The US Secret Service was under intense scrutiny on Sunday after a gunman managed to evade its agents and open fire on former President Donald Trump at a political rally, with Republican leaders vowing swift investigations and President Joe Biden calling for an independent review.

US secret service faces scrutiny after Trump assassination attempt

After narrowly escaping the assassination bid, former US president Donald Trump says that the incident has prompted him to re-write his Republican National Convention speech.

Trump assassination bid: Trump forges ahead in White House bid after assassination attempt

Trump Assassination bid: What Trump can learn from past for future?

In trying to analyse events such as the failed assassination attempt on US presidential candidate Donald Trump, it is best to look not just at what happened but the circumstances in which it did. As conspiracy theories float amid a bitter contest between Republican Trump and incumbent Democrat President Joe Biden, what is clearly evident is that we have a perfect storm of sorts in US politics -- and by extension, global politics.&nbsp;

A perfect storm, idiomatically speaking, refers to a particularly bad situation caused by a combination of unfavourable circumstances. That description now fits the Democrats more than the Republicans but those swearing by Biden (they are a dwindling but loud number) will wave their flags to say the very assassination attempt shows what is wrong with an America ruled by Republicans, in which there is no control on a gun culture in which random individuals, including depressed or deranged schoolkids, go on trigger-happy sprees.&nbsp;

But that would be a nuance rather than an obvious truth in the backdrop of what is going on in the United States. If the political assassinations of Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi in India are any indication, Trump's Republicans may be heading for a win aided by what we might call a sympathy wave though that description does not seem to fit Trump, the Republicans or the US. But Trump certainly has a trump card of sorts to play as his clenched fist and a blood-smeared face is an image bound to pull in fence-sitters in the November 5 elections.&nbsp;

Given that conspiracy theories are floating around still on who was behind Lee Harvey Oswald, the emotionally disturbed US Marine veteran who killed President John F. Kennedy in 1963, stories and rumours on Thomas Mathew Crooks, who was killed by security men after the 20-year-old's attempt to kill Trump, are not likely to die out anytime soon. This is more so as everything gets connected with the elections. Things get complicated by the fact that Crooks has been a registered Republican though he contributed $15 once to a progressive group.

What matters more than campaign noises, however, is the fact that the contest is between a bumbling Biden and a tenacious Trump.&nbsp;

If strong leadership, especially in a presidential system like that of the US, is a factor, the Republican candidate towers over his rival, despite his conviction in a hush money scandal involving a porn star and a series of past financial irregularities in his career as a real estate tycoon. But he seems at this point to have a teflon coating added to his notoriously thick skin. Former US president Ronald Reagan was called the "Teflon President" because criticism or blame never seemed to stick on him. Like Trump, he also survived an assassination attempt. Trump has now inherited Reagan's teflon image, and the halo of victimhood may add another layer that stops political bullets.&nbsp;

Contrast him with Biden, who has been the subject of calls to quit the presidential race by his most avowed supporters including big Hollywood stars. Biden's skin is as thick as that of Trump as he has been rejecting such calls, even as he is being virtually laughed out of the race by Internet memes and real stories of his famous forgetfulness.

The Trump assassination bid happened even as the world was bantering over Biden&nbsp;mistakenly referring to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy as Putin. It doesn't get more embarrassing for a US prez to refer to a head of state at war by the name of the one he is at war with.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Trump rally shooting: Former President shot at Pennsylvania rally

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-19="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-rally-shooting-former-president-shot-at-pennsylvania-rally-740607/embed" width="560"></iframe>

The interesting irony in all is that the US economy is doing rather well, thank you. The Democrats rode to power in 1992 under ex-president Bill Clinton with one of the catchy campaign phrases used by a strategist&nbsp;being "It is the economy, stupid."&nbsp;

"It is NOT the economy, stupid" may well be the right theme for the Democrats as jobs run high. Inflation is an issue for those chasing food and petrol prices but is on the lower side in the eyes of professional market economists. Pet Republican issues such as illegal immigration, restricted rights to abortion may look stronger to voters.&nbsp;

Democrats would hit hard on gun control but that would be a valiant attempt to piggyback on rivals. If high-profile leadership muscle comes into the picture, Biden looks profoundly weak, to say the least.&nbsp;

Overall, I would expect a further decline of the US as a superpower, unless the Democrats throw some unexpected punch with a change in candidate or something.&nbsp;

