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New footage of the July 13 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump is raising new questions, adding to the growing list of mysteries surrounding the deadly ordeal.
While many questions remain unanswered, there are some generally accepted facts about the event. Thomas Matthew Crooks attempted to shoot Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, wounding three people (including Trump) and killing one. The former president was grazed on his right ear, after which government counter-snipers killed Crooks.
Nearly everything else outside of these facts remains unclear, which likely played a role in the abrupt resignation of now-former Secret Service director Kim Cheatle.
Some of the questions that remain unanswered:
That last question has been especially contentious, and this newest video is likely to add yet another point of contention.
In a video purportedly taken by rallygoer Dave Stewart, new footage reveals a minutes-long delay between the sniper being identified as a threat and when Trump was taken off the fairground stage. The video claims that Stewart had his phone taken by the FBI, before it was returned, allowing him to post a longer clip on social media platform X. Both clips show that, while Trump was still speaking on stage, the security detail was reacting to something on its radar.
A couple of minutes later, the video captures what was likely the counter-snipers firing back and killing Crooks.
For many online, the slow pace at which Trump was secured left much to be desired. Conservative pundit Benny Johnson took to X to lambast the new video. “New footage of Trump assassination reveals that law enforcement SURROUNDED Thomas Crooks with weapons drawn and were clearing people from the area and yet TRUMP was allowed to REMAIN ON-STAGE in clear view of assassin?!?” Johnson posted. He added: “This is completely criminal.”
A quick glance at some of the comments under Johnson’s post showed that many considered this an “inside job.” With Cheatle’s departure, Secret Service acting Director Ronald Rowe Jr. was the one who was grilled Tuesday over these issues during a congressional hearing.
