Secret Service Knew About Trump Shooter Two Minutes Before Attack

A recent report from The New York Times has revealed alarming details about the security breach at a rally for former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Secret Service snipers observed the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, for nearly two minutes before he opened fire, narrowly missing Trump’s head. The incident occurred on July 13, despite heightened security due to threats from Iran.

Three videos posted on social media provide a timeline of the events leading up to the shooting. The first video, taken six minutes before the shots were fired, shows a Secret Service sniper and spotter looking north toward where Crooks was positioned. The spotter can be seen observing Trump as he began his speech.

The second video, recorded one minute and 58 seconds before the gunman fired, shows the Secret Service team using binoculars and a sniper scope to watch Crooks. An attendee is heard saying, “Uh-oh, something’s going on.” Concurrently, another video shared on Facebook shows rallygoers pointing law enforcement toward someone on the roof.

The third video captures another sniper team turning from facing south to north, directing their attention toward the shooter one minute and 35 seconds before the attack. This team crouched and aimed their weapons but did not fire. Subsequent footage shows this team still in position when the shots were fired.

These videos raise serious questions about the Secret Service’s handling of the situation. The rooftop where Crooks was stationed, less than 200 yards from Trump, was never cleared. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle stated that the roof was left unguarded because its slope made it unsafe for sniper teams, a rationale that has faced significant backlash.

Initial reports incorrectly stated that Trump’s security detail requested additional resources from Biden’s Department of Homeland Security. In reality, Trump already had increased security due to the Iranian threat. Despite these measures, Crooks managed to graze Trump’s right ear, narrowly missing a fatal shot.

The revelations have prompted criticism of the Secret Service’s preparation and response. How such a critical lapse in security could occur, especially with prior warnings and the presence of sniper teams, remains a pressing question.

As details emerge, the incident underscores the need for rigorous scrutiny of security protocols to prevent similar breaches in the future. The near-miss has left many questioning the efficacy of the measures in place to protect high-profile individuals like former President Trump.