Former First Lady Melania Trump has raised questions about the law enforcement response to an attempted assassination of her husband, Donald Trump, during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
In a promotional video for her new memoir, Melania, posted a video on her X account on Tuesday, and suggested that there are unanswered questions surrounding the event, according to The Guardian.
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— MELANIA TRUMP (@MELANIATRUMP) September 10, 2024
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In the 34-second video, Melania describes the assassination attempt as a “horrible, distressing experience” and expresses her concern about the lack of information regarding the incident. “The silence around it feels heavy,” she says, as dramatic instrumental music plays in the background.
“I can’t help but wonder why law enforcement officials didn’t arrest the shooter before the speech?” she asks, adding, “There is definitely more to this story, and we need to uncover the truth.”
The video concludes with an image of her memoir’s cover and a link to purchase copies, according to a report by The Guardian.
Donald Trump has also made unsubstantiated claims about the attack, blaming President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for undermining Secret Service staffing, making it difficult to protect him. Conspiracy theories about the shooting have gained traction in some Republican and right-wing circles.
However, there is no evidence to suggest any involvement by Biden, Harris, or a larger plot beyond the lone shooter, Thomas Crooks, who was killed moments after opening fire.
The attack, which took place on 13 July, saw Trump suffer an ear injury, while one rally attendee was killed and two others injured. The gunman was shot dead by a Secret Service officer.
The FBI and Secret Service have since faced intense criticism over the security lapses at the event. In her memoir video, Melania’s questioning comes as investigation continues into what went wrong that day.
New details have emerged about potential communication failures between law enforcement agencies, as well as information about Crooks’ search history and preparations for the attack. However, FBI officials have yet to determine a motive for the shooting.
In the wake of the incident, the director of the Secret Service resigned after a hearing in late July, where lawmakers criticised the agency’s handling of the event.
Following the hearing, a House taskforce was formed to investigate the security failings, and by late August, at least five Secret Service agents were placed on leave in connection to the incident.
Melania’s memoir, which she describes as “the powerful and inspiring story of a woman who has defined personal excellence, overcome adversity, and carved her own path,” is available for pre-order on her website.
It is priced at $40, with signed editions available for $75 and a collector’s edition, which includes bonus photographs and a “digital collectible,” for $250.
(with inputs from The Guardian)