911 Calls Reveal Details of Trump's Assassination Attempt
More than a dozen frantic 911 calls from the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump in Butler County, Pennsylvania, reveal moments of chaos and fear following the shooting that left one dead and Trump injured.
The release of these 911 calls sheds light on the panic that ensued during the July 13 attack, which resulted in one fatality and critical injuries to two others. Investigators have highlighted significant security lapses by the Secret Service, with a bipartisan House task force concluding the incident was 'preventable.' As the country grapples with the implications of this failed security, the calls illustrate the immediate danger faced by rally attendees and raise urgent questions about presidential protection.
The initial call to 911 was made at 6:12 p.m., only a minute after the shots rang out. Callers reported the sounds of gunfire and the chaos that ensued. One caller stated, 'They just tried to kill President Trump,' capturing the gravity of the situation as it unfolded.
The gunfire claimed the life of Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old attendee, and left two others, Jim Copenhaver and David Dutch, critically injured. Copenhaver was among those who suffered gunshot wounds but survived the attack. The severity of injuries illuminated the real threat attendees faced at the rally, prompting immediate medical responses.
During the attack, Trump himself sustained a graze wound to his ear as a 20-year-old gunman, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, fired eight shots from a nearby position. The Secret Service responded swiftly, and a sharpshooter eliminated Crooks, but questions were raised regarding how he was able to breach security and get so close to Trump.
The task force investigating the incident has been vocal about the significant security failures exhibited by the Secret Service. Their report detailed the lack of coordination with local law enforcement and noted that preventative measures that could have ensured Trump's safety were not effectively implemented. This raises broader concerns over the protection protocols in place for current and former presidents.
911 call recordings highlighted the moment's urgency, with multiple callers expressing confusion and fear. Some were looking for missing loved ones, while others reported rally attendees who had fainted amid the panic. Such testimonies illustrate the widespread chaos spiraling from the violence.
The calls also revealed that bystanders were attempting to help those injured, demonstrating the collective response of individuals present during the attack. The community's immediate reaction mixed with fear underscores the gravity of the situation and the emotional toll on those who witnessed the events.
The release of these 911 calls followed a lawsuit by various news outlets after Butler County initially refused to disclose the audio recordings. This legal action has brought the desperate pleas of eyewitnesses into public view, amplifying the call for accountability and transparency concerning the security measures in place.
In light of the revelations and the ensuing investigation, there are now intensified discussions among lawmakers and security experts regarding how to better protect high-profile individuals. The findings from the House task force are expected to lead to significant legislative proposals aimed at reforming security procedures for political figures.
As the nation continues to reflect on the implications of July 13, the event has sparked a renewed discourse about the risks faced by public officials in today's volatile political climate. Analysis of this incident highlights not just the immediate consequences but also the urgent need for improved security protocols.