Donald Trump's would-be assassin purchased 50 rounds of ammunition just hours before the shooting, according to bombshell reports.

Daily Mail reported that the Secret Service is under scrutiny after a gunman managed to get within 130 yards of Donald Trump during a speech in Butler, Pennsylvania.

On Saturday, the former president narrowly escaped a potentially fatal attack when 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire with an AR-style rifle.  Crooks, a Bethel Park High School graduate, had bought the ammunition just hours before the incident, raising questions about the effectiveness of security protocols.

Shooter's Preparations and Ammunition Purchase

Crooks positioned himself on the roof of an industrial building near the venue where Trump was speaking, an area flagged as a security concern.  However, the Secret Service did not sweep the roof, leaving local law enforcement to handle the security check. This lapse allowed Crooks to set up his vantage point undetected.

A newly emerged video shows Trump supporters pointing and questioning Crooks' presence on the roof. Multiple witnesses reported seeing a figure crawling on the building, yet law enforcement did not respond in time to prevent the shooting.

"Look, they're all pointing," the man behind the camera says, as the video captures Crooks on the roof. "Yeah, someone's on top of the roof – look."

The Moment of the Attack

At the critical moment, Trump turned his head to the side to look at a jumbotron displaying immigration statistics. This turn may have saved his life as a bullet clipped his right ear.

Trump grabbed his head and ducked behind the podium as Secret Service agents formed a protective barrier around him. Blood streaked down his face, but he managed to raise his fist and shout, "Fight," demonstrating his resilience.

Despite the chaos, Trump's campaign reported that he is otherwise fine. The quick actions of the Secret Service and Trump's instinctive duck behind the podium helped prevent a more tragic outcome.

Security Concerns and Witness Reports

The Secret Service's failure to sweep the roof where Crooks lay has led to significant criticism. Witnesses have reported that they warned law enforcement about a gunman on the building, but there was no immediate response.

"Plenty of time and opportunity to eliminate the threat," reads a caption in the video obtained by journalist Annie Dance. Questions about the security breach continue to circulate as investigators piece together how Crooks got so close to the former president.

Law enforcement officials were seen standing over Crooks' body on the roof after the assassination attempt. The shooter, a registered Republican who had donated to a progressive group supporting President Joe Biden, remains a puzzling figure in this incident.

Victims and Aftermath of the Shooting

Former fire chief Corey Comperatore, 50, was tragically killed while protecting his family during the attack. Two other individuals, David Dutch, 57, and James Copenhaver, 74, sustained critical injuries but are now in stable condition. All victims were Pennsylvania natives.

Crooks' background has come under scrutiny, with the Bethel Park School District confirming his 2022 graduation and pledging full cooperation with investigators. The shooter's motivations and actions continue to be analyzed as more details emerge.

Why This Story Matters

The assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump raises serious concerns about the security measures in place for high-profile political figures.

The fact that the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was able to purchase ammunition just hours before the incident and gain access to a rooftop near the event venue highlights potential vulnerabilities in the protection provided by the Secret Service.

This incident not only puts the spotlight on the need for enhanced security protocols but also raises questions about the ease with which individuals can acquire firearms and ammunition, even when their intentions may be malicious.

Conclusion

The assassination attempt on Donald Trump is a chilling reminder of the dangers faced by public figures in today's polarized political climate. While the former president escaped with a minor injury, the loss of life and the critical injuries sustained by others in the crossfire underscore the tragic consequences of such acts of violence. As the nation grapples with this shocking event, it is crucial for law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident, identify any security lapses, and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.