In July 2024, former President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, fired eight rounds from an AR-15–style rifle, wounding Trump in the upper right ear and killing one audience member, firefighter Corey Comperatore. Secret Service agents swiftly neutralized Crooks, who was fatally shot by a counter-sniper.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initiated a comprehensive investigation into the incident. Early findings revealed that Crooks had conducted extensive online searches for events involving both Trump and President Joe Biden, indicating meticulous planning. He viewed the Pennsylvania rally as a “target of opportunity.”
In the aftermath, federal agencies issued a joint intelligence bulletin warning of potential “follow-on or retaliatory” attacks. The bulletin highlighted concerns that individuals in certain online communities had threatened or encouraged violence in response to the assassination attempt. Authorities emphasized the need for heightened vigilance, particularly regarding election-related events.
The FBI’s investigation also explored possible international connections. In July 2024, Asif Merchant was arrested in the U.S. for allegedly planning an assassination on behalf of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Merchant had reportedly scouted a Trump rally and detailed its security back to Tehran. However, after extensive analysis, the FBI concluded that Crooks acted alone, and no direct link to Iran was established.
Former FBI Director James Comey became embroiled in controversy following a social media post that some interpreted as a veiled threat against Trump. The post featured seashells arranged to form the numbers “8647,” which some believed could signify “86” (slang for “to get rid of”) and “47” (referencing Trump as the 47th president). Comey denied any violent intent, stating he was unaware of any such connotation. The Secret Service interviewed Comey regarding the post, but as of now, no charges have been filed.
In April 2025, President Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the explanations provided by the FBI and Secret Service regarding the assassination attempts. He stated that he “doesn’t know what to believe” about the incidents and indicated a desire for further clarification.
The assassination attempt on Trump has raised significant concerns about the safety of political figures and the potential for violence in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the need for heightened security measures and public vigilance.
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