On July 13, a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, was disrupted by gunshots fired from a rooftop.
As reported by Fox News, the Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner noted that besides would-be Trump assassin Thomas Crooks, there were at least two other suspicious individuals at the July 13 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Crooks, 20, was first observed as suspicious around 5:10 p.m. by authorities. Despite ongoing surveillance, he later used a rangefinder while looking at his phone, raising further suspicion.
A photo of Crooks was taken and shared in a "Sniper Group" chat, heightening alert levels. The Secret Service noticed him on a roof roughly 150 yards from where Trump was set to speak.
Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Christopher Paris confirmed that Crooks never breached the rally's secure perimeter. “He never made it through the secure perimeter into the venue space itself,” Paris stated.
However, the officer assigned to monitor the rooftop, where Crooks had positioned himself, temporarily left due to the extreme heat. This lapse in supervision allowed Crooks to fire shots just before Trump was to appear.
Authorities dealt with numerous issues that day, including over 100 attendees needing medical attention due to the heat. There was also the case of a missing six-year-old, which strained resources and attention.
Rep. Andrew Garbarino questioned if Crooks was the only suspicious person identified during the event. “Was [Crooks] the only one determined to be suspicious that day?” he asked. Commissioner Paris responded, “No, he was not.” This acknowledgment pointed to additional individuals being noted but not specified during the rally.
Paris offered additional context, describing Crooks as someone who was identified during his movements outside the venue but did not enter the secured area. “He was walking around and not moving into the venue,” Paris noted.
The rangefinder use coupled with Crooks' suspicious behaviors led to an elevated state of alertness among law enforcement. “There was a text thread that was going... They took a photo of him at some point when he utilized the rangefinder. The suspicion was heightened,” explained Paris.
Despite the vigilance, Crooks fired shots less than 20 minutes after being seen on the roof. The specifics of his motives and how he managed to evade closer scrutiny are still under investigation.
The unfortunate lapse of a law enforcement officer leaving his post due to the heat might have provided Crooks the undetected opportunity to act. Paris emphasized that, at the time of these events unfolding, there was no confirmed information indicating Crooks was armed.
Crooks was flagged as a person of interest and ultimately fired shots from a rooftop. Security measures and rapid response likely prevented further escalation. Unrelated issues like medical emergencies due to heat and a missing child added complexity to the situation. Further details about other suspicious individuals and their potential connections to Crooks' actions remain undisclosed, pending investigation. The authorities' quick actions, despite the failures in monitoring, underscore the challenges of ensuring security at large public events.
The tranquility of a campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania, was shattered on July 13.
An attempted assassination of Donald Trump occurred, with the shooter firing eight shots before being neutralized by Secret Service snipers, leading to Trump's ear injury, one fatality, and another person wounded.
The Daily Mail reported that new footage of that horrific event has surfaced showing the moment Crooks opened fire and sending the people nearby fleeing.
The shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Crooks, initiated his attack from a rooftop about 400 feet from the stage. Armed with an AR-15-style rifle, Crooks managed to fire eight rounds in a matter of six seconds.
The Secret Service reacted quickly, with snipers taking the first counter shot approximately 5.5 seconds after Crooks began his onslaught.
Despite their rapid response, Crooks managed to injure Trump and fatally wound a rally attendee before being killed ten seconds into the shooting.
John Malice, a witness and videographer, captured critical footage of the event. He noted the lack of security protocols such as metal detectors for those near the nearby AGR building.
"We just kind of ignored it because we thought it was some person trying to get a better view," Malice remarked, recalling how Crooks scaled the building just moments before the attack.
The situation was exacerbated by the Pennsylvania State Police's failure to observe Crooks’ movements as they left their designated posts. Local officers had noted earlier suspicious behavior by Crooks, who was seen using a rangefinder before the shooting.
The Secret Service, under scrutiny for the breach, faced further embarrassment when its Director, Kimberly Cheatle, resigned following the incident.
Cheatle revealed that vulnerabilities on the roof were known days prior to the rally and conceded full responsibility for the security lapse.
"This was the most significant operational failure we've seen in decades," Cheatle acknowledged, emphasizing the severity of the breach.
Further investigation revealed that Crooks had conducted online research into details about Trump, President Joe Biden, and the Democratic National Convention.
His motives, while still under investigation, indicate a potential political dimension to the attack.
