Assassination Attempt on Former President Donald Trump
Body camera footage released by Republican Senator Chuck Grassley has revealed new details about the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13. The footage captured local law enforcement and a Secret Service agent standing over the gunman’s body after the shooting. The video shows multiple officers and an agent standing on the roof from where the shots were fired, which were launched from over 400 feet away by shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20.
Law Enforcement Response and Investigations
According to reports, a sniper from the local tactical team was deployed to assist the Secret Service at the rally, and photographs of the shooter were taken minutes before the attempted assassination. The body camera footage also confirms that the deceased gunman matched the description of a suspicious person seen before the shooting. Law enforcement found an AR-style rifle, remote-controlled transmitter, cellphone, two explosive devices, a drone, a tactical vest, and ammunition in the shooter’s possession.
Sources indicated that the shooter acted alone, and authorities have released cellphone video showing attendees trying to alert police to the gunman just two minutes before he shot Trump. Additionally, a man believed to have filmed the shooter on his cell phone has been detained for questioning. The Secret Service Director, Kimberly Cheatle, resigned after speaking before the House Oversight Committee and providing details about the timeline leading up to the assassination attempt.
Law Enforcement Protocol and Future Precautions
Despite reports of a suspicious individual being spotted with a rangefinder before the shooting, the Secret Service maintains that not all suspicious individuals pose a threat. However, investigations revealed that the Pennsylvania State Police had notified the Secret Service of the suspicious person about 20 minutes before the gunman opened fire. Ultimately, the gunman fired eight rounds in six seconds before being shot dead by a Secret Service sniper.
In conclusion, the body camera footage, along with the investigations and law enforcement response, shed light on the events surrounding the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The swift actions of law enforcement and the Secret Service prevented further casualties, and the incident serves as a reminder of the constant vigilance required to protect public figures during public events.
This report is a collaborative effort of Scott MacFarlane, Melissa Quinn, Nicole Sganga, and Anna Schecter, contributing to the comprehensive coverage of this event.
