Republican Rep. Mike Kelly, chairman of a task force investigating the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, criticized a seemingly sluggish response from law enforcement officers at the scene, prompting inquiries into potential negligence and a mission to restore public faith in leadership protection.
Pennsylvania Republican Representative Mike Kelly, the head of a task force examining the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, has expressed concern regarding what seemed to be a "frozen" reaction from law enforcement officials during the incident.
Kelly made these remarks after visiting the site of the assassination attempt at the Butler Farm Show fairgrounds in Butler, Pennsylvania, for the second time. On July 13, the suspect, Thomas Crooks, fired shots at Trump during a campaign rally, killing one attendee and injuring two more.
Pennsylvania Lawmaker Questions 'Frozen' Law Enforcement Response in Trump Assassination Attempt
"I need to know who was in charge? Who made the decision? ... When the sniper had the shooter in his sights, we've heard so far, he was waiting for authorization to take the shot. ... Someone had to make that call. If they're not making that call, the team can't move. That's what I see here. It was kind of frozen for a while," Kelly told Fox News Digital.
Kelly, a Butler native, emphasized that it was premature to determine if any criminal negligence had occurred during the assassination attempt.
Pennsylvania Lawmaker Questions 'Frozen' Law Enforcement Response in Trump Assassination Attempt
The bipartisan task force assigned to investigate the shooting, established by a House resolution that passed unanimously, continues to interview witnesses and gather information. Task force members have emphasized their ability to subpoena federal agencies for further details.
"The worst thing you can do in life is not be prepared," the Pennsylvania lawmaker said.
Pennsylvania Lawmaker Questions 'Frozen' Law Enforcement Response in Trump Assassination Attempt
Democratic Representative Jason Crow of Colorado, a decorated Army veteran, highlighted the task force's objective to restore confidence in the ability of leaders to be protected.
"At this point, a lot more questions than answers," Crow said. "I definitely took note today that there were a lot of lines of sight that appear to have been unsecured."
Pennsylvania Lawmaker Questions 'Frozen' Law Enforcement Response in Trump Assassination Attempt
Lawmakers visited the assassination site to assess the proximity of Trump's stage to the American Glass Research (AGR) building, where Crooks fired at least eight shots. The FBI has stated that Crooks ascended HVAC equipment and piping to reach his vantage point.
The gunman was present at the rally grounds for approximately 70 minutes that morning and flew a drone over the area for 10 minutes that afternoon.
Pennsylvania Lawmaker Questions 'Frozen' Law Enforcement Response in Trump Assassination Attempt
Video footage provided to Fox News Digital by Iron Clad USA, a clothing vendor at the rally, captured Crooks moving about the area an hour and a half prior to the shooting.
Text messages obtained by Republican Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa revealed that snipers had identified Crooks about 90 minutes before he fired multiple rounds towards Trump, resulting in the death of 50-year-old Corey Comperatore and injuries to 74-year-old James Copenhaver and 57-year-old David Dutch.
Pennsylvania Lawmaker Questions 'Frozen' Law Enforcement Response in Trump Assassination Attempt
Local law enforcement also observed Crooks on the AGR building roof minutes before the shooting. One officer lifted another to view the roof, at which point Crooks pointed his AR-15-style rifle at the elevated officer, causing him to lose his balance and fall.
These officers reportedly informed the U.S. Secret Service of a suspicious individual on the roof, but Crooks opened fire shortly after.
Pennsylvania Lawmaker Questions 'Frozen' Law Enforcement Response in Trump Assassination Attempt
Body-worn camera footage from the Butler Township Police Department revealed that law enforcement instructed the Secret Service to secure the AGR building's roof.
Kelly stated that the task force has been investigating the assassination attempt since early August.
Pennsylvania Lawmaker Questions 'Frozen' Law Enforcement Response in Trump Assassination Attempt
The FBI is investigating Crooks' motive and potential accomplices, although the agency has found no evidence of co-conspirators to date.
