General Discussion

MIHOP (made it happen on purpose) or
LIHOP (let it happen on purpose).

I'm actually surprised this hasn't been renewed in terms of the questions. Had it been LIHOP, SS and other security would have to have known the assailant was planning to do what he did and merely planned to take advantage of it (I don't see that they were that proactive or competent at all to have identified him and his movements so that really doesn't ring true with me). I just think the lack of security in this or any hotel was so lax that they are scrambling now to explain, but I don't find it necessarily surprising (had we not been at war with Iran or facing a populace not so divided since the civil war). There is a bit of sarcasm in that last comment if you missed it. JHC! A final note on those who might argue "LIHOP," well, "dead men don't talk," and this assailant is most certainly not dead so that might argue against that premise of there being intentional involvement by the administration on some level.

As to the assailant's "manifesto," it seemed he was probably feeling badly for the questions left behind by friends and family (assuming he would have been killed), so it does not surprise me that it was written nor available nor quickly made available to LEO and I assume a family member released it to the media (not sure).

Other aspects that argue in favor of this being "real," include that there was no evidence of big prediction market (Polymarket/Kalshi) betting on an incident happening as has happened with other major incidents. Trump's response is arguable. We don't see the earlier bit where Trump was supposedly lying on the floor BEFORE SS came to get him (as was briefly described by the mentalist who was speaking to him at the time of the sounds being heard and thereafter). At this point he's probably under some adrenaline influence that aided him in (mostly) being coherent and focused in the press bit 30 minutes or so later. That he would immediately focus on how the event could help HIM and his wishes is hardly surprising--the acts/focus of the ultimate shyster and marketer. Given his obsession with the damned ballroom and knowledge that the only reason the entire project was not shut down by the DC judge was the security aspects--it is not surprising that immediately became the meme (sent immediately around the MAGA world) to be propagated.

It is starting to come out that it was the WH that did not want more security outside the immediate perimeter of the ballroom and obviously did NOT request an upgrade to a "National Security Event." That makes sense given they are clearly now reluctant to criticize the SS or others. Does it argue in favor of intent or incompetence? I'd argue the latter...

Might any possible "scheme" have included having Trump remain in the dark as to details so that he could not mouth off prior to the event--even while he might have spoken about the "value" of such a scheme in the past? I guess, but others in the loop don't seem to be much better than he is at keeping things secret. So, again argues against a staged event.

I do have a jaundiced and skeptical eye out toward all that comes next (including that I don't think the accused actually shot the Federal agent), but we shall see. The best thing the "TRUTH" has going for it right now is their incredible levels of incompetence. Still, my current conclusion is that this shooting event was NOT staged--but that in no way rules out the administration's opportunism ruling the day going forward.