New and disturbing details regarding the apparent assassination attempt on the former president of the United States continue to emerge, and they now include the royal family.
According to a FBI analysis of the 20-year-old shooter's two cell phones and laptop, the now-deceased suspect not only searched for former President Donald Trump prior to the July 13 shooting that left one spectator dead and three people wounded, but also searched for President Joe Biden and the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton.
The same FBI analysis of the shooter's electronics also revealed that he went so far as to download pictures of Princess Kate.
The shooter—who was a registered Republican—also looked up information about FBI Director Christopher Wray and US Attorney General Merrick Garland. The 20-year-old also searched for the dates of both the Republican National Convention and the Democratic National Convention.
The Princess of Wales made only her second formal public appearance at this year's Wimbledon men's final on July 14, the day after the alleged assassination attempt. Upon her arrival, she received a standing ovation from the Wimbledon crowd.
According to an update from the Associated Press, the shooter purchased 50 rounds of ammunition for the "AR-style rifle" used in the assassination attempt the day of the shooting.
The weapon was legally purchased in 2013 and registered to the shooter's father.
According to CBS News, the shooter's family is cooperating with authorities as they continue to investigate not only how the shooting could occur (the former president has an assigned Secret Service detail, and both local and federal authorities were warned of a suspicious man in the area prior to the shooting) but the shooter's motives.
Several well-known members of the Republican party—including Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene and Congressman Tim Burchett—have blamed female Secret Service agents for the shooting, going so far as to call Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle a "Diversity, Equity and Inclusion hire."
"It is an insult to the women of our agency to imply that they are unqualified based on gender," Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said in a written statement. "Such baseless assertions undermine the professionalism, dedication and expertise of our workforce. Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion ensures that we attract the best talent, fostering a robust and effective team that reflects the society we serve. We stand united against any attempt to discredit our personnel and their invaluable contributions to our mission and are appalled by the disparaging and disgusting comments against any of our personnel."
A screen grab captured from a video shows Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump appears to be injured after gunshots were reported as he is rushed offstage during a rally on July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The royal family has not commented on the latest update regarding the shooter's internet search of the Princess of Wales, and historically does not comment on or share any information about their ongoing security efforts that keep members of the monarchy safe.
As the FBI has noted, the investigation into the shooting and the perpetrator's motives are ongoing.
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