Shocking new footage released by the FBI has laid bare the terrifyingly close call former President Donald Trump experienced during an assassination attempt at his Pennsylvania rally. The video provides a forensic-level view of the precise moment a sniper's bullet grazed his ear, a split-second event that could have altered history.
The footage, captured from the perspective of the gunman, Thomas Crooks, shows him lining up the shot from his perch on a nearby rooftop. It graphically illustrates how he had a clear and unobstructed view of the podium, raising immediate and serious questions about the security perimeter established by the Secret Service.
A Sniper's Eye View of Chaos
The video evidence is nothing short of chilling. It tracks Crooks as he surveys the scene, patiently waiting for his target to take the stage. The clarity of the footage underscores the calculated nature of the attack, showing him methodically adjusting his position for the optimal shot.
As Trump begins speaking, the gunman zeroes in. The FBI's enhanced video shows the rifle's reticle hovering near the former president's head before the weapon is fired. The muzzle flash is visible, followed by the immediate and panicked reaction of the crowd and Trump himself as he clutches the side of his head.
Gaping Holes in Security Laid Bare
This visual evidence is a damning indictment of the security protocols in place that day. The fact that an armed assassin could gain access to a rooftop with such a direct sightline to a presidential nominee is a failure of monumental proportions.
Security experts analysing the footage have expressed astonishment at the lapse, noting that such a vantage point should have been identified as a critical vulnerability and secured or placed under direct surveillance. The release of this video is expected to intensify the scrutiny on the Secret Service and its planning for major campaign events.
Aftermath and Ongoing Investigation
The attempted assassination, which resulted in the death of one rally attendee and critical injuries to two others, is now the subject of multiple investigations. The FBI's decision to release this video provides a grim, first-hand account of the event that shocked the world and continues to send ripples through the American political landscape.
