Exclusive video footage obtained by Fox News reveals chilling details of the July 13 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania, showing a figure moving across a rooftop just minutes before gunfire erupted.
A new video from James Copenhaver, one of the victims critically wounded in the July 13 assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump, has emerged, shedding light on the moments leading up to the shocking incident.
The footage, captured by Copenhaver's phone at 6:08 p.m., shows a figure moving across the roof of the American Glass Research (AGR) building adjacent to where Trump was speaking at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The individual can be seen walking from the 1:00 second mark to about the 2:50 second mark.
Chilling Video Captures Suspect's Movements Moments Before Assassination Attempt on Trump
Investigators believe the gunman, Thomas Crooks, 20, began firing with a collapsible AR-15-style rifle three minutes later, around 6:11 p.m. Counter snipers fatally shot Crooks shortly afterward, and forensic evidence revealed eight shell casings near his body.
In the assassination attempt, Crooks killed 50-year-old Corey Comperatore, a former fire chief, and critically wounded Copenhaver, 74, and David Dutch, 57. Both victims were shot twice, according to those familiar with their injuries.
Chilling Video Captures Suspect's Movements Moments Before Assassination Attempt on Trump
Copenhaver's lawyer, Joseph Feldman, revealed that the victim was not filming when he was struck by bullets. Copenhaver stopped recording when the crowd turned their heads to face a projection screen displaying immigration statistics.
"He had almost seen or heard something whiz past him, which we're assuming was a bullet. He felt it on his arm, and he looked down at his arm…and felt pain initially, but he hadn't even realized he had been shot a second time at that point. It could have been shock," Feldman recounted.
Chilling Video Captures Suspect's Movements Moments Before Assassination Attempt on Trump
FBI officials stated during a press conference that Crooks meticulously planned his attack. On July 6, he researched the distance between Lee Harvey Oswald and President John F. Kennedy during Oswald's infamous assassination in 1963.
On July 7, Crooks visited the rally site and spent approximately 20 minutes in the area. On the day of the rally, he flew a drone near the location where Trump would be speaking.
Chilling Video Captures Suspect's Movements Moments Before Assassination Attempt on Trump
The FBI has confirmed that law enforcement officials were aware of a suspicious individual near the rally site approximately 90 minutes before gunfire erupted. Photos of Crooks were taken around 4:36 p.m.
Despite this awareness, Crooks was able to access the roof of the AGR building by climbing HVAC equipment and traversing multiple rooftops, giving him a direct line of sight to Trump.
Chilling Video Captures Suspect's Movements Moments Before Assassination Attempt on Trump
James Copenhaver has since been discharged from the hospital but continues to recover in a rehabilitation center. His first injury was to his arm, while the second shot struck his abdominal area.
"He's got a long road ahead of him," said his wife, Tammy. "But he's strong, and he's determined to get better."
Chilling Video Captures Suspect's Movements Moments Before Assassination Attempt on Trump
David Dutch, the other victim who was shot twice, has also expressed his gratitude for the support he has received. "I can't thank enough the people that helped me," he said. "It was a lot."
The FBI continues to investigate Crooks' motive behind the assassination attempt, which has shaken the nation.
