Newly surfaced video footage shows Crooks on the rooftop moments before the attack. The footage has prompted the Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general to open an investigation into the Secret Service’s handling of security for the event. Homeland Security is scrutinizing the agency’s protocols and response, particularly how Crooks managed to get within 135 meters of the stage where Trump was speaking.
On September 25, 2023, former President Donald Trump visited a gun store in South Carolina, drawing significant attention as he checked out various firearms for sale. The visit, captured in a widely viewed video, showed Trump inspecting an array of guns and engaging with the store’s staff and patrons. This appearance aligns with his ongoing efforts to solidify support among Second Amendment advocates and gun rights supporters as he prepares for potential political moves. The visit underscores Trump’s enduring influence and his strategic focus on pivotal issues that resonate with his base.
Currently, investigators are piecing together the activities of Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old shooter responsible for the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler County, Pennsylvania. Despite not having identified a motive, authorities have uncovered how Crooks accessed the rooftop from where he opened fire.
The Secret Service, under Director Kimberly Cheatle, is cooperating fully with the review ordered by President Joe Biden. Cheatle emphasized the agency’s commitment to understanding and addressing any lapses in security. Congressional committees are also investigating the incident, with the House Oversight Committee and the Democratic-controlled Senate both planning hearings. Director Cheatle is scheduled to appear at a public hearing on Monday, facing intense scrutiny over the agency’s actions.
The attack has had far-reaching implications, including a tragic loss in Southern California. An innocent bystander, a former fire chief and nephew of a Menifee councilman, was killed while shielding his family during the chaos at the rally.
Meanwhile, President Biden has walked back his previous statements calling to put a “bullseye” on Trump, following criticism and accusations that such rhetoric may have contributed to the tense atmosphere.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on how Crooks accessed the roof and evaded security measures. Preliminary findings suggest that Crooks exploited a maintenance hatch and climbed an unsecured ladder to reach the vantage point. Investigators are now probing whether this oversight was due to incompetence or complicity.
The incident has sparked widespread debate on the effectiveness of security measures at political events and the potential influence of political rhetoric on acts of violence. The upcoming congressional hearings are expected to shed more light on these issues and lead to significant changes in security protocols for high-profile events.
