Senator Ron Johnson Questions Single Shooter Theory In Trump Assassination Attempt

In a recent interview, Senator Ron Johnson, a Wisconsin Republican, raised intriguing questions surrounding the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, suggesting the possibility of "more than one" shooter being involved. This theory, although unsubstantiated, has gained traction among some conspiracy theorists. Last Saturday, Trump was shot at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, sustaining an injury to his right ear. The FBI is currently investigating this incident as an assassination attempt, while the shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was killed by a Secret Service counter-sniper.

The aftermath of the shooting has been tragic, with one rally attendee, 50-year-old Corey Comperatore, losing his life, and two others suffering serious injuries. Thankfully, those injured are reported to be in stable condition as of Monday. The FBI released a statement on July 14, indicating that their investigation suggests the shooter acted alone, though they are continuing to look for any potential co-conspirators.

Despite the FBI's statements, conspiracy theories have proliferated online, with some alleging that there was a second gunman present at the rally. Supporters of this theory have pointed to blurry videos showing a dark spot near a water tower as potential evidence of another shooter, although there is currently no concrete evidence to support these claims. During his appearance on Fox News' Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo, Senator Johnson expressed skepticism about the single shooter narrative, stating, "Was it one rifle? Was it more than one?" His comments reflect a broader concern regarding the transparency of the investigations being conducted by the FBI and Secret Service.

The senator has urged eyewitnesses to preserve and memorialize their accounts of the event, emphasizing the importance of their testimonies for the ongoing investigation. As the ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Johnson has committed to ensuring a bipartisan effort in interviewing law enforcement officials and members of the public who were present at the rally.

Johnson's comments have also raised questions about the reliability of both the FBI and the Secret Service. He stated, "We can't trust the FBI and Secret Service to do an honest and open, transparent investigation." This sentiment underscores a growing public sentiment of distrust towards federal investigation processes.

In a statement to Newsweek, a spokesperson for the Secret Service reassured that they are fully accountable for the safety of their protectees and committed to understanding the events surrounding the assassination attempt. They have pledged to cooperate fully with Congress, the FBI, and other relevant investigations.

As the nation grapples with the implications of this assassination attempt, questions about security protocols for presidential candidates have arisen. Criticism of the Secret Service's handling of the situation has intensified, with calls for accountability and changes in leadership, particularly directed at Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, who has faced scrutiny since taking the role in 2022.

Concerns about how the shooter accessed a rooftop just 150 meters from Trump's stage have further fueled the debate over security measures. The Secret Service has stated that they left the building sweeps to local law enforcement, raising further questions about the adequacy of their security protocols.

On Monday, Director Cheatle is expected to testify before lawmakers at a hearing titled "Oversight of the U.S. Secret Service and the Attempted Assassination of President Donald J. Trump," where these pressing issues will likely be addressed in detail.