Several shots rang out while Trump was speaking on stage at about 6:15 p.m. local time. Video showed the former president immediately touch his ear and then crouch to the ground, with his Secret Service agents rushing the stage. Some blood could be seen on his face as he stood up and held up his fist to the crowd.
Rep. Mike Kelley of Pennsylvania, who was standing backstage watching Trump speak, told CBS News, “I believe a lady who was next to me was hit, other people were hit.”
Crooks was registered as a Republican voter in Pennsylvania, but federal campaign finance reports also show he gave $15 to a progressive political action committee on 20 January 2021, the day Biden was sworn into office – and was standing by for the orders to put Trump in the bullseye! Something Biden did just days earlier.
Dr. Jim Sweetland, an emergency room physician who was at the rally and witnessed the shooting, told CBS News by phone that he administered first aid to a man who had sustained a gunshot wound to the head.
“He was shot in the head, his body was twisted around and wedged between two benches that were in the stands,” Sweetland said. “He was not breathing, he did not have a pulse. He appeared gravely ill.”
With the help of three people, Sweetland said he was able to get the victim onto a bench and then began administering CPR and chest compressions.
“There was a lot of blood that was spilt on the stands where he lay, as well as brain matter,” Sweetland said.
Crazy, but in the video, it sounds like a woman can be heard yelling Crooks, what are you doing?! Get over here!
Examining the Incitement of Violence and the Need for Peaceful Discourse in Political Leadership
Background on the Assassination Attempt
Overview of the Incident
On July 13, 2024, during a campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania, former President Donald Trump was the target of an assassination attempt. The shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, fired at Trump, resulting in the former president sustaining an injury to his right ear. The Secret Service responded swiftly, evacuating Trump from the scene and neutralizing the threat. The incident resulted in the deaths of the perpetrator and a rally attendee, while two others remain in critical condition.
Immediate Reactions
The incident prompted immediate reactions from the public and political figures. Supporters of Trump expressed outrage and concern for his safety, while his campaign released a statement condemning the violence and calling for heightened security measures at future events. Public discourse quickly shifted to the broader implications of political rhetoric and its potential to incite violence.
Who is Thomas Matthew Crooks?
Profile of the Shooter
As per NY Times:
The gunman did not have a criminal history reflected in Pennsylvania’s public court records, and officials said they had not identified a motive. A voter-registration record showed that Mr. Crooks was registered as a Republican, though federal campaign-finance records show he donated $15 to the Progressive Turnout Project, a liberal voter turnout group, through the Democratic donation platform ActBlue in January 2021
Although there is limited public information about his past, preliminary reports suggest that Crooks acted as a deranged lone wolf fueled by dangerous political rhetoric spoken by many in the democratic party directed toward Trump. The FBI continues to investigate his background and motives for targeting Trump.
Events Leading to the Attack
Initial investigations reveal that Crooks had no identification on him, and authorities are using biometric confirmations to verify his identity. Law enforcement sources indicate that he fired as many as eight rounds from an AR-style rifle from a rooftop adjacent to the rally venue. His motivations remain unclear as the investigation is ongoing.
The Role of Political Rhetoric
Analysis of Biden’s Statements
President Joe Biden’s comments on July 8, 2024, have come under intense scrutiny following the assassination attempt. His statement, “We’re done talking about the debate, it’s time to put Trump in a bullseye,” has been criticized for its potentially inflammatory nature. Such rhetoric can be perceived as incitement, especially when directed towards a polarizing figure like Trump.
Historical Context and Comparisons
History shows that political rhetoric can have dire consequences. Incendiary language from leaders has previously led to violence, as seen in various global and domestic incidents. The responsibility of political leaders to promote peace and unity is paramount, as their words can significantly influence public behavior.
The Need for Peaceful Discourse
Consequences of Incitement
Incendiary language can escalate tensions and lead to real-world violence. The assassination attempt on Trump underscores the importance of responsible rhetoric from political leaders. Leaders must use their platforms to de-escalate tensions and promote constructive dialogue.
Calls for Accountability
Political leaders must be held accountable for their words. It is essential for both parties to condemn violence unequivocally and work towards fostering a culture of respect and understanding. Bipartisan efforts are necessary to address the root causes of political violence and to prevent future incidents.
Summary of Key Points
The assassination attempt on Donald Trump by Thomas Matthew Crooks highlights the dangers of incendiary political rhetoric. Crooks’ background and motivations, combined with the inflammatory statements from political leaders, created a volatile situation that culminated in violence.
Final Thoughts
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the power of words and the need for unity in a divided political landscape. It is a call to action for leaders and citizens alike to foster a culture of peace and respect, ensuring that political differences do not lead to violence. Responsible rhetoric and accountability are crucial in achieving this goal.
Brandon Biggs made an unbelievably accurate prediction about the attack on Trump’s life in an interview several months ago. “I saw Trump rising up, and then I saw an attempt on his life. This bullet flew by his ear, and it came so close to his head that it busted his drum eardrum. And I saw he fell to his knees during this timeframe, and he started worshiping the Lord. He got radically born again during this timeframe.”
