Witness Describes Chaos at Trump Rally Shooting as Secret Service Faces Scrutiny

While Trump supporters describe the panic, investigators say poor planning and lack of communication left the rally vulnerable.

BUTLER, Pa. — Christena, a Michigan woman who calls herself the “MAGA Queen,” was near the front of the crowd Saturday when former President Donald Trump was shot.

She said Trump had just raised his fist when the bullet struck. “I saw the blood,” she said. “He had his fist in the air. Then I saw it hit him.”

The rally took place at the Butler Farm Show Grounds. One spectator was killed. Two others were hurt. The gunman, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, fired from a rooftop 130 yards away. He was shot and killed by the Secret Service.

Christena said the crowd panicked. “People screamed and ducked. I just prayed,” she said. “I never thought I’d witness something like this.”

Trump later posted a photo of his bloodied ear and said he was fine. He called it a miracle that he survived.

New reports now show the Secret Service missed several warning signs. A Government Accountability Office review said the agency failed to act on a general threat. Agents at the rally were not given key information.

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An independent review found a “troubling lack of critical thinking.” Six Secret Service agents were suspended without pay. Penalties ranged from 10 to 42 days. The agency’s director, Kim Cheatle, resigned after the shooting.

Senator Chuck Grassley blamed the attack on “bad decisions and bureaucratic handicaps.” Senator Rand Paul said Congress must investigate what he called a “cultural cover-up.”

Despite what happened, Christena said she’s not backing down. “We can’t be afraid. That’s what they want,” she said. “God’s not done with him.”

The FBI is still investigating the shooter’s motive. More security changes are expected in the weeks ahead.