Former President Donald Trump was the target of an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in western Pennsylvania, carried out by a 20-year-old gunman named Thomas Crooks. The motive behind the shooting remains unknown, as authorities have not been able to determine what led Crooks to open fire at Trump and other attendees before being killed by a Secret Service sniper.
More than a dozen guns were found at Crooks' family home, along with suspected improvised explosive devices in his car and at his residence. A joint intelligence bulletin issued by the FBI and Department of Homeland Security warned of possible retaliatory attacks by extremists following the assassination attempt.
The FBI conducted interviews with witnesses, family members, and friends of Crooks in an effort to understand his actions and motivations. The Secret Service, responsible for protecting Trump, faced criticism for not taking precautions that could have prevented the shooting, as local police had alerted them about a suspicious person in the area.
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle acknowledged the failure to prevent the shooting, calling it unacceptable, but stated that she would not resign over the incident. The agency pushed back against the idea that they were blaming local police for the security lapse, emphasizing their gratitude for the support of law enforcement partners.
The shooting occurred just days before the Republican National Convention where Trump was formally nominated as the GOP's presidential candidate for the November election. World leaders condemned the assassination attempt, calling it a tragedy for democracy.
Overall, the incident raised concerns about security measures at campaign events and the potential for politically motivated violence. Investigations into Crooks' motives and actions continue as authorities work to prevent future acts of violence.