Despite Tight Security, How Did Gunman Reach Trump?
Concerns have been raised about how security at Donald Trump’s rally failed to prevent a gunman from getting dangerously close.
Thomas Matthew Crooks managed to access the roof of a building near the outdoor event at Butler County Fairgrounds in Pennsylvania, from where he fired at Trump, who was 130 meters (430 feet) away. One person in the crowd was killed, and two others were critically injured. Trump sustained an injury to his ear.
The US Secret Service clarified that local police were tasked with monitoring the building from which the gunman operated. Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi stated that his agency managed the security within the fairgrounds’ perimeter, while local police were responsible for the outside area, including the building used by the shooter. However, the local sheriff’s department deferred questions to the state police, which claimed it was not responsible for that specific area. A state police spokesman mentioned they provided all requested resources, including 30 to 40 troopers inside the perimeter.
Observers have been questioning the security lapse that allowed the gunman such close proximity to Trump. Witnesses from the crowd reported seeing the suspect on the roof shortly before the shooting. Butler County Sheriff Michael Slupe acknowledged that a local security officer had also spotted the shooter but couldn’t intervene. He admitted to a failure in securing the premises but suggested no single party was solely to blame.
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Former President Donald Trump being helped off the stage during a campaign rally at Butler Farm Show Inc. on July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump was quickly removed from the stage by Secret Service agents following the sound of gunshots.
Jason Russell, founder of Secure Environments Consultants and a former Secret Service agent from 2002 to 2010, explained that it’s typical for the Secret Service to collaborate with local police during rallies. “The Secret Service doesn’t have unlimited resources to position agents everywhere,” he told the BBC. He detailed how agents usually scout the venue days in advance to create a security plan, which is then shared with local law enforcement. He noted that in this instance, the building used by the gunman would have been under local police jurisdiction.
Russell explained that communication between agencies is crucial during events, but even a 10-second delay in relaying information can provide enough time for a gunman to act. NBC News cited sources familiar with Secret Service operations who confirmed that the rooftop was identified as a vulnerability before the event. Russell speculated that the Secret Service likely requested local authorities to monitor the building to prevent access, which evidently did not occur.
Thomas Gleason, a 21-year US Army veteran, commented on the situation, stating that “greater security for a long-range threat” should have been in place. He emphasized that the rooftop provided the most logical vantage point for an assassination attempt.
The FBI has since taken over the investigation, and both the House and Senate are conducting their inquiries. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas labeled the incident a “failure” of security, asserting that such an event must not recur. US Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle announced her agency’s cooperation with federal and local police to comprehend the incident and prevent future occurrences. She will also collaborate with congressional investigations and is set to appear before the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability on July 22. Committee Republicans have requested extensive evidence from the Secret Service, including internal communications, recordings, and pre-event assessments.
