The assassination attempt on President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, has raised serious concerns about security protocols. A local police officer encountered the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, on a rooftop prior to the attack but retreated when Crooks aimed his rifle at him, according to sources from the Associated Press.
Rally attendees had alerted police about a man climbing a nearby building shortly before shots were fired. The officer’s decision to retreat allowed Crooks to open fire, injuring Trump and killing Corey Comperatore, a retired fire chief. Secret Service snipers eventually shot Crooks, but not before the damage was done.
AP’s analysis of numerous videos and photos from the rally revealed that Crooks had a clear line of sight to Trump from his position on the roof. The incident has intensified scrutiny of the Secret Service under Director Kimberly Cheatle. Appointed by President Biden, Cheatle has focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the agency. Critics argue this focus may have detracted from essential security measures.
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) has summoned Cheatle to testify on July 22 regarding the security lapses. Former Secret Service agent Dan Bongino criticized the agency for denying increased security requests for Trump, stating, “There have been repeated requests to increase the security footprint around Trump, and they have been rebuffed.”
The FBI is investigating Crooks’ background and motives. Crooks, 20, was found with an AR-15 rifle and explosives in his car and home. He graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022 and had no criminal record. Authorities have not found any ties to foreign terrorism, and Crooks’ father is cooperating with the investigation.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) praised Comperatore as a dedicated family man and community member, stating, “Corey was the very best of us.” The incident has prompted calls for improved security measures to prevent future attacks.
As the investigation continues, authorities seek to understand the failures that led to this tragedy and ensure the safety of public figures at future events.
