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Scotland's papers: Footballer 'terrorised ex' and oil firm warning

Assassination Attempt on Donald Trump: A Detailed Account of the Pennsylvania Rally Shooting

In a shocking turn of events that has sent ripples through American politics and beyond, former President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The incident unfolded on a warm Saturday evening, July 13, as Trump was addressing a crowd of supporters in the lead-up to the Republican National Convention. What began as a routine political gathering quickly escalated into chaos when gunfire erupted, leaving one attendee dead, two others critically injured, and the nation grappling with questions about security, political violence, and the stability of democracy.

The rally was held at the Butler Farm Show grounds, a sprawling outdoor venue in the rural heartland of western Pennsylvania. Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for the 2024 presidential election, took the stage around 6:00 PM local time, energizing the crowd with his signature rhetoric on immigration, the economy, and his grievances against the current administration. As he gestured toward a large screen displaying immigration statistics, the first shots rang out. Eyewitness accounts describe a series of pops, initially mistaken by some for firecrackers or a malfunctioning speaker. Trump, mid-sentence, clutched his right ear and ducked behind the podium as blood streaked down his face. Secret Service agents swarmed the stage, shielding him with their bodies and shouting commands to get down.

The chaos was captured in real-time by news cameras and attendees' cell phones, providing a harrowing visual record of the moment. Trump, defiant even in peril, raised his fist to the crowd and mouthed the word "fight" as agents hustled him off the stage into a waiting armored vehicle. He was later confirmed to have sustained a minor injury—a bullet that grazed his right ear, according to his campaign and medical reports. Trump himself described the experience in a social media post shortly after, saying he heard a "whizzing sound" and felt the bullet rip through his skin. He credited his survival to turning his head at the precise moment to look at the chart, a split-second action that may have saved his life.

The assailant was identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, a resident of Bethel Park, a quiet suburb about 50 miles south of Butler. Crooks, who was killed by Secret Service snipers moments after opening fire, used an AR-15-style rifle purchased legally by his father. He positioned himself on the roof of a nearby manufacturing building, approximately 130 yards from the stage—a distance that has raised serious questions about how he evaded detection. Investigators found explosive devices in his car and home, including rudimentary bombs, though no clear motive has emerged. Crooks was a registered Republican but had donated to a progressive group in the past, and his online footprint shows a mix of interests in politics, gaming, and firearms. Classmates described him as a loner who was bullied in high school, skilled in math and science, and an avid shooter who frequented a local gun club. The FBI is treating the case as an act of domestic terrorism and potential assassination, scouring his digital history for clues. So far, there's no evidence of accomplices or a broader conspiracy, but the investigation is ongoing, with agents interviewing family, friends, and analyzing his devices.

Tragically, the shooting claimed the life of Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old former fire chief from nearby Sarver. Comperatore, attending the rally with his family, was killed while shielding his wife and daughter from the gunfire. Described by loved ones as a devoted father, churchgoer, and community hero, his death has become a poignant symbol of the human cost of political violence. Two other men, David Dutch, 57, and James Copenhaver, 74, were critically injured but are expected to recover. Their stories highlight the indiscriminate nature of the attack, which targeted a public event filled with everyday Americans exercising their right to political expression.

In the immediate aftermath, Trump was flown to a hospital in Pittsburgh for evaluation before being released. He proceeded to Milwaukee for the Republican National Convention, where he was nominated as the party's candidate. In interviews and statements, Trump has framed the incident as a testament to his resilience, vowing to continue his campaign undeterred. "I shouldn't be here," he told supporters, attributing his survival to divine intervention. His campaign has capitalized on the imagery, with merchandise and slogans emphasizing strength and defiance. The event has also galvanized his base, with donations surging and polls showing a potential boost in support amid sympathy and outrage.

President Joe Biden, Trump's rival in the upcoming election, condemned the violence in a nationally televised address from the Oval Office. Calling it "sick" and contrary to American values, Biden urged unity and a lowering of political temperatures. He paused his own campaign activities briefly out of respect and spoke directly with Trump by phone, offering condolences and well-wishes. The incident has prompted bipartisan calls for calm, with leaders from both parties decrying the attack as an assault on democracy. Former presidents, including Barack Obama and George W. Bush, issued statements expressing relief at Trump's safety and horror at the violence. Internationally, reactions poured in from allies like UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who expressed solidarity with the U.S. and condemned political violence.

The shooting has thrust the U.S. Secret Service under intense scrutiny. How did Crooks access a rooftop with a clear line of sight to the stage? Witnesses reported seeing him climbing the building and alerting authorities minutes before the shots, yet no immediate action was taken. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has defended her agency's response, noting that agents neutralized the threat within seconds, but she acknowledged the failure to secure the perimeter. Congressional hearings are already scheduled, with Republicans demanding accountability and some calling for Cheatle's resignation. The incident echoes past failures, such as the 1981 attempt on Ronald Reagan, and raises broader concerns about protecting political figures in an era of heightened polarization and easy access to firearms.

This event occurs against a backdrop of escalating political rhetoric in the U.S., where divisions over issues like election integrity, gun control, and cultural wars have deepened. Trump has long portrayed himself as a victim of a "deep state" conspiracy, rhetoric that some critics argue fuels paranoia. Conversely, his opponents have labeled him a threat to democracy, especially after the January 6 Capitol riot. The assassination attempt has amplified these tensions, with conspiracy theories proliferating online—ranging from claims of a staged event to accusations of government involvement. Experts warn that such narratives could further erode trust in institutions and incite more violence.

As the investigation unfolds, questions linger about Crooks' motivations. Was it ideological extremism, mental health issues, or a quest for notoriety? The FBI has classified it as an assassination attempt, but without a manifesto or clear ties to groups, the puzzle remains incomplete. Meanwhile, the nation mourns Comperatore and reflects on the fragility of public life. Funerals and vigils have been held, with communities rallying around the victims' families.

Looking ahead, the incident could reshape the 2024 election landscape. Trump's survival may humanize him to undecided voters, while Biden faces pressure to address security and unity. Both campaigns have toned down attacks temporarily, but the underlying divisions persist. In Butler, the rally site now stands as a somber reminder of how quickly rhetoric can turn to reality. As one attendee put it, "We came for politics, but left fearing for our country."

The full ramifications of this near-tragedy will unfold in the coming weeks, as probes deepen and the political machine churns on. For now, it serves as a stark warning: in a democracy, the line between passionate debate and deadly violence is perilously thin.

Read the Full BBC Article at:
[ https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gj734djz6o ]