On Saturday, 20-year-old Pennsylvanian Thomas Crooks fired three shots from a rifle towards US Secret Service agents, resulting in a minor wound to former President Donald Trump’s right ear. The incident occurred during an event attended by thousands of people, highlighting the potential dangers that come with large public gatherings and the need for robust security measures.
The quick thinking and actions of the former president likely saved his life, as he turned his head to the right just as Crooks fired the shots. According to ballistics calculations, the bullet traveled at an initial velocity of more than 1,100 meters per second and took only 0.14 seconds to reach Trump’s ear. It is highly unlikely that the shooter could have anticipated such a quick movement from his intended target.
The close call underscores the importance of situational awareness in high-stakes situations, where even the smallest miscalculation can have dire consequences. Had Trump turned his head slightly differently or if the bullet had deviated by just 10-20mm to the right, he could have sustained serious injuries that would have taken him out of the political arena for an extended period, if not permanently.
The inaccuracy of Crooks’ next two shots suggests a lack of skill and control under pressure, with the automatic fire missing its intended target entirely. In contrast, Trump himself heard the gunshots approximately half a second after they were fired, at the same time as he felt the pain from his injury. This demonstrates the speed of sound, which is roughly one-third slower than the speed of a bullet.
What may be even more concerning is that the presidential candidate was only inches away from being hit by another projectile. This suggests that Crooks was likely able to hit multiple targets with a single shot, due in part to the large number of people in attendance at the event.
Despite the clear threat posed by Crooks and the presence of eyewitnesses who reported seeing him with a gun, it remains unclear why the US Secret Service snipers did not open fire sooner or why they allowed the shooter to come so close to their protectee without intervening. Their lightning-fast response – firing at least two rifles in just over three seconds after the shots were fired – was remarkable but raises questions about the overall effectiveness of security measures in such high-profile events.
Ultimately, this incident serves as a sobering reminder of the ever-present risks that come with public service and the importance of vigilant, well-trained security forces to protect those who serve their nation.