New footage of the July 13 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump is raising new questions — adding to a growing list of mysteries surrounding the deadly ordeal.
While there are still many unanswered questions, some generally accepted facts about the event have emerged. Thomas Matthew Crooks attempted to shoot Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, wounding three people, including Trump, and killing one. The former president was grazed on his right ear, and government counter-snipers subsequently killed Crooks.
Outside of these facts, much about the incident remains unclear, which may have contributed to the abrupt resignation of former Secret Service director Kim Cheatle. A new video, reportedly taken by rallygoer Dave Stewart, shows a minutes-long gap between the identification of the sniper threat and Trump’s removal from the fairground stage.
Stewart claims the FBI confiscated his phone but later returned it, allowing him to post a longer clip on social media platform X. The video shows that while Trump was still speaking on stage, his security detail was already reacting to a perceived threat. Moments later, the footage captures what appears to be the counter-snipers firing back and killing Crooks.
For many observers, the slow response to secure Trump was concerning. Conservative pundit Benny Johnson criticized the new video on X, stating: “New footage of Trump assassination reveals that law enforcement SURROUNDED Thomas Crooks with weapons drawn and were clearing people from the area and yet TRUMP was allowed to REMAIN ON-STAGE in clear view of assassin?!?”
Johnson’s post sparked widespread debate, with many commenters suggesting the incident was an “inside job.” The timing and effectiveness of the security response have been scrutinized, leading to increased pressure on the Secret Service.
During a congressional hearing on Tuesday, Secret Service acting Director Ronald Rowe Jr. faced tough questions about the handling of the assassination attempt. The newly surfaced video has intensified the demand for answers regarding the agency’s protocols and the apparent delay in securing the former president.
As the investigation continues, the new footage adds another layer of complexity to an already murky situation. The public and officials alike are seeking clarity on how such a breach in security could occur and what measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In summary, the assassination attempt on former President Trump has become a focal point of controversy and speculation. The new footage has not only raised questions about the response time but also fueled theories about potential internal failures. As the Secret Service works to address these concerns, the investigation remains a critical issue for national security and public trust.
Someone gifted me a premium membership! I can upload longer videos here now. Thanks for all the birthday wishes my friends 🙂 It was a good one
— Dave (@realDJStew724) July 29, 2024
I'll get working on the next part in the morning. Goodnight everyone! pic.twitter.com/gvSKZZt39T
🚨 New footage of Trump assassination reveals that law enforcement SURROUNDED Thomas Crooks with weapons drawn and were clearing people from the area and yet TRUMP was allowed to REMAIN ON-STAGE in clear view of assassin?!?
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) July 29, 2024
This is completely criminal:pic.twitter.com/GL11PiRtvA
How did command not put a halt to the speech immediately?
— Clandestine (@WarClandestine) July 29, 2024
Looks more and more like an inside job every day.
It was an inside job, no doubt about it.
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) July 29, 2024
Who else thinks it’s an inside job??
— AmericanPapaBear (@AmericaPapaBear) July 29, 2024