The US can hardly be expected to show some superpower muscle when its internal troubles are making it the Divided States of America. Internal instability in the US is a matter of global concern.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/trump-assassination-attempt-it-didnt-kill-him-but-will-it-make-him-stronger-740696">Also read |&nbsp;Trump assassination attempt: It didn't kill him, but will it make him stronger?</a>

Whether it is a prolonged war in Ukraine or the crisis in Gaza, international diplomacy is in a state of drift and that may worsen if the US does not show strong, ethical global leadership. Elections in France and the UK have also thrown up verdicts that show that internal factors may overpower external concerns in the West as a whole.&nbsp;

Trump is essentially an inward-looking politician, with a clear bias for his abrasive home agenda and old-fashioned white conservatism. He does not have superpower pretense unless it comes to strutting gestures that aid his flashy style or deal-making for American business.&nbsp;

That should be worrying for those who expect the US to play a judicious, stabilising role as a superpower, a label that looks increasingly doubtful. The coming months are going to be an anxious wait-and-watch period for those watching China's expanding footprint and expecting a healthy geopolitical balance.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)&nbsp;

In trying to analyse events such as the failed assassination attempt on US presidential candidate Donald Trump, it is best to look not just at what happened but the circumstances in which it did.

In trying to analyse events such as the failed assassination attempt on US presidential candidate Donald Trump, it is best to look not just at what happened but the circumstances in which it did. As conspiracy theories float amid a bitter contest between Republican Trump and incumbent Democrat President Joe Biden, what is clearly evident is that we have a perfect storm of sorts in US politics -- and by extension, global politics. A perfect storm, idiomatically speaking, refers to a particularly bad situation caused by a combination of unfavourable circumstances. That description now fits the Democrats more than the Republicans but those swearing by Biden (they are a dwindling but loud number) will wave their flags to say the very assassination attempt shows what is wrong with an America ruled by Republicans, in which there is no control on a gun culture in which random individuals, including depressed or deranged schoolkids, go on trigger-happy sprees. But that would be a nuance rather than an obvious truth in the backdrop of what is going on in the United States. If the political assassinations of Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi in India are any indication, Trump's Republicans may be heading for a win aided by what we might call a sympathy wave though that description does not seem to fit Trump, the Republicans or the US. But Trump certainly has a trump card of sorts to play as his clenched fist and a blood-smeared face is an image bound to pull in fence-sitters in the November 5 elections. Given that conspiracy theories are floating around still on who was behind Lee Harvey Oswald, the emotionally disturbed US Marine veteran who killed President John F. Kennedy in 1963, stories and rumours on Thomas Mathew Crooks, who was killed by security men after the 20-year-old's attempt to kill Trump, are not likely to die out anytime soon. This is more so as everything gets connected with the elections. Things get complicated by the fact that Crooks has been a registered Republican though he contributed $15 once to a progressive group. What matters more than campaign noises, however, is the fact that the contest is between a bumbling Biden and a tenacious Trump. If strong leadership, especially in a presidential system like that of the US, is a factor, the Republican candidate towers over his rival, despite his conviction in a hush money scandal involving a porn star and a series of past financial irregularities in his career as a real estate tycoon. But he seems at this point to have a teflon coating added to his notoriously thick skin. Former US president Ronald Reagan was called the "Teflon President" because criticism or blame never seemed to stick on him. Like Trump, he also survived an assassination attempt. Trump has now inherited Reagan's teflon image, and the halo of victimhood may add another layer that stops political bullets. Contrast him with Biden, who has been the subject of calls to quit the presidential race by his most avowed supporters including big Hollywood stars. Biden's skin is as thick as that of Trump as he has been rejecting such calls, even as he is being virtually laughed out of the race by Internet memes and real stories of his famous forgetfulness. The Trump assassination bid happened even as the world was bantering over Biden mistakenly referring to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy as Putin. It doesn't get more embarrassing for a US prez to refer to a head of state at war by the name of the one he is at war with. WATCH | Trump rally shooting: Former President shot at Pennsylvania rally The interesting irony in all is that the US economy is doing rather well, thank you. The Democrats rode to power in 1992 under ex-president Bill Clinton with one of the catchy campaign phrases used by a strategist being "It is the economy, stupid." "It is NOT the economy, stupid" may well be the right theme for the Democrats as jobs run high. Inflation is an issue for those chasing food and petrol prices but is on the lower side in the eyes of professional market economists. Pet Republican issues such as illegal immigration, restricted rights to abortion may look stronger to voters. Democrats would hit hard on gun control but that would be a valiant attempt to piggyback on rivals. If high-profile leadership muscle comes into the picture, Biden looks profoundly weak, to say the least. Overall, I would expect a further decline of the US as a superpower, unless the Democrats throw some unexpected punch with a change in candidate or something. The US can hardly be expected to show some superpower muscle when its internal troubles are making it the Divided States of America. Internal instability in the US is a matter of global concern. Also read | Trump assassination attempt: It didn't kill him, but will it make him stronger? Whether it is a prolonged war in Ukraine or the crisis in Gaza, international diplomacy is in a state of drift and that may worsen if the US does not show strong, ethical global leadership. Elections in France and the UK have also thrown up verdicts that show that internal factors may overpower external concerns in the West as a whole. Trump is essentially an inward-looking politician, with a clear bias for his abrasive home agenda and old-fashioned white conservatism. He does not have superpower pretense unless it comes to strutting gestures that aid his flashy style or deal-making for American business. That should be worrying for those who expect the US to play a judicious, stabilising role as a superpower, a label that looks increasingly doubtful. The coming months are going to be an anxious wait-and-watch period for those watching China's expanding footprint and expecting a healthy geopolitical balance. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Decoding the Trump assassination bid: Why the world should worry about a Divided States of America

