Donald Trump assassination attempt: Viral video triggers criticism over female Secret Service agents' response

Donald Trump assassination attempt: Former President Donald Trump faced an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally on Saturday (Jul13). The incident caused panic as a wounded Trump was surrounded by Secret Service agents and hurried into his car.

The FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) has identified the attacker as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Pennsylvania. Crooks, who opened fire from the roof of a building approximately 140 metres from the stage where Trump was speaking, was shot and killed by Secret Service agents shortly after initiating the attack.

The 78-year-old former US president narrowly survived the attack after the bullet hit him in his right ear. Visuals from the incident show Trump surrounded by his Secret Service, with blood flowing across his face.

A video capturing the actions of female Secret Service agents during the incident has gone viral, drawing widespread criticism on social media. Viewers are questioning the competence of the agents, citing their apparent struggles in protecting Trump.

The footage shows one agent repeatedly failing to put her gun in the holster, while another agent appears to put on sunglasses and attempt to maintain her composure.

People are also questioning the security measures that allowed a lone 20-year-old shooter to take a clear firing position on an open rooftop.

Elon Musk also took to social media platform X, stating, "The head of the security service and the leader of the security details should resign."

(With inputs from agencies)