A series of security lapses resulted in a gunman being able to shoot at former President Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pa., killing a retired fire chief and injuring two others, according to law enforcement sources. Despite the quick response of armed security personnel who rushed Trump off the stage after the assassination attempt, questions regarding security flaws continue to arise.
One of the key issues that has been brought to light is how the gunman managed to access the roof of a nearby building and why authorities were unable to prevent him from opening fire. The building was supposed to be under the jurisdiction of local law enforcement as it was not in close proximity to the venue, as per sources familiar with the investigation. The division of tasks between the U.S. Secret Service and local authorities for the rally remains unclear.
Additionally, there is speculation about when authorities became aware of the threat. Videos indicate that some individuals in the crowd noticed the gunman and tried to alert law enforcement at least a minute before he shot at Trump. A local police officer attempted to reach the roof just before the shooting but had to retreat when the gunman aimed at him.
There are also questions about whether Secret Service sharpshooters could have intervened before the gunman carried out his attack. Video footage from the rally shows two Secret Service snipers positioned on a rooftop behind Trump. In the moments leading up to the gunfire, the snipers can be seen preparing to shoot. The investigation is also looking into the tactics employed by the snipers.
The gunman, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, used an AR-style rifle to shoot at the former president from a distance of over 450 feet. Trump was grazed on the ear by a bullet before Secret Service snipers returned fire and killed Crooks. Federal officials have acknowledged security failures but have defended the Secret Service.
An FBI investigation is ongoing, and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced that an independent review of the Secret Service’s actions at the rally will be conducted. It was revealed that Crooks’ father purchased the rifle in 2013, and Crooks bought approximately 50 rounds on the morning of the shooting from Allegheny Arms & Gun Works in Bethel Park, Pa.
Steve Gordon, a retired Los Angeles Police Department SWAT team sniper, analyzed social media video of the shooting and noted a slight delay before the Secret Service snipers fired on Crooks. Gordon attributed the delay to the agent’s efforts to locate the target. The investigation is also focusing on the communication between local police and the Secret Service.
Despite public criticism of the security measures at the rally, Mayorkas expressed his support for the Secret Service and its leadership. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle acknowledged the shooting as unacceptable and emphasized the need to prevent such incidents in the future. She highlighted that local police were present in the building where Crooks was located and in the surrounding area, responsible for the outer perimeter.
Mayorkas explained that during a presidential campaign, the Secret Service often collaborates with other law enforcement agencies to fulfill various tasks. The Pennsylvania State Police confirmed that the Secret Service had requested 30 to 40 officers to secure the inner perimeter of the rally. However, the responsibility for securing the building where Crooks positioned himself remains unclear.
Law enforcement became aware of Crooks after receiving reports of a suspicious man outside the rally venue. Attendees spotted Crooks near the event entrance and alerted security, prompting a search. Despite efforts to locate him, Crooks managed to evade security and climb onto the roof where he carried out the attack.
Eyewitnesses described the chaos that ensued after the shots were fired, with attendees shouting warnings and seeking cover. While there has been criticism of the security arrangements, Mayorkas did not disclose specific flaws or changes in security protocols following the incident. The Secret Service will now provide security for independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in addition to Trump.
The FBI is actively investigating the shooting, conducting interviews with law enforcement personnel, event attendees, and witnesses. They have urged the public to come forward with any information or digital media related to the incident. As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on addressing the security failures that allowed the gunman to target Trump at the campaign rally in Butler, Pa.