Major update from my side
We’ve fortunately identified the high-accuracy shot impacts visible in the banner image:
These impacts strongly suggest that shots 4 through 8 most likely struck Copenhaver twice, as he was standing precisely at that location.
Previously, I was uncertain about the origin of these shots. However, I believe I’ve now found the missing piece of the puzzle: it appears that Crooks was the shooter responsible for shots 4–8. This attribution significantly clarifies the shot distribution and simplifies the overall analysis.
Originally, I had ruled out Crooks, assuming he hadn’t fired any shots due to what appeared to be an obstruction from the left-side bleachers, which seemed to block a clear line of fire toward Copenhaver. Since discovering the high-resolution banner image, however, I hadn’t yet simulated this specific shot path.
Now, with the newly identified impact points located significantly higher than I had previously estimated, it appears that Crooks had a collision-free trajectory after all.
It’s important to note that these shots completely miss Trump.
But we must remember that by the time shots 4–8 occurred, Trump was already covered by a pile of Secret Service agents. As no one was injured in that group, it’s reasonable to assume Crooks deliberately aimed higher, over the pile, which would explain how Copenhaver was hit twice.
This interpretation aligns with Wilcox’s interview, where he also concludes that Crooks could not have fired into the pile.
Wilcox interview – timestamped link
The only discrepancy with Wilcox’s account is his claim that ** Corey Comparatore** was shot instead of Copenhaver. However, it’s likely that Wilcox does not have access to the HD banner impact image. If he had seen the evidence we now have, he might well revise his opinion.
Conclusion:
With this new information, I am officially updating and simplifying my shot analysis: I now attribute the previously unidentified origine of shots 4–8 to Crooks.