During a recent Pennsylvania campaign rally that turned into a harrowing assassination attempt on former President Donald J. Trump, Doug Mills, a seasoned photographer from The New York Times, managed to capture a chilling image. The photo seems to depict a bullet whizzing past the former president’s head, raising serious concerns about his safety.
Michael Harrigan, a retired F.B.I. special agent with over two decades of experience, carefully analyzed the image and shared his expert opinion. He pointed out that the trajectory of the bullet, as seen in the photo, suggests that it could have been a projectile aimed at Mr. Trump. While the angle of the bullet appears to be low for a direct hit, Mr. Harrigan explained that it is not impossible, especially if multiple shots were fired.
The technical details of how Mr. Mills managed to capture such a crucial moment were also highlighted. Using a high-speed Sony digital camera capable of shooting up to 30 frames per second, Mr. Mills set the shutter speed at an impressive 1/8,000th of a second. This ultra-fast speed, combined with the velocity of a .223-caliber or 5.56-millimeter bullet fired from an AR-15-style rifle, allowed him to freeze the bullet’s movement in the image.
Mr. Harrigan emphasized the rarity and difficulty of capturing a bullet in flight, especially with a conventional camera not designed for such high-speed photography. He mentioned that specialized equipment is typically used for this purpose, making Mr. Mills’ achievement even more remarkable. As someone who has extensive experience in firearms training, Mr. Harrigan praised the photographer’s skill in capturing such a critical moment.
In light of these findings, the urgency of investigating the attempted assassination and ensuring the safety of public figures like former President Trump has become paramount. The recovery of an AR-15-type semiautomatic rifle at the scene, along with the identification of the deceased gunman, underscores the need for swift action to prevent similar incidents in the future.
John Ismay, a dedicated reporter covering the Pentagon for The Times, shared his insights on the matter. With his background as an explosive ordnance disposal officer in the U.S. Navy, Mr. Ismay brings a unique perspective to the discussion of security threats and potential risks faced by high-profile individuals. His expertise adds depth to the ongoing investigation and sheds light on the complex challenges of protecting public figures in today’s volatile environment.