Counter-terrorism expert answers one common question about Donald Trump's assassination attempt amid wild conspiracy theory

There has been a whole lot of speculation and conspiracy theories cropping about online following United States president Donald Trump's assassination attempt last year (13 July 2024).

As we know, the 79-year-old Republican was shot at during a rally near Pennsylvania, with the shooter in question later identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, who shot at Trump with an AR-15-style rifle.

Crooks was then shot and killed by a member of the US Secret Service, who also rushed to protect Trump. Before being shot by Secret Service, Crooks also killed one audience member, Corey Comperatore, and critically injured two others.

Regardless, some internet sleuths seem utterly convinced that Trump 'faked' the assassination attempt - a theory which was reignited after they compared recent images of Trump’s ear with before‑attack photos, arguing that the cartilage shows no lasting damage and claiming that 'ear cartilage generally does NOT regrow'.

Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt at a rally near Pennsylvania last July (Anna Moneymaker / Staff / Getty Images)

However, counterclaims noted that the initial wound was minor and was treated by top plastic surgeons - hence the quick recovery.

Amid the chatter, counter-terrorism expert Will Geddes has now answered one common question about the assassination attempt: why on earth would anyone fake an assassination?

And one possible answer? Good publicity.

He exclusively told Tyla that such internet sleuths need to ask one particular question before going down the 'rabbit-hole' of the conspiracy theory - namely: What is going to be achieved by faking an assassination?

"I can see why people will turn around and say [the assassination attempt] was a conspiracy theory because it could gain significant publicity for him, positive publicity, because, obviously he survived it," the expert explained.

Several conspiracy theories were sparked following the assassination attempt (REBECCA DROKE / Contributor / Getty Images)

He also noted that Trump is perceived as 'a very divisive person', and an assassination attempt could possibly convert people who would normally be opposed to him or not in alignment with his agenda to think, 'Oh yeah, because he's been shot at. He's the guy that we want'.

"You could certainly see it compelling his already supporters to go, 'Yes, this is the guy we want, and these are the evil liberals or the left who want to take him out'," Will continued.

However, he said that 'it's quite a complex situation as to why it would benefit him now'.

While admitting that there haven't been many fake assassination attempts because 'they’re very difficult to pull off', Will did note: "Firstly, any assassination, genuine or otherwise, would more likely happen in a very publicly viewed, televised event because whatever they're looking to achieve would be to garnish as much publicity as well."