The event caused immediate chaos among rally attendees. Malice later recounted the fear and confusion, noting, "I have a picture of him with his rifle up and his rifle turned towards me and the other guys that were standing behind the tree – and at that second Secret Service shot him."
As the nation grapples with the shock of the attempt on Trump's life, attention turns to FBI Director Christopher Wray, who is set to testify before Congress.
His upcoming testimony will address the broader implications of the incident and measures for preventing such occurrences in the future.
The attempted assassination during Donald Trump's campaign event has highlighted profound deficiencies in security protocols.
Thomas Crooks, a young shooter, managed to fire eight rounds within seconds from a rooftop vantage point.
The inability of the Secret Service and local law enforcement to prevent the attack led to an unanticipated tragedy, with one rally attendee killed and another wounded. The swift response by Secret Service snipers, though eventually effective, was not enough to prevent initial damage.
With the resignation of Kimberly Cheatle and upcoming testimony from FBI Director Christopher Wray, the Secret Service is under immense pressure to reassess and fortify its security measures to prevent future breaches.
President Joe Biden's recent call to former campaign staff has raised questions about his health after an unusual exchange with Vice President Kamala Harris.
The Daily Mail reported that the call comes just days after Biden's isolation due to COVID-19 and his surprising decision to step down from the presidential race was announced on social media.
Joe Biden, from COVID isolation in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, spoke to his staffers on Monday.
At 81 years old, Biden addressed Vice President Kamala Harris with the phrase, "I'm watching you, kid," during the call.
Notably, Kamala Harris referred to Biden during the call, saying "rec..." before correcting herself to "call." This slip has led Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene to speculate if Biden's comments were prerecorded.
Charlie Kirk labeled Harris's slip as "very strange," and Representative Lauren Boebert questioned Biden's location. Meanwhile, campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez's body language during Biden's remarks deepened suspicions of possible prerecorded audio or AI involvement.
Biden has been in COVID isolation since testing positive last week. His doctor, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, reported that Biden's symptoms have almost fully resolved and his vital signs, including oxygen saturation, remain normal.
Since his announcement via social media on Sunday, Biden has remained unseen publicly for five days, last appearing at a U.S. airbase in Dover, Delaware. He plans to return to the White House on Tuesday afternoon.
During the call, Biden expressed regret for not physically supporting his staff due to COVID. "If I didn’t have COVID, I’d be standing there with you," he mentioned.
Boebert demanded a "proof of life" from Biden by 5:00 pm Monday, and Glenn Greenwald criticized Biden's absence, describing it as "strange and wrong" under the important circumstances.
Marjorie Taylor Greene linked Biden's withdrawal to internal power struggles, increasing health concerns after his brother Frank Biden cited illness as a factor. However, a Biden family source dismissed Frank Biden's claims, attributing them to his alcoholism.
Biden’s announcement to withdraw comes at a crucial time for the Democratic party, with Biden endorsing Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. Harris's campaign quickly raised $81 million in donations following the announcement.
Despite the surprising news, Biden assured his campaign staff that their jobs are secure, as confirmed by campaign staffer O'Malley Dillon. He also pledged to remain involved in the reelection fight and support Harris’s campaign.
Biden's call included a heartfelt plea for continued support. “I’m hoping you’ll give every bit of your heart and soul that you gave to me to Kamala,” he stated, reaffirming his commitment to stay engaged even after stepping down from the race.
With just six months left of his presidency, Biden emphasized his determination to accomplish as much as possible in both foreign and domestic policy. He assured his team, "So let me be real clear. We're still fighting in this fight together. I'm not going anywhere."
The President’s unexpected withdrawal and the ensuing speculation have undoubtedly stirred public and political reactions.
As uncertainty looms, the nation awaits Biden's return to the public eye and his continued support for Harris’s campaign future.
The peculiar interaction on the call, coupled with Biden’s health and disappearance from public view, continues to feed speculation and concern about the internal dynamics and leadership within the Democratic Party.
The director of the U.S. Secret Service acknowledged a serious security breach during a House Oversight Committee hearing on Monday, describing the July 13 shooting of former President Donald Trump as a major operational failure.
Al Jazeera reported that Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle admitted the agency's failure to prevent an attempted assassination of Trump during a campaign event in Butler County, Pennsylvania, which resulted in injuries to Trump and three others, including one fatality.
During her testimony, Cheatle disclosed that the perpetrator, 20-year-old Thomas Crooks, had been flagged as "suspicious" but not considered an immediate threat.
Crooks, a nursing home aide, was ultimately shot and killed by law enforcement officers at the scene.
