I must preface this week’s “From the Newsroom” column by stating I do not count myself in the “conspiracy theory column” concerning the political arena. I just don’t go down those rabbit holes—watching YouTube clips, sharing them in group chats, then professing the world is flat when we all know it’s round. I'm not that guy.
But…
After spending a few days in and around Butler, Pennsylvania, with South Shore Press reporter Robert Chartuk, I truly question how one troubled young man was able to fire shots at President Trump at the Butler Farm Fairgrounds.
You really don’t get a sense from television news, social media posts, or photographs of just how close the President’s would-be assassin was to killing our Commander in Chief.
The site itself is a typical county fairgrounds. When we visited, a Toy Show was underway, with plenty of people coming and going. I cannot fathom how a young man carrying a rifle could climb a ladder, sit on a slightly slanted roof for some time, get into position, and then fire multiple rounds at President Trump.
You don’t truly grasp how close the attempted assassin was until you step on site. The buildings he climbed on were outside the perimeter of the farm. Reports state he was 400 to 450 feet from the President, but in person, it looks and feels much closer. I just kept thinking: how on earth did he do it without being noticed?
In the days ahead, we’ll post videos of interviews with police and residents of Butler, Sarver, and Bethel Park, home of the accused assassin. Follow us on Twitter @SSPNewsroom, Facebook @SouthShorePress, and at SouthShorePress.com for exclusive coverage.
Did the shooter act alone? Was there a deeper conspiracy? Is the government telling us everything?
Stay tuned.