Former US President Donald Trump narrowly escaped a miraculous death during an assassination attempt at a speech in Pennsylvania. Despite being lightly wounded, Trump is grateful for divine intervention that kept him alive. The incident has raised concerns about the security measures taken to protect public figures and political opponents.
The four-day Republican National Convention kicked off on Monday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where it is expected that the convention will approve Trump as the official Republican candidate in the upcoming presidential election. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the attacker’s motives while conflicting information comes in about the incident.
Shots were fired during Trump’s speech, prompting him to duck for cover. He was protected by Secret Service members on duty at the event. Blood could be seen on his right ear during the broadcast of the speech. Following the assassination attempt, Trump was briefly hospitalized.
One of Trump’s supporters, a 50-year-old man, was killed in the attack, while two others were injured and are currently in critical condition. Among those injured was Trump’s former physician Ronny Jackson, who said his nephew was wounded during the attack.
Trump confirmed that his right ear was injured during the incident. He expressed condolences to the family of the killed supporter and acknowledged divine intervention for keeping him alive amidst the assassination attempt. The US Secret Service is credited with eliminating the suspected shooter with a single bullet, which Trump considers “fantastic job.
The former US president also speculated that incumbent President Joe Biden would order the Department of Justice to drop its two prosecutions of Trump following the assassination attempt. Law enforcement agencies have launched an investigation into the incident, focusing on the attacker’s motives and whether any mistakes were made in protecting Trump during the rally.
The FBI views the shooting at Trump’s election rally as a domestic terror attack. The suspect has been identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, who was a registered Republican according to state voter records. However, it is reported that Crooks may have donated to the Democratic Party. Authorities believe the criminal acted alone but are still looking for possible accomplices.
Explosive devices were found in the suspect’s vehicle, raising further concerns about potential threats to public figures and political opponents. US President Joe Biden condemned the rally shooting and urged citizens to unite against violence. He expressed happiness that Trump is alive and emphasized that there is no place for violence in the United States.
Biden also instructed the Secret Service to take additional measures to ensure Trump’s protection during public events, showing a united front between the two political rivals amidst the chaos. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova criticized the US for promoting hatred towards political opponents and called for an end to such actions.
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed condolences to the family of the victim and wished a swift recovery to those injured in the attack. Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev expressed optimism for Trump’s victory in the upcoming US presidential election, stating that if he is not assassinated, his win is all but assured.