Emergency Calls Reveal Chaos During Trump Assassination Attempt
In a shocking revelation, emergency calls from the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump on July 13 have been made public, detailing the panic and confusion that ensued during the incident. The calls, released by Butler County authorities in Pennsylvania, capture the frantic moments as bystanders reported gunfire at the Trump rally. One caller exclaimed, "Gunshots! Gunshots at a Trump rally! Get here fast!" as multiple emergency calls flooded in, describing the chaos at the scene.
The shooter, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, opened fire from a rooftop, hitting Trump and killing Cory Compatore while injuring two others. The investigation into the incident revealed significant security lapses, including the failure to act on warnings about Crooks's suspicious behavior prior to the shooting. The Secret Service faced intense scrutiny, leading to the resignation of its director just days after the event.
Investigations Uncover Security Failures
The aftermath of the assassination attempt has prompted multiple investigations into the security protocols for the rally. Reports from both an independent law enforcement group and a bipartisan congressional task force highlighted systemic failures in the Secret Service's planning and communication with local law enforcement. The findings raised serious questions about how Crooks was able to position himself with an assault rifle so close to Trump without being apprehended.
The release of the 911 recordings, which include calls from terrified attendees and concerned family members, has shed light on the immediate response to the shooting. One caller described the scene, stating, "They just tried to kill President Trump. You might want to make a note of that." These recordings were made public following a legal settlement with media organizations that argued for transparency given the incident's national significance.
As security measures were heightened following the shooting, Trump returned to the rally site for another event, this time behind bulletproof glass. The ongoing investigations and the release of the 911 calls underscore the gravity of the situation and the need for improved security protocols for public events involving high-profile figures.
