The assassination attempt on former U.S. President Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, has sparked intense scrutiny over security measures and the response from law enforcement. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, on a nearby roof and attempted to alert police before the shooting began. A video posted on social media corroborates these accounts, showing bystanders pointing and shouting at police to look at the roof, but their warnings went unheeded.
The footage shows a chaotic scene where attendees repeatedly tried to get the attention of a police officer, who eventually looked up at the building but did not take immediate action. Crooks, who was eventually killed by police, managed to fire shots that wounded Trump and injured two audience members, one of whom, Corey Comperatore, tragically died.
The Secret Service, responsible for the security of current and former presidents, has come under fire for what analysts are calling a major security failure. The agency has not yet responded to requests for comment, though Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle praised her team's quick action in securing Trump after the shooting. President Biden has ordered an independent review of the security protocols, and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has also called for an investigation.
Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania confirmed Comperatore's identity at a press conference, describing him as a dedicated supporter of Trump who died protecting his family. Shapiro urged political leaders to lower the temperature of political rhetoric and work towards a more united nation. Comperatore's family has expressed their grief and called him a hero for his actions during the attack.
The new video evidence and eyewitness accounts have intensified calls for accountability. Local police were responsible for securing the perimeter of the event, while the Secret Service managed the interior. However, the building from which Crooks fired was outside the Secret Service-guarded area, raising questions about the coordination and effectiveness of the security plan. Butler County Sheriff Michael T. Slupe revealed that a local officer had attempted to investigate the roof but had to retreat when Crooks pointed a weapon at him.
Further complicating the situation, two explosive devices were found in Crooks' vehicle and home, adding another layer of danger to the already tragic event. The incident has left the community and the nation grappling with the implications of the security lapse and the loss of life.
