Dear Markos- I’ve read your recent reposting of the rules against conspiracies. I would also like to suggest the banning of fantasy journalism. I am a degreed journalist, and a fellow veteran, still active in my profession, and this highly featured Associated Press article on DKos belies the video we have all seen. To wit:
“That's when the shots rang out, at least five. Trump clutched his ear as dark-suited Secret Service agents dashed toward him. He dropped to the ground as the agents yelled, “Get down!” The thousands of rallygoers packed into the field in front of him moved as one, dropping down as silence spread across the grass, punctuated only by an occasional scream.” == No.
The video shows rally-goers behind him occasionally look screen-left. Then Trump clutch his ear, then drop. Then Secret Service agents come in and surround him. The crowd behind Trump did not “moved as one” to drop, but some did, as others maintained almost normal posture. Refer to the video.
“They tried to usher the former president offstage to his left as blood trickled from his ear. “Wait, wait, wait,” Trump said. He pumped his fist as the crowd cheered, and seemed to mouth the word “fight” before agents hustled him down the stairs and to a waiting black SUV. Trump pumped his fist one more time before getting inside.”
=== No. He said, “Wait, let me get my shoes.” And then, apparently breaking all publicly-known SS protocols, allowed the protectee, under a shooting situation, to stand with head high. We’ve seen coverage of Secret Service in action before. I definitely do not believe in a conspiracy around this, it was just poor/sloppy/ and not-by the book protection. Those agents should be fired. I hope we have better coverage of the current POTUS.
This article does not mention the latest information on the shooter, who was allegedly on a nearby rooftop (200-300 yards), which is standard target distance for service members. This makes me think the shooter likely was not an experienced one, and also reinforces the incompetence of the Secret Service. You would think that all rooftop and highground areas, certainly within 200-300 yards, would be secured.
This AP article is a huge puff prose piece (alliteration acknowledged).