during the shooting. Edward Lenz, Commander of the Butler County Emergency Services Unit (ESU), provided crucial testimony about the events that unfolded.
Lenz described how an ESU sniper under his command fired at Crooks just six seconds after the initial shots were heard. The sniper positioned 110 yards away, reported seeing Crooks recoil through his scope, suggesting the shot may have connected or at least frightened the shooter. However, Crooks reappeared moments later and was fatally shot by Secret Service personnel.
Dr. Goldschmidt's testimony provided clarity on the cause of Crooks's death. He confirmed that the autopsy, conducted on July 14, determined the shooter died from a single high-velocity gunshot wound to the head. The medical examiner stated:
There was no evidence of multiple bullet wounds. The fatal shot entered just above Crooks's lip.
The hearing also brought to light concerns about the preparation and communication between local law enforcement and the U.S. Secret Service leading up to the event.
Chairman of the Trump Assassination Task Force, Mike Kelly, R-Pa., likened the Secret Service's miscommunication to a game of telephone during the crisis. Several witnesses testified that they received minimal guidance from the Secret Service regarding positioning and rules of engagement.
Lenz stated that at no point during the preparation was his team asked to secure the AGR complex, from where Crooks ultimately fired his shots.
In conclusion, the congressional hearing on the Trump assassination attempt revealed a contentious new theory about a possible second bullet, which the medical examiner firmly rejected. Law enforcement testimony provided new insights into the chaotic events of July 13, highlighting potential lapses in communication and preparation. As the investigation continues, questions remain about the coordination between local and federal agencies in securing high-profile political events.
