By: Sharika Tasnim
Edited by Farah Liyana
WASHINGTON, 16th July, 2024 — The US Secret Service has come under intense scrutiny following a shocking assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. The brazen attack has left the nation reeling, just months ahead of the November presidential election.
The 78-year-old Trump, who is seeking a return to the White House, was injured but survived the attack. The shooter, armed with an assault rifle, managed to take a position on a roof approximately 500 feet from the rally, despite the typically stringent security measures for such events.
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is rushed offstage during a rally on July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania. Credit: Getty Images
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has vowed full cooperation with an independent review, as announced by President Joe Biden. "We understand the importance of the independent review announced by President Biden yesterday and will participate fully," Cheatle said in a statement. She emphasized the agency's commitment to working with federal, state, and local agencies to understand and prevent such incidents in the future.
The attack unfolded at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Trump was addressing supporters. Eyewitnesses and newly surfaced videos indicate that attendees had attempted to warn police about the shooter’s presence before he opened fire. The Washington Post reported that the shots were fired 86 seconds after the first audible warnings were made.
Trump's Republican allies painted him as a hero on Saturday, seizing on the image of him with his ear bloodied and fist raised, appearing to mouth the words "Fight! Fight! Fight!" Credit: Reuters
The shooter and a bystander were killed in the incident, and two spectators were injured. Trump, visibly bleeding from his ear and cheek, was swiftly evacuated by Secret Service agents.
President Biden has ordered a comprehensive review of security measures at political events, including the upcoming Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where Trump is expected to be formally nominated as the party’s presidential candidate. Additionally, Biden has mandated Secret Service protection for independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., citing the heightened risk of political violence.
Secret Service agents surrounded Trump, who was seen bleeding, and wrestled him off the podium to safety. Credit: Getty Images
The attempted assassination has drawn reactions from leaders around the world. In Malaysia, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim condemned the attack, stating, "Whatever our stance is towards any leader, this method is not a solution."
Back in the US, President Biden addressed the nation from the Oval Office, calling for a reduction in political hostility. "We can’t allow this violence to be normalized. The political rhetoric in this country has gotten very heated. It’s time to cool it down," Biden said. He emphasized the importance of resolving differences through democratic processes rather than violence.***
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