A political rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, became a scene of terror on July 13 as ex-President Donald Trump was targeted in an assassination attempt.

According to Daily Mail, a new video from the Trump assassination attempt, captured by survivor James Copenhaver, reveals an eerie figure running across the rooftop of the AGR building near the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Thomas Crooks, who would later be identified as the perpetrator, was already at the venue, arousing suspicion among some attendees. He was first noticed taking photographs of the area approximately an hour and a half before the crime.

Using surveillance footage and witness accounts, authorities determined that Crooks climbed to the roof of the AGR building via HVAC structures to secure a strategic vantage point, reaching the top around noon, about an hour before the incident.

The attack occurred at approximately 1 PM on July 13. Crooks opened fire, shooting eight bullets, aiming at the former President and causing chaos among the assembled crowd.

Immediate Impact On The Victims And Heroic Acts

Among those severely impacted was James Copenhaver, who managed to capture a shadowy figure, later confirmed as Crooks, in his video.

Copenhaver sustained severe injuries that have since required extensive rehabilitation. Others were struck by tragedy, too; 50-year-old firefighter Corey Comperatore, who heroically attempted to shield others, tragically lost his life.

The attack didn't cease to impact bystanders. David Dutch, aged 57, sustained injuries requiring two surgeries, showcasing the ruthless, indiscriminate nature of the assault.

Following the attack, Crooks was located and neutralized by a Secret Service sniper, ending the immediate threat. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle would later resign in response to glaring security breaches revealed by the incident.

FBI Investigation And Trump's Response

Post-incident investigations by the FBI delve deeper into Thomas Crooks' past and his potential motives, which appear to involve a history of threatening behavior.

In what could be perceived as a narrow escape, Trump described his survival as a matter of "luck or by God" during an interview post-attempt, emphasizing the event's severity and startling nature.

Lawyer Joseph Feldman, representing James Copenhaver, detailed how his client initially mistook the impact on his body for something much less severe than a bullet wound.

“He felt it on his arm, and he looked down at his arm...and felt pain initially, but he hadn't even realized he had been shot a second time at that point. It could have been shock,” Feldman explained.

This statement offers insight into the confusion and chaos that reigned during those critical moments, underlining the severity and the unpredictable human element in such tragedies.

Lessons To Learn From This Tragedy

The harrowing events that unfolded at the Butler rally teach us invaluable lessons about safety and vigilance:

1. Always be aware of one's surroundings, especially at large gatherings. Keeping an eye on unusual behaviors or situations might help in noticing potential dangers early.
2. The importance of emergency response and personal protection knowledge can be life-saving. Awareness of basic self-defense or medical aid can make a critical difference.
3. Engaging with local security protocols and reporting suspicions immediately can aid in preventing potential dangers.

However, it's essential to remember that while precautions can be taken, crime can confront anyone, and victims should never be blamed.

Why This Story Matters

This harrowing incident underlines the necessity for stringent security arrangements at political events. Ensuring the safety of public figures and civilians alike is not just a matter of protocol but of public confidence in these systems. Events like these ignite necessary discussions about political safety, communal responsibility, and the psychological toll on survivors and the community.

As we reflect on the unfortunate events of July 13, the departure of Secret Service Director Cheatle, the ongoing FBI investigation, and the resilience of those like James Copenhaver, we're reminded of the social and political ramifications these incidents provoke, pushing society to question and improve on current security measures to better safeguard its members.