Chilling Footage Reveals Moments Before Trump Rally Shooting Attempt
Dramatic video recordings have been released, shedding light on a shocking incident during a Donald Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13, 2024. For the first time, the footage captures a police officer climbing to the roof of a building to spot the would-be assassin right before the gunfire erupted.
Pre-Attack Discovery
Footage obtained by police shows local law enforcement officers expressing concerns about the security at the rally. They had previously advised the Secret Service to position officers strategically near the rooftops, where the gunman later fired upon Trump.
Tension Unfolding
Body camera logs from one officer reveal a gripping moment where he scales the roof, moments later spotting the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks. Within approximately 40 seconds, Crooks fired eight gunshots, striking Trump in the ear. In a quick response, law enforcement snipers retaliated, fatally shooting Crooks.
Desperate Minutes Post-Incident
Once the immediate threat was neutralized, officers rushed to formulate a response. Footage shows frantic communications, with officers expressing their disbelief and hurriedly plotting their next move. An officer could be heard noting how close he was to the shooter, indicating the tension of the moment.
Failure to Act on Security Warnings
In subsequent recordings, officers reflected on their earlier warnings about the rally security, expressing frustration that proper precautions were not taken. One officer explicitly stated that he had urged the Secret Service on to secure the perimeter of the location where Crooks fired. This raises concerns regarding the protocols in place during high-stakes public events.
Details of the Assailant’s Preparation
Recent disclosures have also revealed more about Crooks’s preparation leading to the attack. Documents from the shooter’s gun club have surfaced, showing that he made 43 visits in less than a year prior to the rally and spent considerable time practicing with the rifle that was later used to attempt an assassination.
Concerning Findings
The records depict a pattern of consistent rifle practice in the months that immediately preceded the rally. Crooks’s final target practice was the day before he attempted to attack the former president, leaving many to wonder about the effectiveness of the security measures in place to prevent such incidents.
New Perspectives on Rally Security
The Butler Township police’s video response resulted from a public records request, aiming to piece together the timeline and scenario during the tense moments of the rally. This development has sparked broader discussions concerning the safety of future events, as local law enforcement admits challenges in ensuring security standards during high-profile appearances by public figures.
This story has been updated with additional developments.
