Just hours before the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally, the would-be assassin reportedly bought 50 rounds of ammunition.
A CNN report revealed this as the Secret Service faces increasing scrutiny over how a 20-year-old managed to get within 130 yards of Trump’s speech in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13.
The assailant, Crooks, fired at Trump with an AR-style rifle legally purchased by his father. Witnesses claim they alerted law enforcement about a gunman near the building, but no action was taken before the shooting began.
Local law enforcement, not the Secret Service, had previously flagged the roof where Crooks positioned himself with his weapon as a security concern and had conducted a sweep. Despite this, one bullet grazed Trump’s ear, though his campaign assured he is unharmed.
According to aides and ballistic analyses, Trump’s life may have been spared when he turned to look at a jumbotron displaying immigration statistics, altering the bullet’s trajectory.
The attack tragically claimed the life of former fire chief Corey Comperatore, 50, who shielded his wife and two daughters. David Dutch, 57, and James Copenhaver, 74, were critically injured but are now in stable condition. All three are natives of Pennsylvania.
Reports indicate Crooks donated $15 (equivalent to approximately N6,225) to a progressive group supporting President Joe Biden in January 2021.
