The Assassination Attempt on Donald Trump: A Timeline of Events

Lane Bernier
July 16, 2024 02:04am
357

On July 13, 2024, at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, former President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt that left one man dead and two others critically injured. This is a timeline of the events that unfolded that day.

On July 13, 2024, at approximately 6:11 p.m., as former President Donald Trump addressed a crowd at the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pennsylvania, shots rang out. Attendees quickly pointed to a nearby rooftop, where they spotted a man with a rifle.

A local law enforcement officer climbed onto the roof and saw Thomas Crooks, 20, armed with an AR-15. Crooks pointed the gun at the officer, who fell back. Moments later, gunfire erupted from the rooftop.

The Assassination Attempt on Donald Trump: A Timeline of Events

Secret Service agents quickly targeted the shooter, firing at him from a distance of about 160 yards. Crooks was neutralized and killed on the spot.

In the crossfire, 50-year-old Corey Comperatore was fatally shot while protecting his wife and daughters. Two others, 57-year-old David Dutch and 74-year-old James Copenhaver, were critically wounded.

The Assassination Attempt on Donald Trump: A Timeline of Events

Trump was unharmed, but he was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation. His motorcade quickly left the venue, and the rally was adjourned.

The FBI, which is investigating the shooting as an assassination attempt, identified Crooks as the suspect. Crooks, a registered Republican, had previously made threatening comments online.

The Assassination Attempt on Donald Trump: A Timeline of Events

Investigators found explosives in a car driven by Crooks, which was parked near the rally site. They also discovered bomb-making materials at his home.

The assassination attempt has raised concerns about political violence in the United States. President Biden and other politicians have called for unity and an end to the heated rhetoric that has divided the country.

The Assassination Attempt on Donald Trump: A Timeline of Events

The Secret Service has been criticized for its handling of the incident. Some experts say the agency should have deployed counter-snipers to the rooftop where Crooks was positioned. Others say the agency should have been better prepared to evacuate Trump from the rally site.

The investigation into the assassination attempt is ongoing, and the FBI is asking for the public's help in gathering information about Crooks and his motives.