Former President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday evening. Attendees, who had been waiting since early morning to catch a glimpse of the former president, were shocked when gunfire erupted just minutes after Trump took the stage.
The crowd initially mistook the sounds for firecrackers or fireworks, but soon realized the severity of the situation. Former Buffalo Township fire chief Corey Comperatore heroically shielded his family from the gunfire and tragically lost his life in the process. Two other attendees were injured but are now in stable condition.
The shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Crooks, was fatally shot by the U.S. Secret Service after firing upon the former president from a rooftop nearby. The agency is now investigating how Crooks was able to get so close to the rally with an AR-15.
Despite the chaos, rally-goers remained surprisingly calm, with some even describing the atmosphere as reminiscent of a church service. However, questions remain about the event’s security measures, with some attendees criticizing the lack of thorough checks at the entrance.
Crooks, a registered Republican with no prior criminal history, had donated to a Democratic political action committee in the past. The FBI is continuing its investigation into the incident and is urging anyone with information to come forward.
The shocking assassination attempt has left the community reeling and raised concerns about the safety of political events moving forward. Fox News will continue to provide updates on this developing story.
