Officials shocked by Trump assassination attempt

Local and state officials are decrying the attempted assassination of former President Donald J. Trump at a July 13 campaign rally in Butler, Pa. 

“I want to echo what others have said,” said Boundary County Commissioner Ben Robertson. “It’s a tragedy for our country. We can’t forget the innocent person who died. There is no place for it.”  

Commissioner Chair Tim Bertling said he was astounded that witnesses decided to film the shooter climbing a roof, rather than acting or calling the person out.  

“If that had happened in Idaho, I think [the shooter] would get jumped. Someone is going and stop that,” he said, whether that means throwing rocks or climbing up the roof after the shooter.  

Commissioner Wally Cossiart was surprised that the security permitted wasn’t explained for the rally, especially considering die-hard sportsmen can shoot over 400 yards.  

"I am thankful to the Lord that Donald Trump was spared," Bonner County GOP Chairman Scott Herdon said. "However, it is a tragedy that Corey Comperetore was lost."

"I am concerned that false narratives stir up those who are unanchored from the truth," he said. "Politicians like Joe Biden need to tone down their rhetoric. Disagree with policy, but stop saying conservatives are fascists and dangerous. That is nothing but violent hyperbole.

"I am looking forward to a Trump victory in November. Let’s make America, and Idaho, great again," he said.

Idaho officials said there is no place for such violence and said they are praying for Trump and his family. 

“I am praying for President Trump, his family, and our nation,” said Gov. Brad Little. 

Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke also expressed shock at the assassination attempt, saying “there is no place for such violence in our democratic process. I commend the quick action of the Secret Service and wish President Trump a swift recovery.” 

U.S. Congressman Mike Simpson and U.S. Senator Mike Crapo said such violence is contrary to the nation’s ideals. 

“Resorting to violence is never acceptable, and words should always supersede our actions,” said Congressman Mike Simpson, R-Idaho. “President Trump deserves our admiration and respect. His family and our nation demand our prayers in this time of need.” 

“An apparent assassination attempt against a former president and current candidate for the president of the United States is beyond enraging and wholly un-American,” said Mike Crapo, R-Idaho. “I am praying for Donald Trump and hope he will recover expeditiously.” 

U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, said he is praying for Trump’s full recovery. “The apparent attempt on President Trump’s life in Pennsylvania is absolutely horrific,” Risch said. “Vicki and I are praying for President Trump and all those injured in (the July 9) despicable incident.” 

While shocked, U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher, R-Idaho, said he was not surprised by the violence. 

"All of us within Congress said, and I know many elected officials around the country have seen, an increase in threats," Fulcher said. 

Fulcher said the country needs to focus on the issues and “dial down” the rhetoric and negativity. 

"I believe that’s the direction that the party is going in within this convention,” Fulcher said. “That’s what I’ve been told. Speeches are being rewritten, that dialogue is changing, and it needs to. Hopefully, we’ll get that done, and I want to be a part of that. 

Trump was talking about illegal border crossings at the southern border, comparing his administration to current President Joe Biden’s, when a bullet nicked his right ear. Video of the speech shows Trump reaching for his ear, seeing blood and dropping behind the podium as shots continued to ring out. 

Secret Service snipers positioned on a nearby roof, shot and killed the would-be assassin, who has been identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pa.  

Corey Comperatore, 50, a former fire chief, was killed in the stands when he dove onto his wife and daughter during gunfire. According to the Pennsylvania State Police, at least two other people were injured: David Dutch, 57, of New Kensington, Pa., and James Copenhaver, 74, of Moon Township, Pa. 

A GoFundMe campaign to support the families of those killed and injured has been created by Meredith O’Rourke and approved by the Trump campaign. The fundraiser has surpassed its $1 million goal and is currently above $5 million.  

Eyewitnesses outside the rally saw and filmed the shooter “bear crawling” up a roof approximately 150 yards from the grandstands roof with a rifle several minutes before shots were fired. Several witnesses were interviewed by news outlets stating they tried to warn nearby law enforcement in advance.  

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the assignation attempt and believes the shooter acted alone.  

The FBI has not identified a motive for the shooter’s actions but are working to determine the sequence of events and the shooter’s movements prior to the shooting, collecting and reviewing evidence, conducting interviews, and following up on all leads.  

Agents have searched the shooter’s home and vehicle to collect additional evidence. Suspicious devices found at both locations have been rendered safe by bomb technicians and are being evaluated at the FBI Laboratory.

The FBI announced that the firearm used in the shooting was purchased legally by the Crooks’ father and was unknown to the agency prior to the shooting. 

The GoFundMe campaign is called “Support for Butler PA Victims-President Trump Authorized.