New bodycam footage sheds light on the chaotic moments following the shooting attempt on former President Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania, highlighting disagreements between agencies over the events.
In the aftermath of the attempted assassination of former President Trump on July 13, 2024, bodycam footage from local law enforcement agencies has emerged, revealing confusion and discrepancies in their accounts of the incident.
The footage from the US Secret Service and local police in Butler, Pennsylvania, shows officers discussing the events on the roof where Thomas Matthew Crooks, the alleged gunman, was neutralized. The officers found eight bullet casings around Crooks' body, a number that aligns with testimony from FBI Director Christopher Wray.
Bodycam Footage Reveals Discrepancies in Agencies' Accounts of Trump Shooting
However, the footage also raises questions about the Secret Service's response to the threat. According to drone footage captured by Fox News, Crooks had a largely concealed position from Secret Service counter snipers due to a large tree, but he still had an angle on the former president.
The Secret Service agent who neutralized Crooks was stationed on a building behind Trump. The drone footage suggests that the agent would have only had a partial view of Crooks at the time.
Bodycam Footage Reveals Discrepancies in Agencies' Accounts of Trump Shooting
The bodycam footage adds to the growing number of inconsistencies in the accounts provided by different agencies involved in the investigation. The Secret Service has maintained that its counter sniper teams had a clear line of sight to Crooks, while the Pennsylvania State Police have suggested that vegetation may have obstructed their view.
The footage also contradicts the Secret Service's initial claim that Crooks fired from a nearby wooded area. The drone recreation clearly shows that he was on the roof of a building.
Bodycam Footage Reveals Discrepancies in Agencies' Accounts of Trump Shooting
In addition to his rifle, Crooks brought two explosive devices to the rally. Both devices were capable of remote detonation, and the transmitter was found on Crooks' body. The explosives were discovered in the suspect's vehicle near the rally site.
FBI Director Wray testified before the House Judiciary Committee that Crooks had been planning the attack for months. He had previously been arrested for making threatening comments towards Trump and had a history of mental health issues.
Bodycam Footage Reveals Discrepancies in Agencies' Accounts of Trump Shooting
The investigation into the Trump shooting is still ongoing, with multiple congressional hearings already held to examine the circumstances and response. The House of Representatives has voted unanimously to open a commission to investigate the incident.
The bodycam footage and other evidence continue to raise questions about the Secret Service's preparedness and response to the threat. The ongoing investigations are expected to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the events and potential failures that may have put the former president at risk.