Cheatle publicly admitted fault, stating, "We failed. As the director of the United States Secret Service, I take full responsibility for any security lapse." She characterized the assassination attempt on Trump as the most critical failure faced by the agency in decades.
Republican members of the House Oversight Committee expressed deep concerns, with Chairman James Comer urging Cheatle to step down. "It is my firm belief, Director Cheatle, that you should resign," Comer asserted, pointing to the agency's large staff and budget as reasons why such failures are inexcusable.
Cheatle, however, resisted calls for her resignation. She emphasized, "Our mission is not political. It is literally a matter of life and death." She also noted that security measures for Trump had been heightened well before the campaign cycle and were continuously being adapted to address evolving threats.
The House Oversight Committee's session marked the beginning of congressional examination of the assassination attempt. Democratic Representative Gerry Connolly pointed out the broader context of increasing political polarization and heightened tensions in the country, stating that such "unacceptable incidents" highlighted these issues.
In the wake of the incident, FBI Director Christopher Wray is scheduled to testify before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. This will provide further insight into federal law enforcement perspectives on the threats facing public officials and the adequacy of current protective measures.
Additionally, House Speaker Mike Johnson plans to announce a bipartisan task force to bolster House investigations into the attack and other concerning security incidents. This initiative aims to address gaps in current security protocols and ensure comprehensive legislative oversight.
Lawmakers across the political spectrum have voiced their strong reactions to the attempted assassination.
While Republicans are primarily focused on perceived lapses by the Secret Service, Democrats stress the broader societal issues contributing to such acts of violence.
Cheatle's remarks, "The level of security provided for the former president increased well before the campaign and has been steadily increasing as threats evolve," underline the complex nature of maintaining security in today's politically charged environment. This heightened security, despite the operational failure, reflects ongoing efforts to protect individuals at risk.
In conclusion, the July 13 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump has set off a wave of scrutiny and criticism of the United States Secret Service.
Kimberly Cheatle, the agency's director, admitted to significant lapses during a congressional hearing, while standing firm against calls for her resignation. This event has spotlighted the growing challenges of ensuring security amid rising political discord, prompting further investigations and potential reforms led by top government officials.
Breitbart News revealed that the FBI used advanced, unreleased technology from Cellebrite to access the phone of Thomas Matthew Crooks, the shooter in the recent attack on former President Donald Trump.
The successful unlocking aimed to uncover the motives behind the attack but sparked concerns over using such technology.
Thomas Matthew Crooks was identified as the shooter in the incident that occurred at a rally in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, where former President Donald Trump was speaking. Trump sustained a bullet wound to his ear, while a spectator was killed and others were injured during the incident.
The FBI initially tried to access Crooks' phone using their existing Cellebrite software license, but their attempts were unsuccessful. According to sources familiar with the investigation, the local FBI bureau in Pittsburgh sought help from Cellebrite’s federal team after failing to unlock the device.
The device in question, a newer Samsung model equipped with the Android operating system, proved resistant to their initial data extraction attempts.
After the failed attempts, the FBI made a direct appeal to Cellebrite for further assistance. Cellebrite provided a new, unreleased software still in development to the FBI in Quantico, Virginia.
Once the FBI received the software update from Cellebrite, it took approximately 40 minutes to unlock the phone. The Washington Post first reported on the FBI’s use of Cellebrite technology in this case, revealing the speed and effectiveness of the new software.
Cellebrite's technology employs techniques to disable built-in mechanisms that block repeated passcode attempts while generating millions of codes. This sophisticated approach proved successful, whereas previous efforts had failed.
Privacy advocates have raised ethical concerns regarding the use of such advanced technology, arguing that it could be misused for unethical hacking or by foreign governments against activists.
Cellebrite, a Nasdaq-listed company, reported annual recurring revenue of $89.6 million in the first quarter of 2024 and involvement in over 5 million cases. The company has ceased operations in certain locations, including China and Hong Kong, citing human rights concerns.
The company states that its software is used solely for unlocking seized phones in legally sanctioned cases and not for surveillance purposes. This stance aims to address privacy concerns and ensure the ethical use of their technology.
“The company maintains that its software is used solely for unlocking seized phones in legally sanctioned cases and not for surveillance purposes,” a Cellebrite spokesperson said.
