On July 13, 2024, Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old lone actor, attempted to assassinate President Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, firing eight rounds from an AR-15–style rifle, grazing Trump’s ear, killing one spectator (firefighter Corey Comperatore), and injuring two others.
The FBI’s investigation, supported by multiple reports, confirmed Crooks acted alone, with no evidence of co-conspirators or foreign involvement, despite initial concerns about an Iranian plot. A bipartisan congressional task force and Senate investigations identified significant Secret Service failures, including inadequate perimeter security, communication breakdowns, and an unguarded rooftop 135 meters from the stage, deemed a preventable tragedy.
Crooks engaged in detailed planning, researching explosives and the rally site, and flew a drone to scout the area hours before the attack. The FBI accessed his encrypted email accounts and devices, finding no clear motive, though Crooks searched for information on Trump, Biden, and the Butler rally. Six Secret Service agents were suspended for security lapses, and the agency implemented reforms to address systemic issues.
Despite these findings, lingering questions remain about Crooks’ motive, as no definitive reason for his actions has been established. Discrepancies persist regarding why the rooftop was left unsecured, with conflicting accounts between Secret Service and local law enforcement about responsibility for the area. The lack of a formal process for security requests and unclear leadership roles during planning continue to raise concerns about accountability. A year later, public and congressional frustration persists over the absence of a complete explanation for how such critical security failures occurred.
We want to ask you, the reader: are you satisfied with the conclusive findings of the Butler assassination attempt? Answer in our poll below and comment your thoughts on the one-year anniversary of the Butler assassination attempt.
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