Trump Voters Embrace Assassination Conspiracy Theories

Trump voters believe in an assassination conspiracy. Explore the details and implications of this controversial claim

Secret Service Demonstrates Challenges in Spotting Shooter to Lawmakers

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In the wake of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, the Secret Service showcased to lawmakers why the shooter was difficult for snipers to spot. This comes amid growing conspiracy theories suggesting more than one person was involved in the incident, with nearly half of Trump supporters believing in a broader plot.

 

An exclusive Newsweek poll conducted by Redfield & Wilton Strategies revealed that 47 percent of Republican voters think multiple individuals conspired to assassinate Trump, while 36 percent believe it was the act of a lone shooter, and 17 percent are unsure. Comparatively, 22 percent of Democrats think multiple people were involved, with 58 percent attributing the act to a single individual, and 21 percent undecided.

 

On July 13, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, grazing the former president's right ear. Crooks was shot and killed by Secret Service agents on the scene. The incident also resulted in the death of a rally attendee and critically injured two others.

 

In the aftermath, the internet was rife with conspiracy theories, some suggesting the presence of a second shooter, possibly atop a water tower near the venue. These theories were amplified by figures such as Republican Senator Ron Johnson, who questioned the FBI's conclusion of a single shooter.

 

"Was it one rifle? Was it more than one?" Johnson queried on Fox News. "I've seen some pretty interesting video on the internet by experts that does certainly call into question what the FBI is telling us about a single shooter."

 

However, the FBI and the Secret Service have maintained that there is no evidence of a second shooter. "While the investigation to date indicates the shooter acted alone, the FBI continues to conduct logical investigative activity to determine if there were any co-conspirators associated with this attack," the FBI stated on July 14. A Secret Service spokesperson also reiterated the lack of evidence for a second shooter.

 

Following the incident, the Secret Service faced criticism for allegedly failing to adequately protect Trump. The shooter fired from a rooftop less than 200 yards from where Trump was speaking, leading to significant scrutiny of the agency’s security protocols. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle acknowledged the event as "the most significant operational failure at the Secret Service in decades" and subsequently resigned from her position.

 

Newsweek's poll indicates that 64 percent of respondents agreed that the Secret Service failed in their duty to protect Trump, with 81 percent of Republicans and 55 percent of Democrats sharing this sentiment. Additionally, 54 percent supported Cheatle's resignation, with stronger backing from Republicans (70 percent) than Democrats (45 percent).

 

As the investigation continues, the Secret Service aims to address the vulnerabilities exposed by the incident and restore public confidence in their ability to protect high-profile figures.