A top US national security adviser told the Express that the “predictability” of Donald Trump’s movements helped his would-be-killer in his attempts to assassinate him.
The Republican nominee for US President came within an inch of his life after a gunman opened fire at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday evening.
Trump was quickly bundled off stage by security agents, with blood pouring down his cheek from an ear wound.
The shooter, later identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was shot dead by security guards at the scene. He was a registered Republican, according to US media.
David Stuckenberg, a former fighter pilot who now works as a national security expert, told the Express that a fatal combination of factors facilitated the assassination attempt.
“Trump is a creature of habit with a predictable pattern of life,” he explained. “His movements are telegraphed well in advance to try and build large audience participation at events.
“His security convoys are oversized to enhance the perception of importance. His campaign message is designed to stir anger and move conservative voting masses to action.
“In this case, predictability along with timing and security lapses combined with a local gunman’s knowledge of the event grounds to create a deadly and tragic outcome.”
Mr Stuckenberg flew over 150 combat missions as a fighter pilot, before becoming an acting director of strategic plans at HQ Texas Air National Guard.
The 42-year-old harbours his own political ambitions and stood as a 2024 Republican Presidential Candidate.
He said that the political situation in the US was “deeply strained” and that there was great anxiety and weariness among voters.
The future politician blamed both Democrats and Republicans for failing to provide credible presidential candidates and warned of the possibility of future political violence.
“They (voters) want the right thing for America, but the parties have given them less than ideal choices.
“If Trump is elected, there is widespread concern that he will act on his promises to dismiss, arrest, and prosecute his political enemies.
“Depending on the extent of these actions and their legality, the unpredictable political situation could become increasingly unstable and violent.”
The Republican convention is underway in Milwaukee, and Trump has nominated Ohio Senator JD Vance as his running mate.
The former President received another huge boost on the legal front, after a Florida judge yesterday dismissed the federal lawsuit against him for the alleged unlawful possession of classified government documents.