Major relief for former US President Donald Trump in the Classified Documents Case. A Florida judge has dismissed the criminal case against Trump citing 'unlawful appointment and funding of special councel'.

BREAKING | Trump assassination bid: Florida judge dismisses Classified Document Case

A judge in the US state of Florida on Monday (July 15) dismissed the criminal case against former president Donald Trump accusing him of mishandling classified information, finding that the appointment of Special Counsel Jack Smith was unconstitutional.

A judge in the US state of Florida on Monday (July 15) dismissed the criminal case against former president Donald Trump accusing him of mishandling classified information, finding that the appointment of Special Counsel Jack Smith was unconstitutional. A report by the news agency Associated Press said that US District Judge Aileen Cannon granted the defence motion to dismiss the case, voiding a prosecution that at the time it was brought was seen as the most perilous of the multiple legal threats Trump faced. A look at the case Trump was facing 31 counts of willful retention of national defence information, each punishable by up to 10 years in prison. He also faced charges of conspiracy to obstruct justice and making false statements. Also read | I could see blood on his face, says photographer who captured the assassination attempt on Trump The current Republican presidential candidate allegedly kept classified documents -- which included records from the Pentagon and CIA -- unsecured at his Mar-a-Lago home and thwarted efforts to retrieve them. Lawyers of the former president argued that special counsel Smith was illicitly appointed in violation of the Constitution’s Appointments Clause and that his office was improperly funded by the Justice Department. Smith’s team had vigorously contested the argument during hearings before Cannon in June. 'Just the first step' Reacting to Cannon's decision, Trump said that all cases against him should be dismissed. "This dismissal of the Lawless Indictment in Florida should be just the first step, followed quickly by the dismissal of ALL the Witch Hunts," the 78-year-old said in a post on Truth Social. × Cannon's decision comes as Trump prepares to accept the presidential nomination at the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee following an assassination attempt on Saturday (July 13). Trump was not majorly wounded but suffered an injury in his right ear. The shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was shot dead. (With inputs from agencies)

Big relief for Trump as US judge dismisses classified documents case against him

The man who was killed during the assassination attempt on former United States (US) president Donald Trump has been identified. According to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, the victim was Corey Comperatore, a former fire chief from Butler. He was aged 50 at the time of his death. Watch to know more.

Trump rally shooting: Pennsylvania Governor says victim was an avid supporter of Trump

Twenty-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, who on Sunday (July 14) opened fire on former United States (US) president Donald Trump during his re-election campaign rally in Pennsylvania, had explosives in his car, American media reported.

US: Suspected Trump rally shooter was a 'quiet', 'lonely' & 'bullied' child in school: Reports

The 2024 Republican National Convention will kick off on July 15, just two days after a gunman tried to assassinate former US President Donald Trump. Watch in for more details!

Unravelling the assassination attempt mystery | US Secret Service under fire

Donald Trump's shooting incident marks the pivotal moment in the history of the United States of America now let's take a look at how investors are reacting to this incident. Watch in for more details!

