Donald Trump's attacker surveyed Pennsylvania fairgrounds before assassination attempt

The gunman who tried to kill Donald Trump was able to fly a drone and get aerial footage of the western Pennsylvania fairgrounds shortly before the former president was set to speak there, law-enforcement officials briefed on the matter told The Wall Street Journal, further underscoring the stunning security lapses ahead of Trump’s near assassination.

Thomas Matthew Crooks flew the drone on a programmed flight path earlier in the day on July 13 to scour the Butler Farm Show grounds ahead of Trump’s ill-fated rally, the officials told The Wall Street Journal.

The predetermined path, the officials added, suggests Crooks flew the drone more than once as he researched and scoped out the event site.

Former US President Donald Trump on Thursday officially accepted the Republican nomination for the US presidential polls during the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, just days after he escaped an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania.

"I am running to be president for all of America, not half of America, because there is no victory in winning for half of America," Trump was quoted as saying by the media.

"So tonight, with faith and devotion, I proudly accept your nomination for president of the United States," he said.

Referring to divine intervention, Trump said he was saved on Saturday as 'God' was by his side.

“There was blood pouring everywhere and yet, in a certain way I felt very safe because I had God on my side," Trump said.

Saying that he was not supposed to be in the venue that night, Trump was quoted as saying by CNN: "I stand before you in this arena only by the grace of almighty God."

What happened during the rally?

Former US President Donald Trump received injuries on his right ear during a Saturday election campaign rally at Pennsylvania's Butler, in what is seen as an assassination bid that left the 78-year-old Republican presidential candidate's face streaked with blood with his alert security agents rushing him off the stage even as he pumped his fist in the air, mouthing the words "Fight! Fight! Fight!"

The shooter, along with one bystander who was there to attend the rally, died.

As gunshots were heard, Trump, who was just six minutes into his election speech, was seen clutching a hand to his right ear, where blood was visible across his cheek and mouth.

Two other spectators were injured, the Secret Service said in a statement. The incident was being investigated as an assassination attempt.

Secret Service agents were quick to respond and surrounded Trump while escorting him off the stage, as he raised a fist to the crowd in defiance.