Assassination attempt on Trump leaves one dead, officer's narrow escape

Just before the assailant fired at Donald Trump, a local police officer stood face-to-face with the attacker, Thomas Crooks, on the rooftop, reports the Associated Press—crooks aimed at the officer, who then ducked for cover. Moments later, the attacker fired at the former U.S. president.

On Saturday, during Donald Trump's rally in Pennsylvania, there was an assassination attempt on his life. The former U.S. president was hit near his right ear while speaking on stage.

Secret Service agents reacted immediately, evacuating Trump from the scene. A local police officer spotted Thomas Crooks, who attempted to assassinate former president Donald Trump but failed to stop him, reports an anonymous source from the AP.

Upon spotting Crooks on the rooftop of the industrial facilities, merely 430 feet from the stage where Donald Trump was speaking, rally participants immediately alerted the police. One of the officers decided to climb a ladder to check what was happening. When he reached the rooftop, he saw Crooks aiming his AR-type rifle at him.

The officer retreated down the ladder. Crooks then promptly aimed and fired approximately eight shots toward the former president, hitting him in the ear. He killed one person and seriously injured two others. After this series of shots, Secret Service snipers immediately responded and shot the 20-year-old assailant.

Despite the quick response of the Secret Service, the agency responsible for protecting former and current presidents faced sharp criticism, mainly for allowing an armed assailant to take such a close position near Trump's rally.

“It was a catastrophic failure. Such an opportunity should never arise,” former Chairman of the House Oversight Committee Jason Chaffetz told the "Washington Post." Chaffetz, who in 2015 conducted a broad investigation into Secret Service shortcomings.

After the shooting, the Secret Service confirmed that they largely relied on local police. As reported by the "New York Post," aside from the two Secret Service sniper teams within sight, local officers provided additional support.

"Secret Service always plays a leading role in securing such an event," said Pennsylvania State Police Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens, explaining that the local police are routinely recruited to assist the Secret Service.

Despite the security measures, the 20-year-old assailant managed to get in close proximity to Trump. It appeared that only a fortuitous turn of the former president's head prevented a fatal outcome.