The United States of America holds the title of most assassinated presidents, and Thomas Matthew Crooks attempted to add one more to America’s list. On July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania, armed with an AR-15 style rifle, Crooks shot at the former president and current presidential candidate Donald J. Trump. The gunman fired multiple shots in the direction of the stage, critically injuring two attendees, killing another and hitting Mr. Trump on his right ear. The Secret Service immediately rushed the stage, escorting Mr. Trump away. While he exited the stage, blood dripping from the wound on his ear, he pumped his fist in the air as a symbol of strength.
Agents killed the shooter, identifying him as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, from Bethel Park, PA. Allegedly, Crooks fired eight shots from the rooftop of a nearby warehouse at Former President Trump. It is still unclear what Crook’s motives were, but the F.B.I. has recently opened an investigation.
Nevertheless, as the topic of gun rights is important to many Americans, the silence from lawmakers on this issue was surprising. Especially as the rifle in which The Secret Service retrieved from the scene of the crime was a legal weapon registered to the father of the gunman. Crooks purchased the gun from his father and then proceeded to use it in this assassination attempt. It is unclear whether the father knew of his son’s plans before selling the weapon to him.
Of the many spectators of this rally, a 50-year-old man, father to two daughters, husband, volunteer firefighter, and plastic manufacturer Corey Comperatore, did not return home to his family. He suffered a fatal shot to his head while trying to protect his family. In addition, 57-year-old David Dutch and 74-year-old James Copenhaver endured life-threatening injuries.
Later in Milwaukee, during the Republican National Convention, Mr. Trump recalled that “the assassin’s bullet came within a quarter of an inch of taking [his] life,” (New York Times). Others reportedly involved in the shooting remember how they came together praying and cheering for their safety, the safety of others, and that of their country. Subsequent to the preparation of this article, a second assassination attempt against Mr. Trump took place while he was golfing on Sun, Sept. 15. As reported in mainstream news sources, the gunman was caught and no one was injured.
