Trump Voters Believe Assassination Conspiracy

Nearly half of Donald Trump’s supporters subscribe to the conspiracy theory that multiple individuals were involved in the attempt on the former president's life. The survey, carried out by Redfield & Wilton Strategies, reveals that 47 percent of Republican voters believe that a conspiracy involving more than one person was behind the assassination attempt.

In contrast, 36 percent of Republicans think only a single individual was responsible, while 17 percent are unsure. Among Democrats, 22 percent believe multiple people were involved, 58 percent think that one person was responsible, and 21 percent do not have a clear opinion.

On July 13, Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, opened fire at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, injuring the former president in his right ear. Crooks was subsequently shot and killed by the Secret Service, and the shooting also resulted in the death of a rally attendee and critical injuries to two others.

In the aftermath of the shooting, various unsubstantiated conspiracy theories have emerged. One theory posits that Crooks was not acting alone and suggests the presence of a second shooter, potentially located on a nearby water tower. These theories have been amplified by Republican Senator Ron Johnson, who, in an interview with Fox News, questioned the FBI’s narrative of a lone gunman, citing dubious online videos and experts without specifying their identities.

The FBI has stated that while their current investigation indicates that Crooks acted alone, they are continuing to assess whether there were any co-conspirators involved. The Secret Service has also emphasized that their investigation has yet to uncover evidence of a second shooter.

In the wake of the incident, the Secret Service faced criticism for its perceived failure to adequately protect Trump. The shooter reportedly fired from a rooftop less than 200 yards from where Trump was addressing his supporters. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle acknowledged in Congressional testimony that the event was "the most significant operational failure at the Secret Service in decades," leading to her resignation from the agency.

Newsweek’s polling indicates that 64 percent of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed with the statement that "The Secret Service failed in their duty to protect Donald Trump during the rally where he was shot." Conversely, 13 percent disagreed or strongly disagreed, while 23 percent were either neutral or unsure.

Among Republican voters, 81 percent agreed or strongly agreed with this assessment, compared to 55 percent of Democrats. Only 8 percent of Republicans disagreed or strongly disagreed, while 19 percent of Democrats took this stance.

Regarding Cheatle's resignation, 54 percent of those surveyed supported her decision to step down, while 11 percent opposed it. Support for her resignation was higher among Republicans (70 percent) compared to Democrats (45 percent). Opposition came from 7 percent of Republicans and 16 percent of Democrats.