Trump Rally Shooting: Impact of Trump attack on financial markets

It was a divine intervention that helped me survive said former US president Donald Trump after an assassination attempt on him during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania's Butler. Watch in for more details!

Trump Rally Shooting: Trump arrives in Milwaukee, says 'won't delay trip

Trump survives assassination attempt at campaign rally; how can shooter get so close to him?

US: Trump rally shooting victim died shielding family from gunfire

Trump Rally Shooting: Divine intervention helped me survive, says Donald Trump

Republican National Convention to kick off after Donald Trump assassination bid

Donald Trump's Republican Party convenes on Monday hoping to chart his return to the White House after he survived an assassination attempt that prompted him and President Joe Biden, his Democratic rival, to call for national unity and calm.

Trump survives in 'dramatic fashion' | Approval ratings surged nearly 70% after shooting

Not the White House or US President Joe Biden it was the e-commerce sites that were the quickest to react to the attempted assassination on former US President Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania. Within hours of the Associated Press releasing the iconic photo of the 78-year-old fist-waving Chinese side Tao Bao churned out t-shirts and put them on sale. Within 3 hours of the site saw more than 2,000 orders from both China and the United States.

Trump assassination: E-commerce mints on assassination bid, t-shirts on sale hours after incident

Thomas Crooks, the man named by the FBI as the shooter in the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, was "bullied every day" in high school, a high school class mate told media on Sunday (July 14).

Trump Assassination attempt: Trump's shooter Thomas Crooks 'quiet', 'lonely & 'bullied'

Donald Trump is one of the most protected political figures on the Earth, yet, somehow, on Saturday (July 13), an untrained assassin managed to aim a rifle at his head. As per a damning report, this happened even as the roof which shooter Thomas Crooks used to shoot at Trump was identified as a high-priority vulnerability spot for the Secret Service agency.

Citing a former senior Secret Service source familiar with the Butler, Pennsylvania rally site, NBC News reported that the site was known from previous Secret Service protections. In fact, the spot was a well-known vulnerability.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-shooting-us-president-biden-uses-oval-office-to-address-americans-was-it-a-subtle-flex-of-power-740907">Trump Shooting | US President Biden uses Oval Office to address Americans: Was it a subtle flex of power?</a>

<h2>Security 'failure'</h2>

The Security Service source called the assassination attempt a security "failure" and told NBC that two counter-sniper teams were there on site. They did not need approval to shoot, added the source.

"I mean, I think anybody with a little common sense, with no prior experience, just looking to the right of the stage, [would know] that is a very, very vulnerable spot to have a building for one thing, with a roof."

"You have multiple teams, you know, the CAT [counter assault team], the CS [counter sniper] team, the CAT team, the actual site, advance team, supervisor. I mean, they should have all called that out," he added.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-to-investigate-trump-shooting-as-act-of-domestic-terrorism-what-does-this-mean-740948">FBI to investigate Trump shooting as act of 'domestic terrorism'. What does this mean?</a>

<h2>Where did the shooter fire from?</h2>

Thomas Crooks, identified as the shooting suspect by the FBI, was on the roof of a nearby building, around 500 feet (152 m) from former US president Donald Trump.

Richard Goldinger, the district attorney for Butler County, Pennsylvania, has also expressed his shock at the shooting.

"That's the most surprising thing to me, when we have a former president here, that a guy was...able to get up on a roof and take a shot," he said in a conversation with MSNBC.

"We had some law enforcement in that building, (making it) even more surprising that he was able to get up there," he added.

It's not just him. Officials and common people are all wondering how such a major security lapse happened.

Richard Painter, a law professor at the University of Minnesota, who previously worked as a White House official under George W. Bush, has called for "a detailed investigation into this egregious security failure."

"If there is a rooftop within rifle range of a president or a presidential candidate, it's the Secret Service that should be on that rooftop."

"Have they ever heard of the Texas Book Depository?" he asked, referring to the building from where President John F Kennedy's assassin Lee Harvey Oswald murdered him using a long-range rifle in 1963.

"The shooter was outside the Secret Service perimeter. What kind of a perimeter is that? We know that any crackpot can all too easily buy a high-powered rifle in the United States. The perimeter needs to be as far as the eye can see," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump is one of the most protected political figures on the Earth, yet, somehow, on Saturday (July 13), an untrained assassin managed to aim a rifle at his head.

