Notes on Donald Trump's Rally Shooting Incident

Date and Location

• July 13th, Butler, Pennsylvania

Event Context

• Former President Donald Trump speaks at a rally.
• Key for securing Republican nomination for the next presidential election.

Crowd Details

• Tens of thousands gathered at the rally.
• Butler, a vital swing state, with a heavy Republican skew.
• Large crowd present, supporters in bleachers and in front of the stage.

Security Measures

• Trump was surrounded by a support staff and security, including Secret Service.
• Secret Service snipers positioned on rooftops behind Trump, scanning for threats.

Trump’s Speech

• Trump began with a typical campaign speech, referencing statistics on border crossings.
• Crowd seemed engaged and supportive at the beginning.

Shooting Incident

• A shooter identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, armed with an AR-15.
• Crooks fired shots from a rooftop 400 ft away from the stage.

Key Moments

• First shot hit Trump above the right ear; he survived.

• Trump ducked behind the podium immediately after the first shot.

• Secret Service agents were quick to shield Trump, confirming the shooter was neutralized shortly after.

Casualties

• One spectator, 50-year-old Cory Comprador, was killed.
• Two other spectators were critically injured.

Trump’s Reaction

• After the incident, he raised his fist and chanted "fight fight fight" to supporters.
• He was rushed to a hospital and later flown to New Jersey, reported to be in good condition.

Investigation

• Questions raised about how the security forces could not prevent the attack.
• Crooks had no criminal history, was registered as a Republican.

Additional Findings

• Crooks had previously donated to a liberal voter turnout group.
• FBI found suspicious devices in Crooks' vehicle and home, under investigation.

Political Reactions

• President Biden and global leaders condemned the attack and political violence.
• Image of Trump bloodied yet defiant with raised fist predicted to be a potent symbol for his re-election campaign.