Newly released bodycam footage provides a detailed account of the police response to the attempted assassination of former President Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania, revealing shocking details about the gunman's equipment and the security lapses that allowed him to evade detection.
Newly obtained bodycam footage from law enforcement officers responding to the attempted assassination of former President Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, has been released, providing a comprehensive account of the incident and raising questions about security failures.
The footage, obtained by Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and released on Thursday, shows officers from the Beaver County Emergency Service Unit (ESU) and U.S. Secret Service personnel accessing the rooftop from where Thomas Crooks fired an AR-15-style rifle at Trump.
Bodycam Footage Sheds Light on Trump Assassination Attempt
Upon arriving at the rooftop, officers discovered the body of Crooks, along with an AR-15-style rifle and multiple shell casings. An officer searching Crooks' body found a cell phone and a transmitter, raising concerns about potential remote detonation devices.
The responding officers quickly assessed the situation, noting the presence of a trail of blood and the absence of any explosive devices. However, they remained concerned about a potential explosive device in the vicinity.
Bodycam Footage Sheds Light on Trump Assassination Attempt
The footage also shows officers exchanging information and searching for additional suspects, highlighting the chaotic nature of the scene.
In his testimony before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, FBI Director Christopher Wray revealed the discovery of three explosive devices in Crooks' car and home. The devices were described as "relatively crude" but posed a serious threat due to their remote detonation capabilities.
Bodycam Footage Sheds Light on Trump Assassination Attempt
Wray confirmed that the FBI has gained access to Crooks' phone, but their investigation has been hindered by his use of encrypted messaging apps. The agency is still exploring the possibility that Crooks had accomplices.
According to Wray's testimony, Crooks had been using a drone to scout the area where Trump's rally took place and had arrived at the scene with a collapsible stock rifle, making it easier to conceal.
Bodycam Footage Sheds Light on Trump Assassination Attempt
The bodycam footage provides valuable insights into the law enforcement response to the attempted assassination, exposing potential security lapses and raising questions about the adequacy of security measures in place at the event.
The release of the footage has prompted calls for increased transparency and accountability from the Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies tasked with protecting high-profile individuals.
Bodycam Footage Sheds Light on Trump Assassination Attempt
Senator Grassley has criticized the Secret Service for failing to provide Congress with sufficient information about the security failures that allowed Crooks to evade detection and open fire on the former president.
The ongoing investigation into the attempted assassination is expected to shed further light on the security lapses and potential accomplices involved in the incident.
