Inside Story: Trump's Meeting with FBI in Wake of Rally Shooting

Former President Trump is set to meet with the FBI for a victim interview, a pivotal step in the investigation into the failed assassination attempt that targeted him at a recent campaign rally. Here's what to expect from this crucial meeting.

Former President Trump is poised to meet with the FBI on Thursday for a victim interview concerning the audacious assassination attempt that left him injured and claimed the life of a supporter at a recent campaign rally in Pennsylvania. The meeting, which comes weeks after the incident, is a customary procedure in such investigations and will delve into the former president's account of the harrowing ordeal.

Law enforcement sources have disclosed that the FBI intends to obtain a statement from Trump, a step deemed routine in similar investigations. The agency has already conducted interviews with numerous individuals, including witnesses, former classmates of the suspect, and members of law enforcement. The suspect's parents are reportedly cooperating with the investigation.

Inside Story: Trump's Meeting with FBI in Wake of Rally Shooting

Trump has affirmed that the interview will take place on Thursday, a day after his return to Pennsylvania for a rally in Harrisburg. The former president's willingness to cooperate with the FBI is seen as a gesture of respect for the victims of the incident.

While Trump is not legally obligated to participate in the interview, experts believe his cooperation could prove invaluable in comprehending the security lapses that enabled the attacker to approach within 150 yards of the former president. The interview may also contribute to understanding the suspect's motivations and preventing future assassination attempts.

Inside Story: Trump's Meeting with FBI in Wake of Rally Shooting

Multiple investigations are underway to determine how Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old gunman, managed to access an elevated position with a clear line of sight to Trump. The focus of the probes is to identify the security breaches that allowed Crooks to infiltrate the rally.

Former FBI agent Nicole Parker emphasizes the significance of Trump's cooperation, stating that it demonstrates his regard for the victims. Parker believes that the interview may provide insights into the events leading up to the shooting.

Inside Story: Trump's Meeting with FBI in Wake of Rally Shooting

Former prosecutor David Gelman clarifies that the FBI's inquiries will be strictly confined to the rally shooting investigation. He notes that agents are not permitted to question Trump about unrelated matters, such as the raid on Mar-a-Lago.

Gelman asserts that while Trump has already spoken publicly about the incident, the investigators may uncover additional details from his account, despite the likelihood that he did not witness Crooks prior to the attack.

Inside Story: Trump's Meeting with FBI in Wake of Rally Shooting

Fox News Digital has exclusively obtained point-of-view footage from victim James Copenhaver, revealing Crooks' movements on a rooftop opposite the rally. Copenhaver sustained injuries from a stray bullet, along with two other victims: Corey Comperatore, who was fatally shot, and David Dutch, who suffered critical injuries. Both survivors have since been discharged from the hospital.

The FBI and a House of Representatives task force are actively investigating the security lapses and the suspect's motive. The outcome of these inquiries will shed light on the failures that allowed Crooks to carry out the assassination attempt.