Trump Assassination Bid: Did Secret Service Ignore Warnings Leading to Massive Security Lapse?

New Delhi, India: Former President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania that left him with a wound in his right ear. The assailant, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, armed with an AR-style rifle, managed to fire multiple shots from an elevated position near the venue, killing one bystander and critically injuring two others before being neutralized by security forces.

The incident, described as the most significant attack on a former president since the 1981 shooting of Ronald Reagan, has raised serious questions about the adequacy of security measures in place. Eyewitness accounts suggest that despite warnings from attendees about a suspicious individual on a nearby rooftop, security personnel failed to respond promptly.

Security Breach Exposed

Eyewitness reports indicate that individuals outside the rally had alerted law enforcement to the gunman's presence on a rooftop several minutes before shots were fired. 

Despite clear warnings, security personnel reportedly did not take immediate action, allowing the assailant to maintain his position and carry out the attack.

"It was clear as day, we could see him crawling with a rifle on the roof," recounted one witness, wearing a "Trump 2020" hat. “We pointed it out for several minutes, but it seemed like the authorities didn't comprehend the urgency of the situation.”

Video: Secret Service Agent Seconds Before The Attack on Trump 

Speculation is rife following the release of a new angle suggesting the Trump assassination attempt might have been an inside job. Watch closely as the Secret Service agent appears to take action just seconds before the incident unfolds!

Questions for the Secret Service

Criticism has been directed towards the Secret Service for alleged lapses in securing the rally venue. Former law enforcement officials and security experts have expressed surprise that such an attack could occur, given the usual stringent security protocols around high-profile events involving presidents or former presidents.

Jim Cavanaugh, a retired ATF special agent, commented, “Every high ground should have been secured. It's a fundamental security failure that someone could occupy an elevated position within rifle range of the rally site.”

The Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has also been called to testify at a hearing on Monday. 

Calls for Investigation and Accountability

In response to the security breach, calls for accountability have been swift. Pennsylvania State Police Lt Col George Bivens defended the challenges of securing an open venue while acknowledging the need for a thorough investigation into the incident. 

Leaders from both political parties have demanded hearings and reviews into the security procedures surrounding the event.

Elon Musk, among others, called for resignations at the highest levels of the Secret Service, emphasizing the need for accountability in ensuring the safety of public figures.

Immediate Response and Future Security Measures

Following the attack, the FBI has taken charge of the investigation, working in collaboration with the Secret Service and local law enforcement agencies. 

Attorney General Merrick Garland assured the public of a comprehensive inquiry into the incident, underscoring the Justice Department's commitment to preventing further violence.

Security analysts predict a significant reassessment of Trump's security detail, likely resulting in heightened protection measures comparable to those of a sitting president. Joseph LaSorsa, a former Secret Service agent, highlighted the inevitable overhaul of security protocols following such a critical breach.

Everything About The AR Style Rifle Pulled In Assassination Attempt

Replica or based on the Colt AR-15 design, an AR-15-style rifle is a lightweight semi-automatic firearm. Eugene Stoner's AR-10 design was scaled down for the ArmaLite AR-15, which was the model that preceded the Colt model. The Colt model disregarded this feature. The military M16 rifle and it is closely similar.

Folding or collapsible stocks are a common feature on AR-15-style rifles. These devices shorten the rifle's overall length when folded, while some designs prevent the gun from firing until it is unfolded or only enable it to fire once. Some manufacturers have produced complete upper receivers, or even "bufferless" bolt carrier systems, in which the buffer system is entirely housed within the upper receiver and does not require the buffer tube. This permits firing with the stock folded or removed entirely.

Shooter Thomas Crooks Was Registered Republican

Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old man from Bethel Park in Pennsylvania who was killed for attempting to assassinate former US President Donald Trump during an election rally, was a registered Republican, according to state's voter records.

His identity was confirmed by the FBI. Crooks was eliminated by US Secret Service snipers at the Butler rally. The motive behind his action has not been established yet.

How World Leaders Reacted to Assassination Attempt on Trump

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strongly condemned the ‘assassination attempt’ made on Donald Trump. 

PM Modi has wished for a speedy recovery for Trump; along with him, several other world leaders including Giorgia Meloni have sent wishes for the former US President.

PM Modi Condemns Attack On Trump

PM Modi's post reads, “Deeply concerned by the attack on my friend, former President Donald Trump. Strongly condemn the incident. Violence has no place in politics and democracies. Wish him speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the deceased, those injured and the American people.”

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu Reacts To Attack on Trump

Among the world leaders reacting to the assassination attempt on Donald Trump is the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu. 

In a post on social media platform ‘X’, Netanyahu said, “Sara and I were shocked by the apparent attack on President Trump. We pray for his safety and speedy recovery.”

‘Sickened By The Shooting At Former President Trump’: Canadian PM Justin Trudeau

Extending his well wishes to Donald Trump, the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau in a social media post said, “I’m sickened by the shooting at former President Trump. It cannot be overstated — political violence is never acceptable. My thoughts are with former President Trump, those at the event, and all Americans."

UK PM Keir Starmer ‘Appalled By Shocking Scenes At President Trump's Rally'

Condemning the attack on Donald Trump, newly-elected Prime Minister of United Kingdom, Keir Starmer said, “I am appalled by the shocking scenes at President Trump's rally and we send him and his family our best wishes. Political violence in any form has no place in our societies and my thoughts are with all the victims of this attack.”

‘My Solidarity and Best Wishes For A Speedy Recovery Go To Him’: Italian PM Giorgia Meloni

Condemning the attack and sending wishes for a speedy recovery to Trump, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, in a post on ‘X’ said, “I am apprehensively following the updates from Pennsylvania, where the 45th President of the United States Donald Trump,  he was shot during a rally. My solidarity and best wishes for a speedy recovery go to him, with the hope that the next few months of the electoral campaign will see dialogue and responsibility prevail over hatred and violence.”

Hungarian Prime Minister Orban Viktor condemned the attack and said, “My thoughts and prayers are with President Donald Trump in these dark hours.” 

POTUS Joe Biden's Reaction To Attack On Trump

In a post on social media, Biden said, “I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania. I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well. I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information. Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it.”

‘No Place For Political Violence In Our Democracy’: Barack Obama

Former US President Barack Obama has also condemned the assassination attempt on Trump; his post reads, “There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy. Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics. Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery.”

Several other US leaders including former US Presidents George Bush and Bill Clinton, Vice President Kamala Harris, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Speaker Mike Johnson and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi are among those who have condemned the attack on Donald Trump. 

‘Horrified By The Attack In Pennsylvania’, Rishi Sunak

Former Prime Minister of United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak has also condemned the attack on Trump.

In a post on ‘X’, he has said, “Horrified by the attack in Pennsylvania. In a democracy, you must be able to speak freely and stand for what you believe in. Violence and intimidation must never be allowed to prevail. My thoughts and prayers are with President Trump and the victims of this appalling attack.”