The investigation into the assassination attempt of the former US President Donald Trump during an election rally in the state of Pennsylvania, already has the alleged weapon of the shooting at him - an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, DPA reported, quoted by BTA, referring to the American newspapers "New York Times" and "Washington Post".
Trump survived with a minor wound to his right ear, but one man was killed and two others were seriously injured in the small Pennsylvania town of Butler, north of Pittsburgh. The suspected shooter, twenty-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bentall Park, Pennsylvania, was also killed.
The semi-automatic rifle (carbine) AR-15 (AR-15) is produced mainly by the arms concern "Colt". It is a semi-automatic version of the American M16 machine gun, widely used by the US Army, and in appearance it is almost indistinguishable from it.
Unlike the M16 army assault rifle, the AR-15 carbine does not have an automatic fire mode, but experienced shooters are able to produce a series of single shots very quickly. The firepower of this weapon varies by manufacturer. It can also be purchased online in the US for about $1,000, DPA said.
The production and access to the AR-15 has caused quite a bit of controversy in the US in recent decades, after the semi-automatic was used in several mass shootings in the country. For several years, this weapon was banned, but since 2004, there is free access to it again.
Gun rights advocates say millions of Americans use the AR-15 rifle for hunting, self-defense or for fun at gun club ranges. However, its use in the assassination attempt against Trump is an occasion to ignite new debates on the issue of gun control in the United States, DPA notes.
"At this moment, it is more important than ever that we stay united, show our true nature as Americans, stay strong and determined," Trump wrote in a post on his social network "Truth Social". This is what Trump wrote in his second post after the shooting.
"Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers yesterday as only God prevented the unthinkable. We will not be afraid, but will remain steadfast in our faith and steadfast in the face of malice," he added. Trump expressed his condolences to the shooting victims and their families.
Trump said he was looking forward to speaking in Wisconsin at the Republican National Convention. The forum at which Trump will be officially nominated as a candidate for the presidential election will begin tomorrow in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.