Donald Trump is one of the most protected political figures on the Earth, yet, somehow, on Saturday (July 13), an untrained assassin managed to aim a rifle at his head. As per a damning report, this happened even as the roof which shooter Thomas Crooks used to shoot at Trump was identified as a high-priority vulnerability spot for the Secret Service agency. Citing a former senior Secret Service source familiar with the Butler, Pennsylvania rally site, NBC News reported that the site was known from previous Secret Service protections. In fact, the spot was a well-known vulnerability. Also read | Trump Shooting | US President Biden uses Oval Office to address Americans: Was it a subtle flex of power? Security 'failure' The Security Service source called the assassination attempt a security "failure" and told NBC that two counter-sniper teams were there on site. They did not need approval to shoot, added the source. "I mean, I think anybody with a little common sense, with no prior experience, just looking to the right of the stage, [would know] that is a very, very vulnerable spot to have a building for one thing, with a roof." "You have multiple teams, you know, the CAT [counter assault team], the CS [counter sniper] team, the CAT team, the actual site, advance team, supervisor. I mean, they should have all called that out," he added. Also read | FBI to investigate Trump shooting as act of 'domestic terrorism'. What does this mean? Where did the shooter fire from? Thomas Crooks, identified as the shooting suspect by the FBI, was on the roof of a nearby building, around 500 feet (152 m) from former US president Donald Trump. Richard Goldinger, the district attorney for Butler County, Pennsylvania, has also expressed his shock at the shooting. "That's the most surprising thing to me, when we have a former president here, that a guy was...able to get up on a roof and take a shot," he said in a conversation with MSNBC. "We had some law enforcement in that building, (making it) even more surprising that he was able to get up there," he added. It's not just him. Officials and common people are all wondering how such a major security lapse happened. Richard Painter, a law professor at the University of Minnesota, who previously worked as a White House official under George W. Bush, has called for "a detailed investigation into this egregious security failure." "If there is a rooftop within rifle range of a president or a presidential candidate, it's the Secret Service that should be on that rooftop." "Have they ever heard of the Texas Book Depository?" he asked, referring to the building from where President John F Kennedy's assassin Lee Harvey Oswald murdered him using a long-range rifle in 1963. "The shooter was outside the Secret Service perimeter. What kind of a perimeter is that? We know that any crackpot can all too easily buy a high-powered rifle in the United States. The perimeter needs to be as far as the eye can see," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump shooting security 'failure': Secret Service knew roof was vulnerable spot, reveals report

Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old gunman who attempted to assassinate Donald Trump, had pointed his&nbsp;AR-style rifle at a local law enforcement officer who climbed the roof. The officer, threatened by Crooks, retreated down the ladder and moments later, Trump was shot, law enforcement officials told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

Since the incident, numerous witnesses have come forward and claimed that they informed the US Secret Service officials and other local authorities about the presence of a gunman on the roof of a building near the rally.&nbsp;

“We noticed the guy crawling, bear-crawling, up the roof of the building beside us, 50ft away from us,” one of the witnesses told BBC.

Despite identifying the rooftop as a potentially vulnerable point in the security detail of the former president, the Secret Service did not act in time.&nbsp;

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have identified the shooter as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel, Pennsylvania. He was neutralised by the United States Secret Service agents

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-suspected-trump-rally-shooter-was-a-quiet-lonely-bullied-child-in-school-reports-740885" target="_blank">Watch |&nbsp;US: Suspected Trump rally shooter was a 'quiet', 'lonely' &amp; 'bullied' child in school: Reports</a>

<h2><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-17="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-suspected-trump-rally-shooter-was-a-quiet-lonely-bullied-child-in-school-reports-740885/embed" width="560"></iframe></h2>

<h2>FBI and Secret Service</h2>

Notably, FBI officials seemingly threw the Secret Service under the bus, post the failed assassination bid.&nbsp;

“It is surprising but, to get all the details of that will come out later in the investigation," said&nbsp;Kevin Rojek, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Pittsburgh field office when quizzed he was surprised at the number of shots.

