WASHINGTON — In the aftermath of a shocking assassination attempt on Donald Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania last month, a local police officer expressed frustration, revealing he had alerted the Secret Service days prior about the need for increased security at the venue where the attack occurred.
“I told them they needed to secure this area,” the officer said in body camera footage released by the local police department. “I communicated this concern earlier.”
When asked who he had informed, he replied: “the Secret Service.”
Released police body camera videos reveal tensions among local law enforcement, highlighting concerns about Thomas Matthew Crooks, whom police had identified as suspicious prior to the attack. Officers expressed shock over how Crooks managed to evade detection, climb onto a rooftop, and open fire with an AR-style rifle at the former president and Republican presidential candidate. They were also perplexed about the absence of law enforcement presence on the roof.
“I wasn’t worried because I thought there would be someone on the roof,” one officer noted, questioning how they lost sight of Crooks after observing his suspicious behavior. The other officer confirmed, “They were inside.”
Trump suffered a minor ear injury but was fortunate to avoid serious harm. Tragically, one attendee lost their life, and two others were injured during the incident.
Multiple investigations are currently underway, examining the security lapses that led to the shooting. Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe Jr. acknowledged the failure to adequately secure the roof. He later stated that the Secret Service had presumed local authorities had the situation covered.
A spokesperson for the Secret Service confirmed the agency is reviewing the body camera footage to analyze what went wrong during the incident.
“We value our partnership with local law enforcement, who acted bravely during the search for the shooter. The attempted assassination of former President Trump signifies a critical failure in our protocols, and we are committed to revising our protective measures to prevent similar events in the future,” the spokesperson stated.
Two officers from local sniper units were present inside the venue when they noticed Crooks behaving suspiciously. One officer rushed outside in pursuit, while the other remained in the building but was unable to gain a view of Crooks from the second floor.
Video footage shows officers frantically searching for Crooks just moments before the shooting occurred. One officer is seen assisting another in climbing to the roof to investigate, spotting Crooks before running back to their vehicle to retrieve a gun. There is no audio until he reaches his car, leaving the details of his actions unclear.
The acting Secret Service director reported that local law enforcement did not inform them about the presence of an armed individual on the roof prior to the shooting.
After the incident, officers were seen climbing onto the roof where Crooks was found deceased. One officer expressed his frustration that they could not locate him sooner, while another officer reassured him, “He’s the only one we have to deal with right now.”
ECNETNews will continue to follow this developing story as investigations unfold.
