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COP OUT
Police confronted Trump rally sniper on roof moments before assassination attempt – but ‘fled after gun pointed at him’
The Secret Service has come under fire over security at the rally
A POLICE officer confronted Trump rally shooter Thomas Crooks on the roof of a building before he fired shots but retreated when the gunman pointed his rifle at him, according to reports.
Crooks shot former president Donald Trump in the ear at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday and also killed a man and seriously injured two others.
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The local cop climbed on top of the roof and saw Crooks, who then pointed his rifle at the officer, per the Associated Press.
The officer quickly backed down the ladder and the gunman then shot toward Trump, according to the outlet.
As soon as the Secret Service was aware of the shots, a sniper on another roof killed Crooks.
WASTED TIME
A witness at the rally said they spotted someone with a rifle and warned the Secret Service "three or four minutes" before Trump was shot.
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Witness Greg told the BBC he saw a man "bear-crawling up the roof of a building" on a nearby roof with a gun as Trump spoke.
"He had a rifle, we could clearly see him with a rifle," he said.
"We’re pointing at him, the police are down there running around on the ground – we’re like ‘hey man there’s a guy on the roof with a rifle’ and the police did not know what was going on."
No action was taken and minutes later shots were fired five times before Secret Service agents "blew his head off".
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The account raises serious questions about security measures at this large event because Trump moved just before he was shot in the head.
ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT
Chilling videos show Trump speaking to the crowd at the Butler, Pennsylvania, rally before shots were heard ringing out.
After the second shot, he appeared to be hit as he clutched his ear and dropped to the ground for cover.
‘Get down!’Hot mic captures what was said as frantic secret service swarmed bleeding Trump and shots ring out
Members of his Secret Service team quickly jumped on top of the former president to shield him as more shots continued to ring out.
People could be heard screaming, "Get down!" as everyone ducked for cover.
When the all-clear was given and the shooter was reported dead, Trump stood up from the ground with blood pouring from a wound to his right ear.
He raised his hand in a fist as blood trailed down his face.
Donald Trump Rally Shooting Timeline
Donald Trump was shot at his Pennsylvania rally on July 13.
1pm: Doors open at the Butler Farm Show grounds where Trump was expected to speak at 5pm.
4:11pm: Sean Parnell gave the opening speech.
4:35pm: David McCormick rallied the crowd.
5:30pm: Crowds were still waiting for Trump.
6:03pm: Trump takes the stage.
6:11pm: Gunshots were fired as Trump delivered remarks.
6:12pm: Trump was ushered off stage by Secret Service agents.
6:42pm: Secret Service confirmed Trump is safe.
7:24pm: The shooter and one rally attendee are confirmed dead by law enforcement officials.
8:42pm: Trump confirms he was shot in the ear, sharing a statement on Truth Social.
8:49pm: The Secret Service confirms the shooter and a rally attendee are dead. Two others remain critically injured.
Trump began to mouth, "Fight, fight, fight!" and the remaining supporters in the stands stood up too and clapped.
He was quickly rushed away to his car and taken to the hospital.
'DIED A HERO'
During the gunfire, Crooks critically injured two people and killed one man.
The victim has since been identified as Corey Comperatore, a former fire chief for Buffalo Township — about 15 miles southeast of Butler, Pennsylvania.
He lunged over his daughter during the shooting, saving her life.
On Sunday, Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro spoke about Comperatore's death after a conversation with his wife and two daughters.
"Corey was a girl dad. Corey was a firefighter. Corey went to church every Sunday. Corey loved his community. Most especially, Corey loved his family," he said per CNN.
Shapiro described Comperatore as an “avid supporter of the former president” and said he was excited to be at the rally.
He called the former firefighter "a hero."
What we know so far:
- A shooter opened fire at a Donald Trump rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday evening, killing one, critically injuring two others, and wounding the former President
- Dramatic footage showed the moment Trump dived behind his podium as Secret Service agents closed in
- The FBI confirmed it was an assassination attempt, but said there was no prior threat
- Trump broke his silence with a statement describing the shooting - after a bullet struck his ear and left blood pouring down the side of his face
- A hot microphone captured the moment Secret Service agents screamed "Get down!"
- The shooter - identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks - was shot dead by Secret Service agents at the scene
- A witness claims he warned police about a man with a rifle on a nearby roof minutes before the attack
- President Joe Biden dubbed the shooting "sick," and has suspended campaigning for the next two days
"I asked Corey’s wife if it would be okay for me to share that we spoke. She said yes. She also asked that I share with all of you that Corey died a hero," he continued.
"Corey dove on his family to protect them last night at this rally."
He added that "all leaders need to take down the temperature and rise above the hateful rhetoric that exists and search for a better brighter future for this nation."
A GoFundMe for his family has also been created on behalf of Comperatore's daughter, Allyson, who was at the rally with her dad.
Donations have been rolling in every minute as people show their support.
The original goal was set at $7,000, but as of Sunday afternoon, the GoFundMe has surpassed over $487,000.
VIOLENCE CONDEMNED
Trump posted to his social media platform Truth Social after the tragedy, explaining the moment he knew he had been shot.
"I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania," Trump wrote hours after the shooting.
"Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured."
He went on, "It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead."
"I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin," he said.
"Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!"
Melania and Trump's daughters have also spoken out about the shooting, condemning the violence.
During a brief conference on Saturday night, Joe Biden called what happened "sick."
"Look, there's no place in America for this kind of violence. It's sick," the president continued.
"We cannot condone this."
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Vice President Kamala Harris said she was "relieved" Trump was not seriously injured.
"Violence such as this has no place in our nation," she said.
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Donald Trump Rally Shooting Reaction
Dozens of politicians and celebrities have offered their support for the former president after he was reportedly grazed by gunfire at his Pennsylvania rally on July 13.
President Biden held a brief press conference just after 8 pm ET. He said he was hoping to speak to Trump.
"Look, there's no place in America for this kind of violence. It's sick," the president continued. "We cannot condone this."
Vice President Harris said she was "relieved" Trump was not seriously injured.
"Violence such as this has no place in our nation," she continued.
Former President Obama said on X: "There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy.
"Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics. Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery.
Donald Trump, Jr shared a photo of his father raising a fist moments after he was shot with the caption: "He'll never stop fighting to Save America."
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr said: "Now is the time for every American who loves our country to step back from the division, renounce all violence, and unite in prayer for President Trump and his family."
Tesla CEO Elon Musk said: "I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery."
Britain's new Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer took to X to say: "I am appalled by the shocking scenes at President Trump's rally and we send him and his family our best wishes.
"Political violence in any form has no place in our societies and my thoughts are with all the victims of this attack."
Reform leader and newly elected MP Nigel Farage said it is a "miracle" that his friend is still alive.
Farage told Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips: "I was very upset when I heard the news late last night, Donald Trump survived by a miracle, frankly.
"But one innocent man is dead, two are fighting for their lives in hospital. It's horrible, and yet somehow not surprising."
Former PM Boris Johnson also gave his condolences to Trump and his family as he said it shows "the tragic fragility of democracy in the face of violence and unreason".
Ukrainian PM Volodymyr Zelensky, who has been a target for assassins in the past, also said he was "appalled" by the events in the US.
"Such violence has no justification and no place anywhere in the world. Never should violence prevail," he said on X.
"I extend my wishes for strength to everyone who is horrified by this event. I wish America emerges stronger from this."