On Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania, former President and current Republican presidential candidate Donald J. Trump was shot on the right side of his ear shortly after taking the podium to deliver his speech.
The shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, PA, managed to fire an estimated eight shots with an AR-15-style rifle from less than 200 yards away from a nearby rooftop before being neutralized by law enforcement. While Trump was shot in the ear, a slight movement just before being hit minimized the impact. However, the incident left two additional attendees injured and one person dead.
After being shot, the Secret Service surrounded Trump. As he got to his feet, he was seen stopping the detail to engage the people, fist-pumping in the air and shouting “fight” at the crowd. As the Secret Service secured Trump, attendees could be heard shouting back “USA, USA, USA.”
Yesterday, Trump, sporting an ear wrap, joined the Republican National Convention and announced his Vice-Presidential candidate, Senator J. D. Vance from Ohio.
The public and many officials are questioning how this seemingly untrained individual was able to have such a direct line of fire. The investigation is underway, with many demanding answers, especially now with footage showing that the general public had an almost two-minute window of awareness before the shots were fired.
Recently, I reached out to the Bronx Chairpersons of the Democratic, Republican, and Conservative Parties for their thoughts, as well as Bronxites and New Yorkers to share their opinions on the event.
Patrick McManus, Chairman of the Bronx County Conservative Party: “There are many questions that need to be answered about the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. Not only how but also why this incident occurred. Some of these are obvious, such as the glaring lapse in security that allowed the shooter to gain access to a roof a mere 350 feet from the podium. We also need to examine what role the rhetoric used by mainstream media and some elected officials, portraying President Trump as not only an ideological threat to America but a physical one as well, may have played in motivating the shooter. Biden’s order for an independent review of the assassination attempt is a step in the right direction. We can only hope that it remains truly independent and not politically biased. America needs and deserves this, as do the families of Corey Comperatore and all those injured.”
Remarks from Bronxites and New Yorkers regarding the incident:
Joseph Padilla Jr.: “With regards to social media, there has been a rapid uptick in memes and comments claiming it was a staged attack. Some are non-supporters, and others are. The polarization just depends on who you ask. Biden and the DNC have already given a statement trying to de-escalate tensions. Many memes are just trying to capitalize on this event and push their agenda. This type of trolling doesn’t help, and these types of activities in the present stage we are in now are problematic. There are still many trying to influence the outcome from both sides. This event and the RNC will give Trump a bump in polling, but it will eventually come down. How much depends on the margin of error in contested states. In an interesting turn of events, even Congressman Ritchie Torres (D), from the 15th C.D., who ramped up the rhetoric against Trump prior to and during his visit to the Bronx, is now calling for additional Secret Service protection for presidential candidates.”
Grace Marrero: “The attempted assassination of President Trump was expected, at least by me. The left has tried everything to get him out of the race. This act of desperation shows how scared they are of losing, and yes, it was an inside job!”
Tyreek Goodman: “This could strengthen his campaign because with everything going on… If the ex-president isn’t safe, nobody is. When he says, we’re letting people in or we need to put America first, he now has something to stand on. How can America save everyone else and protect everyone else but can’t protect or provide justice for its own citizens? Policies and security need to be tightened. People are scared and feel like their voices aren’t being heard, and the system is rigged. Seeing this, you can’t help but place blame on someone, maybe even a party. Young voters, young America want to be put first.”
James Doe: “I think the whole thing was staged. Anytime you hear the word ‘gun’ or ‘weapon’ in such an event, the president is immediately rushed to a safe area. Meanwhile, this time they just huddled around him and kept him on stage in the middle of everything, and this guy is popping his head up with a fist in the air. Plus, with all the video footage showing the rally onlookers, there are protocols in place for such incidents. I believe it was staged.”
Darney K. Born Rivers: “I think that the reaction of the people will show on election day. People have seen that the Democrats are playing dirty, afraid of losing, and willing to do anything, including murder, to stay in power.”
Joseph Ronda: “I think it will open people’s eyes and make them notice the Democrats will do anything to stop Trump. Despite the assassin being registered as a Republican voter, he probably registered so he could vote in the primaries against Trump. Realizing it didn’t work, he took Biden’s word and put a target on Trump. Trump’s security detail could have been better. Law enforcement and Secret Service were informed that the assassin was on the roof and waited until he discharged his weapon before the Secret Service sniper fired back. He needs better protection. Now more than ever, they realize the Democrats will do anything to take out the Republicans.”
Guadalupe Hoyos: “If they wanted to kill him, they would’ve. I think it was a plan to get votes. But I do feel bad for him.”
Dion Powell: “This incident makes it easier for Trump to gain new votes and support because people who were on the fence see that he must be a real threat. It needs to be investigated, and those responsible should be held accountable. Secret Service protection should be extended to all presidential candidates that meet certain requirements. People have reacted as expected, like any public display of controversy around Trump.”
Isaiah Vega: “The event singlehandedly united conservatives while revealing the best and worst of Democratic leadership. I believe Trump’s victory is in sight.”
Daniel Jorge: “There was a security failure for sure, and the whole area wasn’t properly reviewed before he got there. Some liberals and Democrats have responded negatively, along with politicians. We must stop the hatred in general.”
Gary Lutz: “The attempted assassination on Donald Trump shows threats to liberties for having a different point of view. The security handled it well, the best they could in this tough, unpredictable tragedy. You can disagree with someone, but it’s wrong to harm them just because they don’t agree with you. I am thankful that Mr. Trump is okay.”
Allan Nunez: “It shows that Trump is a threat to the Democratic Party.”
Mike Munoz: “It will boost his campaign. A failure by his security detail and by the Secret Service as a whole. Why weren’t drones used? We had drones when he visited the Harlem bodega, as well as for the rally in the Bronx. I believe this is the end of DEI hiring policies for the Secret Service. For the most part, I believe the outpouring of support for Trump is positive, although the number of people wishing the attempt was successful is disgraceful and disturbing. It shows how much our society has fallen.”
The reactions to this incident highlight the deep political divides and differing perspectives on security, trust in government institutions, and the overall political climate as the nation approaches the upcoming election. Despite anyone’s political stance, a life was lost, and people were injured. Our prayers go out to those affected by this tragedy.
The Democratic and Republican Chairpersons did not reply in time for the publication of this article, but if and when they do, we will update this piece.