New Bodycam Footage Reveals Critical Incident Moments Leading Up To Trump Assassination Attempt
In an unexpected turn of events, new bodycam footage has been released that provides a heart-stopping view into the moments before an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The incident occurred during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13, showcasing the perilous nature of the event.
Overview Of The Incident
The dramatic video, which was obtained through a public records request, depicts the moment an officer stationed on the roof of a building overlooking the rally grounds first caught sight of the would-be Trump assassin just seconds before the perpetrator opened fire. Moreover, the footage revealed local law enforcement’s distress, having previously alerted the Secret Service to the potential threat from the building that ultimately served as the shooter’s post.
The Shooter And Initial Response
Bodycam footage from a Butler police officer’s device paints a vivid picture of the incident. The officer, boosted onto the roof by a comrade, quickly retreats upon spotting the shooter, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks. Alarmingly, only about 40 seconds passed between this encounter and Crooks turning to fire eight shots at Trump. Trump was struck in the ear, and seconds later, a Secret Service sniper shot and killed Crooks.
Account Of The Scene
The footage continues with the officer, visibly shaken, moving to another side of the building and then returning to his police car to retrieve a rifle. He can be heard exchanging information with another officer, providing a keen understanding of the intensity and fear of those crucial moments. In directions relayed over the radio, the distressed utterances of emergency services at the scene confirmed the presence of two injured civilians who they were attending to.
Accessing The Perpetrator & Preemptive Warnings
From the dashboard camera of the officer who first noticed Crooks, the sound of gunshots ring out, followed by his urgent warning to his colleagues not to show themselves. As more law enforcement attempted to access the roof, the officer provided a description of Crooks and cautioned others of the potential risk. Spotting Crooks’ lifeless body, rifle, and a trail of blood on the building’s roof, reports highlight the chilling reality of the failed assassination.
Officers’ Concerns & Criticizing The Secret Service
The recently released video further illustrated the Butler Police’s apprehension about the security measures for the event. It exposes conversations between officers, signifying their concern after the incident, showing that they had raised the alarm to the Secret Service about strategic positioning and possible security loopholes before the event, but it seems their warnings were not fully heeded. The Secret Service has stated that they are reviewing the newly released body-camera video.
Background Of The Shooter
Further inquiry into the background of the shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks revealed a chilling course of preparation. Records from his gun club indicate he had visited the range an unsettling total of 43 times in the year leading up to the attack. He was found to have primarily practiced at the rifle range, aligning with the firearm used on the fateful day.
