BBC Reporter ‘Lying Down’ After Trump Shooting:
BBC viewers were puzzled when a reporter covering the Donald Trump shooting was seen broadcasting from the floor, appearing to take cover while people in the background seemed to go about their day.
Former president Trump, currently campaigning for a return to the White House, was shot at on Saturday evening (July 13) during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The FBI has labeled it an assassination attempt. The shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was shot dead.
Gary O’Donoghue, BBC’s Senior North America Correspondent, was at the rally when the shooting occurred. He and his team took cover behind their car moments before going live on the BBC’s World Service.
“This isn’t ideal, but it’s the only shelter we have right now,” O’Donoghue said in a video shared by the BBC on TikTok, while still lying on the ground. The video left viewers confused, as people could be seen casually walking in the background.
“Why is he lying down?” asked one person on BBC’s TikTok page. “It’s over now,” commented another. A third person added, “I think you’re safe now, mate.”
Some noted that Brits aren’t accustomed to such incidents. “No wonder Americans make fun of us,” one person suggested. The clip was also shared on X (formerly Twitter), where viewers were equally perplexed.
However, many commenters pointed out that O’Donoghue is blind. Born partially blind and completely losing his sight by the age of eight, his actions were understandable. “He’s blind and there was a shooting. Might be slightly dramatic, but you can’t blame him for being cautious,” wrote one individual.
Others praised O’Donoghue for his professionalism and calm demeanor during the coverage. One post on X read: “A terrific broadcaster. Never sensationalized anything. Pure, straight facts. Incredible calm on air for hours. A true role model.”
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