"The Secret Service really needs to answer that question,” Rojek stated, adding that the FBI was only there to support the Secret Service who were in charge of securing the scene.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/witnesses-warned-trumps-security-about-shooter-minutes-before-shots-were-fired-reports-740874">Also read |&nbsp;Witnesses warned Trump's security about shooter minutes before shots were fired: Reports</a>

While the FBI threw Secret Service to the wolves,&nbsp;Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens came to their rescue.&nbsp;

“In their defence, what I would want to say is it is incredibly difficult to have a venue open to the public and secure that against any possible threat against a determined attacker, that’s a huge lift to try and do it,” Bivens told reporters.

Meanwhile, FBI stated that the incident would be&nbsp;investigated as a potential act of "domestic terrorism".&nbsp;Also known as home-grown terrorism, it is a form of terrorism in which victims "within a country are targeted by a perpetrator with the same citizenship" as the victims.

(With inputs from agencies)

Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old gunman who attempted to assassinate Donald Trump, had pointed his AR-style rifle at a local law enforcement officer who climbed the roof.

Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old gunman who attempted to assassinate Donald Trump, had pointed his AR-style rifle at a local law enforcement officer who climbed the roof. The officer, threatened by Crooks, retreated down the ladder and moments later, Trump was shot, law enforcement officials told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Since the incident, numerous witnesses have come forward and claimed that they informed the US Secret Service officials and other local authorities about the presence of a gunman on the roof of a building near the rally. “We noticed the guy crawling, bear-crawling, up the roof of the building beside us, 50ft away from us,” one of the witnesses told BBC. Despite identifying the rooftop as a potentially vulnerable point in the security detail of the former president, the Secret Service did not act in time. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have identified the shooter as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel, Pennsylvania. He was neutralised by the United States Secret Service agents Watch | US: Suspected Trump rally shooter was a 'quiet', 'lonely' & 'bullied' child in school: Reports FBI and Secret Service Notably, FBI officials seemingly threw the Secret Service under the bus, post the failed assassination bid. “It is surprising but, to get all the details of that will come out later in the investigation," said Kevin Rojek, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Pittsburgh field office when quizzed he was surprised at the number of shots. "The Secret Service really needs to answer that question,” Rojek stated, adding that the FBI was only there to support the Secret Service who were in charge of securing the scene. Also read | Witnesses warned Trump's security about shooter minutes before shots were fired: Reports While the FBI threw Secret Service to the wolves, Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens came to their rescue. “In their defence, what I would want to say is it is incredibly difficult to have a venue open to the public and secure that against any possible threat against a determined attacker, that’s a huge lift to try and do it,” Bivens told reporters. Meanwhile, FBI stated that the incident would be investigated as a potential act of "domestic terrorism". Also known as home-grown terrorism, it is a form of terrorism in which victims "within a country are targeted by a perpetrator with the same citizenship" as the victims. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump rally shooting: Local officer retreated from roof after Thomas Crooks pointed rifle at him - Report

Donald Trump survived an apparent assassination bid on Saturday (Jul 13) as the Republican presumptive nominee was addressing a rally in Pennsylvania. What does it mean for the former US president's prospects in the November presidential election? Many members of Hollywood have shown support for Donald Trump.

'Assassination attempt' on Trump: Actors, singers praise Donald Trump

Donald Trump's brush with death on Saturday (Jul&nbsp;13) will be investigated as a potential act of "domestic terrorism," announced the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Sunday (Jul&nbsp;14).

"We are investigating this as an assassination attempt, but also looking at it as a potential domestic terrorism act," said Robert Wells, the assistant director of the FBI counterterrorism division, while talking to reporters.

Updating the press about the shooter Thomas Crooks' motives, Wells said that the shooter acted alone and had no known ideology.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-shooter-thomas-crooks-was-a-nice-kid-who-got-bullied-reveal-his-former-classmates-740875">Trump shooter Thomas Crooks was a 'nice kid' who got 'bullied so much' reveal his former classmates</a>

<h2>What is 'domestic terrorism'?</h2>

Also known as home-grown terrorism, it is a form of terrorism in which victims "within a country are targeted by a perpetrator with the same citizenship" as the victims.

The FBI defines it as "Violent, criminal acts committed by individuals and/or groups to further ideological goals stemming from domestic influences, such as those of a political, religious, social, racial, or environmental nature."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-shooting-us-president-biden-uses-oval-office-to-address-americans-was-it-a-subtle-flex-of-power-740907">Trump Shooting | US President Biden uses Oval Office to address Americans: Was it a subtle flex of power?</a>

<h2>Crooks' motives</h2>

Even as the FBI continues to investigate 20-year-old Thomas Crooks' motivations for the attack on Trump, Kevin Rojek, special agent in charge of the FBI's Pittsburgh field office, said that, so far, they have not found any evidence of mental health issues.

Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder told reporters that Crooks did not have any military affiliations.

Media reports, citing the 20-year-old Pennsylvania man's former classmates, have reported that he was&nbsp;a "nice kid who never talked poorly of anyone."

Crooks'&nbsp;childhood friend Jameson Myers also said,&nbsp;"I never have thought him capable of anything I've seen him do in the last few days."

<h2>US' Domestic Terrorism Act</h2>

The Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act of 2023 authorizes domestic terrorism components within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to monitor, analyse, investigate, and prosecute incidents of domestic terrorism.

(With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump's brush with death on Saturday (Jul 13) will be investigated as a potential act of "domestic terrorism," announced the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Sunday (Jul 14).

Donald Trump's brush with death on Saturday (Jul 13) will be investigated as a potential act of "domestic terrorism," announced the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Sunday (Jul 14). "We are investigating this as an assassination attempt, but also looking at it as a potential domestic terrorism act," said Robert Wells, the assistant director of the FBI counterterrorism division, while talking to reporters. Updating the press about the shooter Thomas Crooks' motives, Wells said that the shooter acted alone and had no known ideology. Also read | Trump shooter Thomas Crooks was a 'nice kid' who got 'bullied so much' reveal his former classmates What is 'domestic terrorism'? Also known as home-grown terrorism, it is a form of terrorism in which victims "within a country are targeted by a perpetrator with the same citizenship" as the victims. The FBI defines it as "Violent, criminal acts committed by individuals and/or groups to further ideological goals stemming from domestic influences, such as those of a political, religious, social, racial, or environmental nature." Also read | Trump Shooting | US President Biden uses Oval Office to address Americans: Was it a subtle flex of power? Crooks' motives Even as the FBI continues to investigate 20-year-old Thomas Crooks' motivations for the attack on Trump, Kevin Rojek, special agent in charge of the FBI's Pittsburgh field office, said that, so far, they have not found any evidence of mental health issues. Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder told reporters that Crooks did not have any military affiliations. Media reports, citing the 20-year-old Pennsylvania man's former classmates, have reported that he was a "nice kid who never talked poorly of anyone." Crooks' childhood friend Jameson Myers also said, "I never have thought him capable of anything I've seen him do in the last few days." US' Domestic Terrorism Act The Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act of 2023 authorizes domestic terrorism components within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to monitor, analyse, investigate, and prosecute incidents of domestic terrorism. (With inputs from agencies)

FBI to investigate Trump shooting as act of 'domestic terrorism'. What does this mean?

US President Joe Biden has condemned the attempted assassination of Donald Trump saying violence must not be the answer in an address to the nation from the Oval Office. Watch to know more.

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The corridors of power in and beyond the United States were taken aback by shock on Saturday (July 13) when a gunman fired at Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania. As Donald Trump was swiftly escorted to safety by Secret Service agents, questions are mounting on purported security lapses that have created a seminal moment in Trump's flamboyant public life. Watch to know more.

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Former US President Donald Trump has rewritten his speech for the Republican National Convention (RNC), due to start on Monday (Jul 15). The assassination attempt on the Republican leader has had a profound impact as he is expected to focus on bringing the nation together instead of the usual rambling about his rival, Joe Biden's policies.

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The shooter of Donald Trump’s assassination attempt, a 20-year-old kitchen worker, Thomas Matthew&nbsp;Crooks was shot at the incident. The attack took place when the former US president was giving a speech at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.&nbsp;

Police and concerned authorities are still investigating Crooks’ motive.

"We do not currently have an identified motive," said Kevin Rojek, FBI Pittsburgh special agent in charge, at a briefing on Saturday night.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-shooting-security-failure-secret-service-knew-roof-was-vulnerable-spot-reveals-report-740997">Trump shooting security 'failure': Secret Service knew roof was vulnerable spot, reveals report</a>

According to reports, the shooter was armed with a high-powered semi-automatic rifle of AR-15 variant, the weapon notorious for its use in various shootings.

&nbsp;

<h2>AR-15, the gun used by the Trump shooter, is America’s most notorious weapon</h2>

AR-15-style rifle is one of the most popular and deadliest guns in the US. It has been commonly seen in some of the country’s worst mass shootings.&nbsp;

The rifle was originally designed by Eugene Stoner in the late 1950s for Armalite. It was later sold to Colt, who marketed it to military and civilian markets.

