Since Trump was almost assassinated, many Americans have been calling for severe scrutiny into the Secret Service. But no one was prepared for what they would find.
And now, a shocking new recording from the assassination attempt has revealed major Secret Service failures.
The aftermath of the Butler, Pennsylvania rally in July has revealed a startling lapse in security that nearly resulted in tragedy.
Recently released body camera footage from local police has exposed a shocking conversation in which a frustrated officer lambasted the Secret Service for failing to secure a crucial area where an assailant, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was able to fire multiple shots at former President Donald Trump.
The footage, first reviewed by the Wall Street Journal, has raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of the Secret Service and the coordination between federal and local law enforcement.
In the body camera footage, an officer is heard expressing his frustration with the Secret Service’s handling of security at the rally. The officer, whose identity has not been disclosed, recounted a conversation he had with the Secret Service just days before the event.
“I fcking told them that they needed to post guys fcking over here…I told them that f*cking Tuesday,” the officer said, referring to the building where Crooks ultimately positioned himself to take his shots.
The officer further explained that he had warned the Secret Service about the potential threat and was assured that agents would be stationed at the location. “I talked to the Secret Service guys. They’re like, ‘Yeah, no problem. We’re going to post guys over here,’” he said.
Despite these assurances, Crooks was able to reach the building and fire off eight shots before being neutralized by a counter-sniper who was positioned closer to the stage where Trump was delivering his speech.
The body camera footage also captured a disturbing exchange between officers in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. One officer, arriving at the warehouse where Crooks had been stationed, expressed his confusion and dismay, saying, “I thought you guys were on the roof. I thought it was you. I thought it was you.”
When the other officer responded with a simple “No,” it became clear that no one had been assigned to secure the roof, despite the officer’s earlier warnings.
This breakdown in communication between local police and the Secret Service is deeply troubling, especially given the high-profile nature of the event and the obvious security risks.
The fact that Crooks was able to get into position and fire off eight shots before being stopped is a testament to the gravity of the security lapse.
The revelations from the body camera footage have cast a harsh light on the leadership of the Secret Service. Former Director Kimberly Cheatle, who has since resigned, and Acting Director Ronald Rowe are both facing intense scrutiny over the incident.
Both leaders have claimed that local police were supposed to be securing the building from which Crooks launched his attack.
However, the body cam footage suggests that this was not the case, and that the Secret Service may have failed to adequately communicate or follow through on security plans.
Critics argue that the Secret Service’s failure to properly secure the rally site is indicative of a broader issue within the agency. This incident is not the first time the Secret Service has faced criticism for lapses in security.
Over the years, there have been numerous incidents where the agency’s preparedness and execution have been called into question.
The Butler rally shooting is just the latest in a series of missteps that have raised doubts about the agency’s ability to protect high-profile figures.
The events in Butler serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of complacency in security operations. Despite the officer’s warnings and the clear risks associated with a rally of this magnitude, the necessary precautions were not taken. This failure nearly resulted in a catastrophic event that could have had far-reaching consequences.
The officer’s frustration, as captured on the body camera footage, is palpable and justified. He was doing his job, identifying potential risks and communicating them to the appropriate authorities.
The fact that his warnings were not heeded speaks volumes about the breakdown in security protocols and the need for a thorough review of the Secret Service’s operations.
In the wake of this incident, there have been growing calls for accountability within the Secret Service. The American people deserve to know why this lapse in security occurred and what steps are being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
It is not enough for the agency to simply move on from this event without a thorough investigation and a commitment to addressing the underlying issues that allowed it to happen.
The Secret Service is tasked with one of the most important responsibilities in the country: protecting the nation’s leaders.
When they fail in that mission, the consequences can be dire. The Butler rally shooting should serve as a wake-up call for the agency and a reminder that there is no room for error when it comes to the safety and security of the country’s highest officials.
As the investigation into the Butler rally shooting continues, it is crucial that all aspects of the incident are thoroughly examined. This includes not only the actions of the Secret Service but also the communication and coordination between federal and local law enforcement.
The failure to secure the building from which Crooks fired his shots was not just a minor oversight; it was a fundamental breakdown in the security process that nearly cost lives.
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