At least 20 supporters of President Donald Trump fell victim to a suspected infrared laser attack during a rally in Tucson on September 12. Victims experienced severe burns, blurred vision, and other symptoms within 30 minutes of sitting on stage near the president.
Pastor Eli Moreno and his wife, Francesca, were among the first to report symptoms. Francesca, who initially experienced facial swelling and eye pain, continues to suffer from impaired vision. Other victims shared similar stories, with some describing their skin turning red and peeling after the rally.
Experts initially suspected a chemical agent but now believe a high-powered infrared laser may have been responsible. The laser, invisible to the naked eye, could have caused the burns and eye damage observed in victims. Such lasers are commercially available and capable of targeting specific individuals without affecting others nearby.
The fact that all the victims were seated close to President Trump has led to speculation that the attack was meant as a warning to his supporters. With two previous assassination attempts against Trump and mounting threats from foreign adversaries, law enforcement officials are concerned this could be the start of a new tactic to intimidate those aligned with Trump.
The investigation is ongoing, but the possibility of future attacks has left supporters wary of attending large rallies as Trump continues his 2024 campaign. Law enforcement is still working to determine the exact cause of the attack and how to prevent similar incidents from occurring again.
