On the evening of July 13, former President Donald Trump faced a life-threatening moment as a gunman attempted to assassinate him during a rally in Pennsylvania. The incident, which unfolded in front of a large crowd, has ignited a flurry of conspiracy theories, with many questioning the official account of what transpired.

According to Mail Online, a significant portion of the American public remains skeptical, with an exclusive poll revealing that 21% of respondents believe the FBI was responsible for the assassination attempt.

The gunman, Thomas Crooks, a 20-year-old kitchen worker, was spotted on a nearby roof before opening fire on Trump. Secret Service agents quickly responded, shooting and killing Crooks, but not before he managed to graze Trump's ear with a bullet. The rally continued in a state of shock, with many in attendance and watching from afar left wondering how such a breach of security could occur.

Despite the official narrative that Crooks acted alone and without a clear motive, alternative explanations have gained traction, particularly among Trump's supporters. Theories of a "deep state" plot, involving federal agencies like the FBI, have been circulated widely on social media, with figures such as Elon Musk and Alex Jones adding fuel to the fire.

The Role Of Social Media In Spreading Theories

Social media platforms have significantly amplified these conspiracy theories. Notable personalities like Elon Musk cast doubt on the incident, suggesting either extreme incompetence or deliberate intent by the Secret Service. "Extreme incompetence or it was deliberate. Either way, the SS leadership must resign," Musk tweeted, echoing the sentiments of many who believe the attack was more than just a random act of violence.

Meanwhile, conspiracy theorist Alex Jones labeled the incident as part of a "failed coup" by the "deep state," further intensifying the narrative that the FBI or other federal agencies were involved in the assassination attempt. A segment of the population that already harbors deep distrust toward the federal government has eagerly adopted these theories.

Public Doubt Grows Amid Official Silence

A poll conducted by J.L. Partners revealed the extent of this skepticism. The survey, which included over 1,000 likely voters, found that 21% believe the FBI orchestrated the attack on Trump, with a third of Republicans sharing this belief. This sentiment reflects a broader trend of distrust in federal agencies, particularly among Trump supporters.

Less than half of the respondents, 46%, accepted the official explanation that Crooks acted alone. This doubt has grown due to what many perceive as a lack of transparency from investigators, who have yet to provide a clear motive for Crooks' actions.

Conspiracy Theories Vs. Official Explanation

As conspiracy theories continue to spread, fact-checkers have debunked several claims. A widely shared post from a supposed sniper at the rally was revealed as a hoax, and an image of Trump that was claimed to be from the night of the shooting was proven to be from 2022. Despite these debunkings, many of Trump's most ardent supporters still believe in a coordinated effort to harm him.

Some social media users have even questioned whether the shooting was real, pointing to the lack of visible panic in the crowd and the absence of a clear gunshot sound.

One user on X commented, "It looks very staged. Nobody in the crowd is running or panicking. Nobody in the crowd heard an actual gun. I don't trust it. I don't trust him."

Political Fallout And Blame

The political fallout from the incident hit immediately and severely. Republican figures quickly blamed President Joe Biden, accusing him of creating a hostile political environment that could incite such violence. Representative Mike Collins even claimed that "Joe Biden sent the orders," a statement that has further polarized an already deeply divided electorate.

On the other side of the political spectrum, some on the left speculated that Trump might have staged the event to garner sympathy and rally his base. While those who made these claims quickly retracted them, the idea that Trump could manipulate such a scenario highlights the deep mistrust that exists across party lines.

Academic Insights Into The Public's Reaction

Experts have analyzed the public's reaction to the assassination attempt and the subsequent spread of conspiracy theories. Professor Robert Shapiro noted that the belief in such theories is not surprising given the current political climate. "It's high but it's also not surprising because you find what we call perceptual biases because of partisan conflict and polarization, and we saw the same kind of thing with regard to who won the 2020 election," Shapiro said.

Professor Joseph Uscinski stated that for many, especially Trump's supporters, the belief in conspiracies is a natural extension of their worldview. "In this case, the believers likely already have a worldview... in which conspiracies tend to dictate events and circumstances… for these folks, that is just how the world works," Uscinski explained.

Conclusion: The Aftermath Of The Incident

The nation has not only felt shaken by the assassination attempt on former President Trump but also experienced a further deepening divide between different segments of the American public.

The official explanation claims a lone gunman acted without a clear motive, but a significant portion of the population remains unconvinced, driven by conspiracy theories and a deep-seated distrust in federal institutions.

As the political fallout continues, the incident highlights the challenges facing a polarized nation struggling with the erosion of trust in its most fundamental institutions.