Bodycam footage obtained by Fox News Digital shows the initial response of Butler Township Police Department officers to an assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump at his July 13 rally.
Bodycam footage released Thursday by the Butler Township, Pennsylvania, Police Department captures the harrowing moments following an assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump at a July 13 rally. Obtained by Fox News Digital through a records request, the footage reveals the single officer's valiant efforts to assist victims and secure the scene.
At 3:40 p.m., just seven minutes after gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire from the roof of the American Glass Research (AGR) building outside the rally perimeter, an officer's voice can be heard on the recording. "This is way above my pay grade. Whoever you have coming, I need an empire," he states.
Pennsylvania Police Respond to Trump Assassination Attempt: Bodycam Footage Released
The officer also reports, "We have been told that somebody was looking out a window. I do not know who was inside," possibly referring to the AGR building.
Confusion permeates other bodycam footage as officers from different agencies struggle to understand why there was no law enforcement presence on the AGR roof and how Crooks remained undetected. Uncertainty lingers about Crooks's neutralization minutes after the shooting.
Pennsylvania Police Respond to Trump Assassination Attempt: Bodycam Footage Released
Two Butler police officers initially assigned to traffic duty arrived at the AGR building seconds before the gunfire, attempting to view the roof following reports of a possible individual atop the structure. One officer scales the building with assistance, boosting another to gain a better vantage point.
Butler Township manager Thomas Knights later confirmed that the officer on the roof observed Crooks pointing his rifle, prompting the officer to fall to the ground due to a loss of balance.
Pennsylvania Police Respond to Trump Assassination Attempt: Bodycam Footage Released
Further video reveals a police officer asserting that he had previously advised the Secret Service to have officers stationed on the roof. "I f---ing told them they need to post the f---ing guys over here… the Secret Service," he says.
Another officer responds with, "I thought you guys were on the roof."
Pennsylvania Police Respond to Trump Assassination Attempt: Bodycam Footage Released
"No, we were inside," the first officer clarifies.
In a statement, the Secret Service acknowledged the footage and expressed appreciation for the local officers' bravery. The agency also admitted to a "U.S. Secret Service failure" and pledged to review protective policies to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Pennsylvania Police Respond to Trump Assassination Attempt: Bodycam Footage Released
The bodycam footage offers a glimpse into the immediate aftermath of the assassination attempt, showcasing the heroic actions of Butler Township Police Department officers and highlighting the need for improved security measures at future events.
