US election: Five things to know about Trump’s assassination attempt

The United States was left in shock on Saturday, July 13, as former President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania for the 2024 election.

Saturday’s attack on Trump marked yet another attempted assassination of a presidential candidate, since Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981. Although, there have been several instances of political violence against U.S. presidents, former presidents, and major party presidential candidates.

Here’s an in-depth look at the events that unfolded and the key details surrounding the incident.

The Attack

Trump was speaking at a rally when a gunman, armed with an AR-style rifle, fired multiple shots from a nearby rooftop. The former president was injured, though not critically, and later recounted being “shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear.” The shooter managed to get into an elevated position outside the rally venue, allowing him to target the stage.

The Shooter

Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old gunman, was identified as a nursing-home employee from suburban Pittsburgh and a registered Republican. Crooks, who drove an hour from his home to the rally, had explosives packed in his vehicle. He was killed by Secret Service personnel after firing at the stage.

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Casualty and Heroism
The incident resulted in the death of Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old former fire chief. Comperatore died protecting his family, an act of heroism praised by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro: “Corey died a hero.”

Security Breach
The U.S. Secret Service is investigating how the gunman bypassed security and took such a strategic position. This breach has intensified scrutiny of the measures in place at high-profile events, with officials seeking to understand and close any security gaps.

Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have yet to determine Crooks’ motive for the attempted assassination. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover any underlying reasons for his actions and to prevent similar incidents in the future.