The attempted assassination of Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July 2024 continues to generate discussion—both about what happened in those moments and how the event has been interpreted afterward.
During a campaign rally near Butler on July 13, 2024, a gunman identified as Thomas Crooks opened fire from a nearby rooftop using an AR-15–style rifle. Trump was struck in the ear, one attendee was killed, and two others were critically injured before the shooter was killed by a Secret Service sniper. The Federal Bureau of Investigation later investigated the attack and closed the case in November 2025, stating that a clear motive had not been established.
Even with the investigation concluded, the incident has remained a point of debate. Public skepticism, fueled in part by limited publicly released details, has led to a range of interpretations—including speculative and unverified claims circulating online.
Among those adding to the discussion is Jesse Ventura, a former professional wrestler, media personality, and one-time governor of Minnesota. In a recent interview with Piers Morgan on Piers Morgan Uncensored, Ventura questioned aspects of the incident in a way that drew strong reactions.
