Hospital Discharge and Ongoing Investigation Update Following Attempted Assassination of Former President Donald Trump

In a notable development regarding the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, one of the two individuals who sustained injuries during the attack was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday. David Dutch was released from Allegheny General Hospital, as confirmed by the Allegheny Health System in a formal email statement. The shooting, which transpired on July 13 during a political rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, has garnered significant media attention and triggered a comprehensive investigation.

James Copenhaver, the second person injured in the attack, remains hospitalized in serious but stable condition, according to the latest update from Allegheny Health. Both Copenhaver and Dutch were victims of a violent shooting spree perpetrated by Thomas Crooks, 20, who aimed to assassinate Trump while he was addressing the audience from the stage. During the attack, Trump suffered a gunshot wound to his ear, though he survived the assault.

The attack also resulted in the tragic death of Corey Comperatore, 50, a former fire chief and father of two daughters. Comperatore was fatally shot while courageously shielding his family members from the barrage of gunfire. His heroic actions have been widely recognized as a testament to his bravery and commitment to his loved ones.

Thomas Crooks, the assailant, was fatally shot by law enforcement officers who responded to the scene. The motive behind Crooks' actions remains under investigation, and authorities are working diligently to uncover the reasons behind the attack. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has taken a leading role in the investigation.

During a House Judiciary Committee hearing on Wednesday, FBI Director Christopher Wray provided new insights into the investigation. Wray disclosed that, on July 6—one week before the rally—Crooks conducted an online search using the query “how far away was Oswald from Kennedy,” referencing Lee Harvey Oswald's assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas in 1963. This search suggests that Crooks may have been considering the logistics of carrying out a high-profile assassination.

Wray also provided details about the firearm used by Crooks. The weapon, described as a rifle with a collapsible stock, may have been less noticeable due to its design. The collapsible stock potentially allowed the firearm to be more easily concealed, which could have reduced the likelihood of detection by individuals present at the rally.

According to Wray, the initial sightings of Crooks with the weapon occurred when he was already positioned on the roof of a nearby building. Investigators have not yet found anyone who observed Crooks carrying the weapon while moving around before he took his rooftop position. The collapsible stock is considered a significant factor in the investigation, given its potential impact on the weapon's visibility and the overall dynamics of the attack.

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities examining all facets of the incident, including Crooks' background, possible motives, and the precise sequence of events leading up to the attack. The efforts of law enforcement agencies aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances surrounding the attempted assassination and to clarify the motivations behind the assault on former President Trump.