Journalist Selena Zito on Trump's Reaction to the Butler Shooting and Election Impact

The Butler Shooting and Its Aftermath

• 🎯 Corey Comperatore, a fire chief, was killed nearly one year ago on July 13, 2024, during a Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, by 20-year-old Thomas Crooks.
• ⚠️ The Secret Service has suspended six agents for actions and inactions during the event, which the victim's widow described as leaving attendees as "sitting ducks."

Journalist Selena Zito's Unique Perspective

• 📍 Journalist Selena Zito, who was just four feet from President Trump during the shooting, was tackled and shielded by a campaign staffer.
• 📞 Zito reveals that President Trump called her seven times the day after the incident, expressing concern for her and her family's well-being.
• 💬 In their conversations, Trump reflected on the assassination attempt, attributing his survival to divine intervention and a newfound sense of purpose.

Trump's "Fight, Fight" Message and Election Impact

• ⚡ Trump explained to Zito that his immediate reaction of "fight, fight" was not about himself but about representing America and showing strength to prevent panic.
• 📈 Zito argues that this moment and Trump's defiant reaction significantly defined the election, potentially increasing his margin of victory.
• 📺 She criticizes mainstream media for initially downplaying the event and getting facts wrong, stating the American people saw Trump being shot and felt deceived by narratives about Biden.

The Shooter and Mental Health

• ❓ Zito expresses surprise at the lack of answers regarding the shooter's motive a year later.
• 🧠 She notes that Thomas Matthew Crooks had a minimal digital footprint, making it difficult to profile his motivations, but suggests a significant decline in his mental health in the months prior to the event.
• 🤝 Zito also mentions that Trump feels an obligation to Corey Comperatore, which has deeply affected him.