The AR-15 is chambered in relatively small, high-velocity rounds. This rifle features a modular design, allowing its users to easily customize and configure it with different stocks, grips, sights, and other accessories, which makes it versatile and easy to use. This is one of the main reasons why it is top favourite among sport shooters, hunters, and law enforcement agencies.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-are-counter-snipers-of-us-secret-service-that-took-down-donald-trumps-shooter-740971">Who are Counter Snipers of US Secret Service that took down Donald Trump’s shooter?</a>

Another reason for its popularity is its price:&nbsp;buying an AR-16 is easy and cheap. Depending on the state of residence, a prospective owner can walk into a gun shop and, after presenting a valid ID, buy a rifle or shotgun provided they pass a federal background check.

A Washington Post poll in 2023 estimated that one in 20 American adults owns at least one AR-15.

In terms of performance, the AR-15 typically has an effective range of around 500 to 600 metres for accurate shooting. It is known for its accuracy, manageable recoil, and adaptability

It is mostly used by US civilians, but its design also allows it to be the foundation for many military rifles, including the M16 and M4 carbines, which have seen extensive use by the US military. The AR-15's adaptability, combined with its high rate of fire in its military variants, has also made it a point of controversy in discussions about gun control, particularly in the context of its use in several high-profile mass shootings.

(With inputs from agencies)

The shooter of Donald Trump’s assassination attempt, a 20-year-old kitchen worker, Thomas Matthew Crooks was shot at the incident. The attack took place when the former US president was giving a speech at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.

The shooter of Donald Trump’s assassination attempt, a 20-year-old kitchen worker, Thomas Matthew Crooks was shot at the incident. The attack took place when the former US president was giving a speech at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. Police and concerned authorities are still investigating Crooks’ motive. "We do not currently have an identified motive," said Kevin Rojek, FBI Pittsburgh special agent in charge, at a briefing on Saturday night. Also Read | Trump shooting security 'failure': Secret Service knew roof was vulnerable spot, reveals report According to reports, the shooter was armed with a high-powered semi-automatic rifle of AR-15 variant, the weapon notorious for its use in various shootings. AR-15, the gun used by the Trump shooter, is America’s most notorious weapon AR-15-style rifle is one of the most popular and deadliest guns in the US. It has been commonly seen in some of the country’s worst mass shootings. The rifle was originally designed by Eugene Stoner in the late 1950s for Armalite. It was later sold to Colt, who marketed it to military and civilian markets. The AR-15 is chambered in relatively small, high-velocity rounds. This rifle features a modular design, allowing its users to easily customize and configure it with different stocks, grips, sights, and other accessories, which makes it versatile and easy to use. This is one of the main reasons why it is top favourite among sport shooters, hunters, and law enforcement agencies. Also Read | Who are Counter Snipers of US Secret Service that took down Donald Trump’s shooter? Another reason for its popularity is its price: buying an AR-16 is easy and cheap. Depending on the state of residence, a prospective owner can walk into a gun shop and, after presenting a valid ID, buy a rifle or shotgun provided they pass a federal background check. A Washington Post poll in 2023 estimated that one in 20 American adults owns at least one AR-15. In terms of performance, the AR-15 typically has an effective range of around 500 to 600 metres for accurate shooting. It is known for its accuracy, manageable recoil, and adaptability It is mostly used by US civilians, but its design also allows it to be the foundation for many military rifles, including the M16 and M4 carbines, which have seen extensive use by the US military. The AR-15's adaptability, combined with its high rate of fire in its military variants, has also made it a point of controversy in discussions about gun control, particularly in the context of its use in several high-profile mass shootings. (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump assassination attempt: Shooter used AR-15 rifle, one of the most popular and deadliest guns in US

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Former US President Donald Trump was rushed off stage after a series of gunshots were fired at his campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania today. Watch to know more.

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An assassination attempt on Donald Trump has sent shockwaves across the United States. President Joe Biden has condemned the attack saying a probe is underway. What took so long for the Secret Service to respond? What were the security lapses that allowed a shooter to position himself a mere 400 feet away from the rally? Collins Chong Yew Keat, security and strategy expert and foreign affairs expert joins us to discuss.

Trump Assassination Attempt: Thomas Crook named as 'subject involved'

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