The FBI’s use of unreleased Cellebrite technology to unlock Thomas Matthew Crooks' phone following the attack on former President Donald Trump demonstrates both the capabilities and the controversies of modern forensic tools. The incident in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, which resulted in a bullet wound to Trump’s ear and the death of a spectator, serves as a reminder of the complexities and ethical dilemmas in the intersection of technology and law enforcement.
Former President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt on Saturday at a Pennsylvania rally.
The shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was killed by Secret Service agents, but conspiracy theories about a second shooter quickly spread on social media, as CBS News reports.
The attempt on Trump's life occurred shortly after 6 p.m. Local law enforcement and U.S. Secret Service identified the shooter as Crooks, who was neutralized almost immediately.
Alleged misinformation flooded platforms such as X (formerly known as Twitter) and Reddit in the aftermath of the incident. Visuals purportedly showing a second shooter on a nearby water tower contributed to the frenzy.
A number of authorities, journalists, and eyewitness accounts firmly contradicted these claims. Crooks was on a roof near the tower, with officials declaring that he had no accomplices.
Blurred videos on social media made questionable claims about additional activity on the nearby water tower. Posts featuring this content gained traction, spreading the theory further.
On some X posts, community notes were added to debunk the second shooter myth. Despite these attempts, the theory persisted and confused many viewers. An eyewitness in a Fox News interview mentioned a supposed additional shooter. Such statements only fueled what many are calling a dangerous conspiracy theory.
CBS News reviewed footage and confirmed no person was on the water tower. The supposed shadows were explained as the Pennsylvania American Water logo and a vent, not human figures.
Experts emphasized the danger of sharing unverified information amid significant news events. Other sources stressed the notion that premature conclusions can wreak havoc and distort public understanding.
CBS News also shared best practices for social media users to ensure responsible information dissemination. One primary recommendation was verifying sources before sharing content.
Following the assassination attempt, former President Trump was unharmed. The sole assailant, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was quickly incapacitated by the Secret Service.
Despite what many say is clear evidence to the contrary, theories alleging a second shooter spread rapidly. Local law enforcement and multiple credible sources confirmed only one shooter, situated near the water tower.
The quick spread of highly debatable information underscores the critical need for caution when sharing news on social media.
Christina Sandera, Clint Eastwood’s partner for the past decade, has died at the age of 61.
Eastwood expressed his sorrow over the loss of Sandera in a statement, but details about her passing remain undisclosed, as the Daily Caller reports.
The couple met at the Mission Ranch Hotel and Restaurant in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, where Sandera worked as a hostess. Their relationship began after this encounter and endured for the next decade.
In a statement released Thursday night, the legendary actor shared his grief. “Christina was a lovely, caring woman, and I will miss her very much,” Eastwood stated, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
The circumstances surrounding Sandera’s death have not been revealed. A spokesperson from Warner Bros. confirmed that no additional information would be provided.
Christina Sandera and Clint Eastwood made their red carpet debut as a couple at the 2015 Academy Awards. The couple’s relationship was notably private, with Eastwood generally keeping details of his romantic life out of the media.
Eastwood, 94, has had a varied and often public love life prior to Sandera. His first marriage was to model Maggie Johnson in 1953, a union that lasted 11 years.
Eastwood later married journalist Dina Ruiz, with their marriage spanning from 1996 to 2014. Besides his marriages, Eastwood was involved in a long-term relationship with stuntwoman Roxanne Tunis.
Additionally, the actor-director had a notable, 14-year relationship with Oscar-nominated actress Sondra Locke. During their time together, they collaborated on four films.
Eastwood has also been linked to flight attendant Jacelyn Reeves and actress Frances Fisher. Despite these various relationships, Eastwood’s bond with Sandera was unique for its longevity and discretion.
The couple’s low-key relationship had been a subject of curiosity. Sandera was often a supportive presence by Eastwood’s side at various industry events.
Christina Sandera’s connection with Eastwood began at a notable retreat in Carmel-by-the-Sea, furthering her position in his life both personally and publicly.
It is clear that her presence will be sorely missed by those close to the couple.
According to Axios, President Biden has announced that he would consider exiting the 2024 presidential race if diagnosed with a significant health issue.
Amid growing pressures from Democratic lawmakers and voters, Biden made this statement during a pre-taped interview with BET News.
The President expressed his willingness to withdraw from the race if doctors presented him with serious health concerns. "If doctors came to me and said, you got this problem and that problem," Biden mentioned in the interview footage released by BET.
