On July 13th, a significant event took place at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where former President Donald Trump was shot at. This marked the first assassination attempt on a sitting or former U.S. president in over four decades. Here are the details gathered so far:
The Incident
- Location and Timing: The rally was held at the Butler Farm Showgrounds. Shots were fired at approximately 6:11 PM, shortly after Trump took the stage.
- Gunman: Spectators alerted officers to a gunman on the roof. Despite the presence of Secret Service snipers and local police, the gunman managed to get into position and fired multiple shots, wounding Trump and three others. Trump sustained a bullet wound to his ear.
Investigation Findings
- Security Lapses:
- The Secret Service and local law enforcement failed to secure the building from which the shooter fired.
- There were warnings about a suspicious individual with a range finder prior to the shooting.
- Communication Failures:
- Significant breakdowns in communication occurred between the Secret Service, local police, and other security personnel.
- There were issues with radio communication, which hampered coordination and response efforts.
- Planning and Execution Issues:
- The security plan had flaws, including the Secret Service not attending the final planning meeting and establishing a too-small perimeter.
- Local police were not adequately prepared or staffed for their assigned responsibilities.
- Response to the Shooter:
- Despite spotting the shooter before he took the shot, there was confusion and delay in neutralizing the threat.
- Secret Service snipers may have hesitated, mistaking the shooter for a police officer due to previous security plans.
The Shooter
- Identity: The shooter was identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old with no prior criminal record.
- Background: Crooks had a history of being bullied and was diagnosed with major depressive disorder.
- Internet Searches: His internet searches included inquiries about past assassinations and high-profile political figures, indicating premeditation.
Aftermath and Repercussions
- Resignations and Hearings:
- The head of the Secret Service resigned, acknowledging the failure in protecting Trump.
- Congressional hearings have been held to scrutinize the security lapses and determine accountability.
- Testimonies:
- Former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle provided limited new information during her testimony, deferring many questions to the FBI investigation.
- Pennsylvania State Police Colonel Christopher Paris’s testimony conflicted with local officials’ accounts.
Community Response
- Casualties: Corey Comperatore, a former fire chief, died protecting his family. James Kopp and David Dutch were critically wounded.
- Tributes: Hundreds of emergency vehicles participated in a tribute to Comperatore.
Ongoing Investigations
- Multiple investigations by the FBI, Homeland Security, and Congress are underway to uncover the full extent of the failures and prevent future incidents.
- Authorities are urging whistleblowers to come forward with any additional information.
The attempted assassination has highlighted significant security flaws and the need for systemic improvements in protocols to ensure the safety of high-profile individuals. The investigations aim to provide transparency and accountability for the events of July 13th.