On July 13, 2024, former President Donald Trump narrowly avoided an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, resulting in one death and multiple injuries. The Senate Judiciary Committee has since held hearings scrutinizing the incident, revealing significant missteps by both local law enforcement and federal agencies.
FBI Director Christopher Wray’s testimony initially cast doubt on whether Trump was hit by a bullet, suggesting it could have been shrapnel. This statement was quickly corrected, confirming that Trump had indeed been struck by a bullet, leading to further frustration and distrust among lawmakers and the public.
"Then why did your agency *DELETE* the email??"
BREAKING: Senator @MarshaBlackburn confronts Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe about a *DELETED* Counter-Sniper's email calling out the agency's lack of accountability over the Trump assassination attempt.
"This agency… pic.twitter.com/n1uLvJq4da
— Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) July 30, 2024
Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe Jr. placed significant blame on local law enforcement, highlighting their failure to adequately communicate and respond to the threat posed by the would-be assassin, Thomas Crook. Evidence presented at the hearing indicated that authorities had identified Crook as a suspicious individual nearly 100 minutes before the shooting.
Despite this, crucial warnings were not effectively relayed to the Secret Service, allowing Crook to get dangerously close to the stage.
🚨 NEW TRUMP ASSASSINATION VIDEO DESTROYS SECRET SERVICE NARRATIVE:
Shooter Thomas Crooks can be seen CLEARLY lurking on the rooftop minutes before shooting
The Secret Service has held that snipers could NOT see him over roofline.
This is proven FALSE!pic.twitter.com/DzWzdIvHmb
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) July 31, 2024
Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) criticized the response timeline, revealing that local officers had identified and photographed Crook, sharing these details in group messages without promptly alerting the Secret Service.
Grassley’s investigation showed that despite early identification, Crook was allowed to remain near the venue, eventually opening fire during Trump’s speech and causing chaos and casualties .
The fallout from the incident has intensified calls for reforms within both local and federal law enforcement agencies. Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) condemned the perceived dishonesty from the FBI, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability. Marshall’s statements reflect a growing sentiment among conservative lawmakers who argue that political bias within federal agencies has compromised their effectiveness and integrity.
As the investigation continues, the demand for clearer protocols and improved interagency communication is paramount. The incident underscores the critical need for a coordinated response to security threats, especially at high-profile political events. With the 2024 election approaching, ensuring the safety of candidates and the public remains a top priority for lawmakers and law enforcement alike.
