Butler, Pennsylvania – U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley released a video showcasing the aftermath of the shooting of Thomas Crooks, the attacker who targeted former President Donald Trump at a rally on July 13. Crooks, who shot and wounded multiple individuals, was killed after firing at Trump, who was shot in the ear.
In the video, law enforcement officials were seen on a rooftop near Crooks’ body, with blood visible in the vicinity. Senator Grassley demanded transparency and accountability for the security failures that allowed the assassination attempt to occur. The video also depicted a conversation between officers and an individual in a black suit following the shooting and Crooks’ death.
The footage, obtained from the Beaver County Emergency Services Unit, showed Crooks’ body on the rooftop where the shooting took place. Despite efforts to identify suspicious behavior prior to the incident, Crooks was not flagged as a threat until moments before he began shooting. The Department of Homeland Security has initiated three reviews in response to the attack.
After the incident, U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned, taking full responsibility for the security lapse. The motive behind Crooks’ actions remains unknown. Additionally, Trump, now the official Republican nominee for president, has decided to transition his campaign rallies from outdoor to indoor events following the attempted assassination. This decision was made in light of the security concerns raised by the incident.
The Beaver County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Secret Service have yet to comment on the matter. Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers have called for an investigation into the security breaches that allowed Crooks to access the event and open fire. Pennsylvania State Police had identified Crooks as suspicious before the shooting, as he was observed lingering in the vicinity without attempting to enter the venue.
Overall, the incident has sparked significant scrutiny over security protocols at public events and the measures in place to prevent such attacks. Law enforcement agencies are working to address the gaps that allowed Crooks to carry out the attempted assassination on a former president.