Following his debate performance, Biden has frequently appeared in the media to address concerns about his mental sharpness, reiterating that he would reconsider his campaign if a medical condition arose. He acknowledged seeing himself as a transitional figure in American politics, ready to pass the baton to another leader but expressed a reluctance to abandon his current tasks.
"There’s more to do and I’m reluctant to walk away from that," Biden emphasized. This sentiment underscores the challenges he faces in reconciling his commitment to the presidency with concerns about his age and health.
The debate performance has increased pressure from within his party for Biden to step aside. Representative Adam Schiff from California has recently become the most high-profile Democrat to publicly suggest that Biden withdraws from the race.
Public sentiment echoes this internal party pressure, with nearly two-thirds of Democratic voters expressing a preference for Biden to drop out, according to a recent poll released on Wednesday. Despite the mounting pressures, Biden remains defiant about his mental state. Earlier this month, in an interview with ABC News, he declared that he would step down only if the "Lord Almighty" commanded him to do so.
He has also been clear about not subjecting himself to a cognitive test, asserting confidently that his "mental acuity’s been pretty damn good." This staunch defense highlights Biden’s determination to remain in the race despite growing doubts.
The announcement has added fuel to the existing turbulence within the Democratic Party. Biden's potential reconsideration of his candidacy is seen as a critical point for the party, which is currently grappling with internal rifts and varied demands from its members.
The divisions within the party are becoming more pronounced as the 2024 election looms closer, with many seeking a fresh face to lead the Democratic ticket. Despite the pressures and criticisms, Biden remains focused on the work at hand. His reluctance to abandon the presidency stems from his belief in the necessity of continued progress and addressing the divisions within the country.
During the interview, Biden did not dismiss the possibility of stepping aside but rather mentioned that it would be a decision contingent upon serious medical advice. This balance of reluctance and openness to step aside reflects the intricate scenario Biden is navigating.
Despite his role as a transitional candidate, Biden is reluctant to abandon the ongoing work, yet faces growing calls from lawmakers and voters to step down. High-profile figures like Rep. Adam Schiff have publicly urged for Biden's withdrawal, aligning with a significant portion of the Democratic electorate.
Biden remains steadfast about his mental sharpness and has ruled out a cognitive test, underlining his determination to stay in the race. As the Democratic Party battles internal divisions, Biden’s potential reconsideration introduces a pivotal moment for the party as it prepares for the 2024 election.
Former President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where former firefighter Corey Comperatore was killed protecting his family.
Daily Mail reported that Trump contacted Corey Comperatore's widow, Helen, to offer his condolences and resumed his campaign activities shortly after.
Corey Comperatore, a retired firefighter, was fatally shot while shielding his wife and daughter during an attempt on Trump's life. The shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, fired from 130 yards away using an AR-style rifle.
Following the incident, Helen Comperatore revealed details of Trump’s heartfelt phone call on Facebook. Helen shared that Trump expressed sympathy and promised to check in on her in the coming days and weeks.
Helen declined a call from President Joe Biden, citing her husband’s political views. She explained that Corey, a devoted Republican, would not have wanted her to speak with Biden.
Corey and Helen were nearing their 29th wedding anniversary when the tragic event occurred. Helen described her husband as a simple man who always prioritized his family.
The rally, meant to be a family outing, turned tragic when Crooks opened fire. Corey was shot in the head while trying to protect his family, his last words being a warning for them to get down.
An emergency room doctor at the scene performed CPR on Corey, but his injuries were too severe. The doctor recalled hearing the shots and initially mistaking them for firecrackers before realizing the gravity of the situation.
The shooter’s ability to position himself 130 yards away from Trump has raised questions, prompting an ongoing investigation. Authorities are looking into how Crooks managed to get so close with a firearm.
Former President Trump himself was grazed in the right ear by a bullet. Despite the close call, Trump was swiftly evacuated by the Secret Service, yet he showed resistance by chanting “fight, fight, fight” as he was led away.
Two days after the shooting, Trump appeared at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Sporting a bandage on his right ear, he accepted his party's nomination and announced Senator J.D. Vance as his running mate.
Helen Comperatore's account of her husband's heroism and the subsequent events highlights the personal impact of political violence. She emphasized that Corey’s actions reflected his character, protecting his family until his last breath.
In summary, the tragic event at the Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, resulted in the death of Corey Comperatore, who protected his family during an assassination attempt on Trump. Trump's heartfelt call to Corey’s widow, Helen, contrasted with her refusal to speak with Biden, underscoring the personal and political dimensions of the tragedy.
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.