The assassination attempt on President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, has revealed troubling details about the security response. According to AP sources, a local police officer encountered the gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, on a nearby rooftop before the shooting began but retreated after Crooks pointed a rifle at him.
Rally attendees had alerted police about a man climbing to the roof shortly before shots rang out. The officer climbed the ladder but descended quickly when faced with the armed suspect. Moments later, Crooks fired at Trump, hitting him in the ear and fatally wounding Corey Comperatore, a retired fire chief who shielded his family.
AP’s analysis of photos and videos from the rally indicates that Crooks had a clear line of sight to Trump from his position. Secret Service snipers eventually neutralized Crooks, but questions remain about how he managed to get so close.
Director Kimberly Cheatle of the Secret Service, appointed by President Biden, has faced criticism for focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Critics argue that this focus may have compromised security measures. Cheatle has been called to testify before the House Oversight Committee on July 22 to address these concerns.
Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent, criticized the agency’s response, citing past denials of increased security requests for Trump. “There have been repeated requests to increase the security footprint around Trump, and they have been rebuffed,” Bongino told Fox News.
The FBI is investigating Crooks’ motives and background. Crooks, 20, was armed with a semi-automatic AR-15 rifle and had explosives in his car and home. He graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022 and had no criminal record. Authorities found no evidence of foreign terrorism ties, and Crooks’ father is cooperating with the investigation.
Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-PA) praised Comperatore, calling him a “girl dad” and a dedicated firefighter and churchgoer. “Corey was the very best of us,” Shapiro said.
Elon Musk, who endorsed Trump after the attack, called for Cheatle’s resignation, accusing the Secret Service of either extreme incompetence or deliberate negligence. The investigation continues as authorities seek to prevent future security breaches.
