Gunman confronted seconds before shooting at Donald Trump
The gunman who shot at Donald Trump during a political rally was confronted by a police officer only moments before.
The 20-year-old gunman who shot at Donald Trump during a political rally was reportedly confronted by a police officer just moments before.
Thomas Matthew Crooks was on the roof of a nearby building when he attempted to assassinate the former US president and presumptive Republican presidential nominee at Butler, just outside Pittsburgh on Sunday morning Australian time.
It has since emerged that police were allegedly notified of Crooks’ position after rallygoers spotted him on the roof of a manufacturing plant, about 120 metres from the stage where Trump was speaking.
The local police department had been enlisted by the Secret Service to help with security at the event.
One officer climbed a ladder to investigate before Crooks pointed his rifle at the officer, Butler County Sheriff Michael Slupe told the Associated Press.
He said the police officer could not have wielded his own gun under the circumstances.
The officer retreated down the ladder to safety, and it was then Crooks shot towards Trump, law enforcement officials told the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.
One of the bullets hit Trump’s ear, and at least one other bullet hit and killed a member of the crowd: 50-year-old Corey Comperatore.
Two other rally attendees, David Dutch, 57, and James Copenhaver, 74, were injured in the gunfire but are both in a stable condition.
After the shots were fired, Secret Service snipers fatally shot Crooks.
The Secret Service is now facing questions about how the shooter was able to obtain rooftop access so close to the podium where Trump was delivering his speech.
The head of the US Secret Service is even facing calls to resign.
US President Joe Biden has ordered an independent review of security at the political rally.
“I’ve directed an independent review of national security at yesterday’s rally to assess exactly what happened and we’ll share the results of that independent review with the American people as well,” Biden said, speaking from the White House about what action was being taken in the wake of the shooting.
By law, former presidents get Secret Service protection for life, and major presidential and vice presidential candidates get it within 120 days of a general presidential election.
Speaker of the US House of Representatives Mike Johnson said, “Congress will do a full investigation of the tragedy yesterday to determine where there were lapses in security and anything else that the American people need to know and deserve to know”.
Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle has been summoned to testify at a hearing on July 22.
Huge break in 1995 kidnapping of 6yo
The young girl had been just a few yards from her mother at an Arkansas Little League game in June 1995 when she was snatched from the parking lot.
Shameful detail in hospital parking fine
A man has been left outraged after he rushed his wife, who was in labour, to hospital only to walk out after the birth of his daughter to a parking fine.
X-rated reason English teacher was sacked
A woman has revealed how she was forced to quit her job as an English teacher after her racy side hustle was exposed — and to this day she’s still met with trolls.