THE GLOBAL WORLD: Here's what we know about the assassination attempt on Trump and investigations

Thursday, July 18, 2024

Here's what we know about the assassination attempt on Trump and investigations

From the Website of CNN NEWS
links: https://edition.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-rally-shooting-07-17-24/index.html

Here's what we know about the assassination attempt on Trump and investigations

It’s been four days since a 20-year-old man attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Investigators are still trying to uncover a motive behind the rally shooting which left Trump and two other people injured and one person dead.

The Secret Service is under intense scrutiny as the gunman was able to scale a rooftop and gain access to a clear sightline to Trump during the rally.

Here’s what we know so far:

The gunman: Thomas Matthew Crooks lived in the Pittsburgh suburb of Bethel Park, about 35 miles south of the Trump rally. The gun Crooks used in the shooting was an AR-style weapon, according to the FBI. He was registered to vote as a Republican and had previously made a small contribution to a Democratic-aligned group, according to public records. So far, investigators haven’t found any evidence on social media or other writings by Crooks that might help identify his motive, law enforcement officials say. The gunman was killed by Secret Service agents at the scene after the shooting.
Victims: Trump was struck on his right ear. Corey Comperatore was identified as the 50-year-old man shot and killed during the attempted assassination attempting to protect his family. Two other spectators were seriously wounded in Saturday’s attack.
Investigations: The Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general has opened a probe into the Secret Service’s decision-making. The House will establish a “task force,” Speaker Mike Johnson said. In her first public statement since the assassination attempt
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle on Monday said the agency will “participate fully” in an independent review ordered by President Joe Biden and also said the agency will work with Congress on “any oversight action.”
Iran plot: US authorities recently gained intelligence on a plot by Iran to kill Trump, with no known link to Saturday’s shooting, which led to increased security around the former president.
Trump at RNC: Trump appeared with a bandage on his wounded ear at the Republican National Convention this week.