Donald Trump Pennsylvania rally shooting: ‘Local police failed to secure rooftop’, Secret Service shifts blame

The Secret Service 'blamed local police for failing to secure the rooftop' from which the assailant, Thomas Matthew Crooks, fired gunshots at former US President Donald Trump during a US Presidential polls campaign event on Saturday, reported the New York Times.

The assailant stationed himself on the roof of a manufacturing plant that was over 130 yards away from the stage where the presumptive nominee of the Republican Party was delivering his speech at Butler Farm Show grounds in Pennsylvania.

The federal agency further alleged that the area from where the gunshot was fired was outside their security coverage range. They identified the gunman as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, who allegedly used a firearm purchased by his father.

“Instead, securing and patrolling the factory grounds of AGR International Inc. — located about 130 yards from the stage where Trump was speaking Saturday — was the responsibility of local Pennsylvania police,” the New York Times quoted Secret Service representative Anthony Gugliemi.

The AR-style rifle used in the assassination attempt was recovered from the scene after Secret Service snipers neutralised him moments after he fired several rounds in the former US President's direction.

Authorities said explosive devices were also found in the car the attacker used, which was not far from the venue where Donal Trump's rally was taking place, according to The Wall Street Journal. Thomas Matthew Crooks’ neighbour informed news daily New York Post that a bomb squad had a report of explosives at the gunman's home.

The gunman shot Donald Trump in the right ear, and in a first account after the incident, he elaborated on the details. Taking to the social media platform Truth Social, Donald Trump said, “I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear."

He added, “I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realised then what was happening.”