Overview

• Salena Zito’s new book spotlights Trump’s grassroots appeal through authentic engagement with backstage workers and energized young voters at 2024 rallies.
• Analysts Mark Halperin and Drew Holden faulted early reports for minimizing the attack with vague terms like “popping sounds” and for rapidly abandoning coverage.
• Commentators such as Martha Raddatz and Margaret Brennan faced criticism for attributing blame to Trump’s rhetoric instead of focusing on the shooter’s actions.
• Footage and ongoing investigations have intensified scrutiny of security protocols after Thomas Crooks secured a clear line of sight to the stage.
• The one-year anniversary has reignited debates over journalistic responsibility and spurred calls for strengthened security measures at political events.