For what it's worth, I think the shooting was real. It simply means they were willing to sacrifice one of the puppets. It doesn't mean they don't have fallback plans in case this scenario failed...
Do you think they intended to kill him?
They? Who is they? This is probably a lone wolf. And you are still pushing the "staged" agenda? I used to enjoy some of your content mydood but your actions and reactions concerning the assassination attempt have made your thoughts unpalatable.
Likely, and also for the controversy around secret service and sniper hesitation to become public. It's a win-win, no matter the outcome.