
A source revealed to Fox News that Thomas Matthew Crooks, who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, had hidden his firearm at the event site prior to its start. This new detail has intensified scrutiny over the Secret Service’s handling of the incident.
According to the source, Crooks concealed an AR-15 rifle at the rally location before the event. This revelation coincides with Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) releasing a report from whistleblowers, claiming that most agents protecting Trump were from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) rather than the Secret Service.
Sen. Hawley has called for the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, criticizing her for the significant security failures. “The breakdown in security means Cheatle’s credibility is in tatters,” Hawley stated. The House Oversight Committee has subpoenaed Cheatle to testify about the incident.
Initially, Crooks was observed with a golf range finder, which did not immediately raise alarms as these items were permitted at rally events. However, he was later identified as a threat when seen with a firearm. It remains unclear when Crooks hid the gun, though authorities believe it could have been days in advance.
In a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Hawley outlined multiple security shortcomings, such as the absence of detection canines and insufficient security measures around the event. Whistleblowers reported that many DHS personnel at the rally were not adequately trained for such high-security tasks.
Former Secret Service agent Dan Bongino expressed his shock at the agency’s poor preparedness, noting the lack of advanced surveillance measures. “Most of the agents were temporary HSI staff who lacked the necessary training to protect a president,” Bongino commented.
The House Oversight Committee, chaired by James Comer (R-KY), is conducting an investigation into the security failures. Comer has criticized DHS for its lack of cooperation and transparency, stressing the importance of a thorough investigation to prevent future security breaches.
These revelations underscore the need for improved security protocols and accountability within the Secret Service and DHS to safeguard public figures against similar threats.