Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, opened fire at a campaign rally for former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. The shooting left Corey Comperatore, 50, dead and two others, David Dutch, 57, and James Copenhaver, 74, severely injured. Trump sustained an injury to his ear but is reportedly doing well.
During a recent interview with @CNN, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle discussed the July 13 security lapses and emphasized our agency's dedication to preventing similar incidents in the future.https://t.co/YyL0dBGw2D
— U.S. Secret Service (@SecretService) July 17, 2024
I’ve introduced legislation to hold Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle accountable for the agency’s incompetence and failure to protect President Trump during the Butler, Pennsylvania campaign rally. pic.twitter.com/8SIASxecCM
— Rep. Lauren Boebert (@RepBoebert) July 15, 2024
The Secret Service is under scrutiny for how the gunman was able to access an unsecured rooftop and carry out the attack. Some conservatives have pointed to the presence of female agents in Trump’s security detail, suggesting they were hired for diversity reasons and contributed to the security failure. Representative Cory Mills and commentator Benny Johnson made statements criticizing the agency’s diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.
Authorities are investigating the incident but have not identified any co-conspirators. However, U.S. officials were aware of a plot by Iranian operatives to assassinate Trump weeks before the shooting.
Trump’s injury and security concerns
Kimberly Cheatle, the second woman to lead the agency, is being called to testify in front of Congress, while conservatives question whether women are fit to provide protection. More from @AmandaBecker: https://t.co/gZIbLioe8r
— Jawn Staley 🐴🤠🇺🇸🍑 (@errinhaines) July 15, 2024
The Secret Service heightened security in response to this intelligence, but the shooter is believed to have acted alone without direct links to the Iranian plot. Iran has denied any involvement in an assassination plot against Trump. The Iranian mission to the United Nations described the accusations as “unsubstantiated and malicious.” Iran maintains it seeks legal measures to hold Trump accountable for ordering the assassination of General Qassem Soleimani.
At the Republican National Convention, delegates showed support for Trump by wearing fake bandages on their ears. House Speaker Mike Johnson pledged a thorough investigation into the security breakdown. An all-senators phone meeting will be held to discuss the attack, with briefings from the Justice Department, Secret Service, and FBI.
The families of the victims have expressed gratitude for the care their loved ones have received and asked for privacy. Eric Trump demanded that the Secret Service address the security failures while praising the dedication of the agents involved. Investigations into the assassination attempt are ongoing as security measures are reviewed across campaign events.
