The attempted assassination of President Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally has exposed significant security concerns. Reports indicate that a local police officer encountered the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, on a rooftop before the attack but retreated when Crooks aimed a rifle at him, according to AP sources.
Attendees at the Butler rally had warned police about a man climbing a nearby building. The officer’s retreat allowed Crooks to open fire, wounding Trump and killing Corey Comperatore, a retired fire chief who protected his family. The Secret Service snipers then shot Crooks, who had an AR-15 rifle and explosives in his car and home.
AP’s analysis of the scene showed that Crooks had an unimpeded view of the stage from his position. This incident has led to scrutiny of the Secret Service’s priorities under Director Kimberly Cheatle, who has emphasized diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) since her appointment by President Biden. Cheatle is set to testify before the House Oversight Committee on July 22 regarding the agency’s security measures.
Former Secret Service agent Dan Bongino criticized the agency’s response and past decisions to deny increased security for Trump. “Repeated requests to increase the security footprint around Trump have been rebuffed,” Bongino told Fox News.
The FBI is investigating Crooks’ background and motives. Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel, Pennsylvania, graduated from high school in 2022 and had no criminal record. His father purchased the gun used in the attack. Authorities found no links to foreign terrorism, and Crooks’ father is cooperating with the investigation.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) honored Comperatore, describing him as a dedicated family man, firefighter, and churchgoer. “Corey was the very best of us,” Shapiro said.
Elon Musk, who endorsed Trump following the shooting, demanded Cheatle’s resignation, citing either extreme incompetence or deliberate failure. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on addressing the security lapses that allowed this attack to happen and preventing future incidents.
