Former Secret Service Agent Dan Bongino has credited former President Donald Trump with saving his own life during an assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Bongino, a conservative radio host and staunch Trump supporter, sharply criticized the Secret Service for what he termed an “absolutely catastrophic” failure in their duty to protect the former president. He asserted that Trump’s quick decision to duck in response to the gunfire was instrumental in saving his life.
Trump ‘saved his own life’ during shooting, ex-Secret Service agent Dan Bongino says Video:
During an appearance on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends Sunday,” Bongino remarked, “The bunting around the front of the stage is probably armor. Donald Trump knew to duck. I mean, most people would. He saved his own life.” These comments reflect the high stakes and the intense scrutiny surrounding the incident, which has once again brought the security protocols for high-profile political figures into question.
The incident occurred as Trump, 78, was delivering a speech. Eyewitnesses reported that he appeared to turn his head slightly just before the shots rang out. He then grabbed his ear and ducked down, a move that prompted Secret Service agents to swiftly cover him with their bodies, forming a human shield. This quick response by the agents, albeit reactive, underscores the critical nature of their role.
In a statement following the event, Trump detailed his near-miss encounter with the bullet. “A bullet pierced the upper part of my right ear,” he said, describing the sensation of it “ripping through the skin.” This harrowing account emphasizes the gravity of the threat he faced and the narrow margin by which he escaped serious injury or worse.
According to the New York Post:
‘Authorities have since identified 20-year-old Pennsylvanian Thomas Matthew Crooks as the suspected gunman and the FBI is currently investigating the shooting as an assassination attempt. At least one person was killed and two others were severely wounded.
Bongino, who served in the Secret Service from 1999 to 2011 raked the protective agency over the coals for the security failures that took place.
“If that’s the best technology we have, and we had a CS [Counter Sniper] team up there — we’re trained out to 1,000 yards in the Secret Service with the counter sniper team — how did they miss someone, at most 1/5 of the way there? It doesn’t make any sense,” he pondered.
“Even worse, it’s broad daylight on a white roof.”
This event has sparked a broader discussion within conservative circles about the adequacy of current security measures for former presidents and high-profile political figures. Given the increasingly polarized political climate, the necessity for robust and proactive protection is more pressing than ever. Critics have pointed out that the Secret Service’s failure to anticipate and mitigate the threat before it reached such a critical point represents a significant lapse.
This incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by figures like Trump, who continue to draw large and passionate crowds. The narrative of Trump’s quick thinking and personal bravery resonates deeply with his base, reinforcing his image as a decisive leader who can handle crises. Bongino’s comments add weight to this narrative, portraying Trump not just as a victim but as an active participant in his own defense.
One of the best quality videos I’ve seen of the assassination attempt on Donald Trump from Start to finish. pic.twitter.com/7JEG8gvr1V
— ALX ???????? (@alx) July 14, 2024
Moreover, this event has broader implications for the discussion around Second Amendment rights and personal security. The ability of individuals to protect themselves in critical moments is a cornerstone of conservative values, and Trump’s actions during the incident serve as a potent example of this principle in action.
In the aftermath of the attempted assassination, there is a clear call for a reassessment of the protocols and strategies employed by the Secret Service. Ensuring the safety of high-profile political figures is paramount, and any perceived failures must be addressed with urgency and transparency. For supporters of Trump, this event is likely to be seen as a rallying point, underscoring the vulnerabilities faced by our leaders and the importance of unwavering vigilance.
Sponsors:
Huge Spring Sale Underway On MyPillow Products
Use Promo Code FLS At Checkout
Inflation Buster: Freedom From High-Cost Cell Plans (50% off first month with promo code: FLS)
Freedom From High-Cost Cell Plans Same Phones, Same Numbers, Same Coverage For About Half The Price.