Exclusive video obtained by Fox News Digital shows a person moving along the roof of a building adjacent to where former President Trump was speaking just minutes before gunfire rang out at his rally, prompting the Secret Service to acknowledge a "failure" in their protection efforts.
In the aftermath of the July 13 assassination attempt on former President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe has admitted to a "failure" in their protection measures, citing exclusive video footage obtained by Fox News Digital.
The video, captured by Jim Copenhaver, one of the victims critically wounded in the attack, shows a figure moving across the roof of the American Glass Research (AGR) building just minutes before gunfire erupted.
Secret Service Admits 'Failure' After Trump Rally Video Shows Figure on Roof Minutes Before Gunfire
"Looking at this, it even just affirms to me that this was a failure," Rowe told reporters Friday. "We should have had better protection. For the protectee, we should have had better coverage on that roofline."
"We should have had at least some other set of eyes from the Secret Service point of view covering that. That building was very close to that outer perimeter. And we should have had more of a presence."
Secret Service Admits 'Failure' After Trump Rally Video Shows Figure on Roof Minutes Before Gunfire
The video, analyzed by Fox News Digital, shows the individual appearing on the roof adjacent to Trump's speaking location at 6:08 p.m. on July 13. The person can be seen walking across the roof from approximately the 1-minute mark to the 2:50 mark.
Investigators believe Thomas Crooks, the 20-year-old suspect in the assassination attempt, opened fire with a collapsible AR-15-style rifle three minutes later, around 6:11 p.m. He unleashed eight shots toward the audience, targeting the former president.
Secret Service Admits 'Failure' After Trump Rally Video Shows Figure on Roof Minutes Before Gunfire
Counter snipers swiftly neutralized Crooks, and law enforcement officials discovered eight shell casings near his body.
Additional footage captured by rally attendees shows bystanders pointing out Crooks on the roof and the response of law enforcement officers attempting to locate him. One Twitter user, @realDJStew724, recorded local law enforcement surrounding the building where Crooks was positioned with guns drawn, a full two minutes before he opened fire.
Secret Service Admits 'Failure' After Trump Rally Video Shows Figure on Roof Minutes Before Gunfire
Footage captured by a local witness, identified as Dave, depicts the chaotic moments leading up to the shooting. As Trump can be heard taking the stage, law enforcement begins to encircle the AGR building.
"Oh my God, there is someone in this building," Dave exclaims. "There’s f---ing cops surrounding this whole entire f---ing building right now," another woman chimes in.
Secret Service Admits 'Failure' After Trump Rally Video Shows Figure on Roof Minutes Before Gunfire
In the subsequent two minutes, the shooting unfolds, with witnesses near the AGR building urging others to take cover. "Make yourself small, bro," Dave says. "I don't know what is going on."
"Get down, get behind this tree," another witness adds. "I saw this big puff of hair."
Secret Service Admits 'Failure' After Trump Rally Video Shows Figure on Roof Minutes Before Gunfire
As the final shot rings out, Dave asks, "Did they pick him off?"
David later reports hearing officers discussing the snipers' actions, including the words, "kill confirmed."
Secret Service Admits 'Failure' After Trump Rally Video Shows Figure on Roof Minutes Before Gunfire
The security breach highlighted by the video has sparked congressional hearings to investigate how Crooks was able to climb onto the AGR building undetected and nearly assassinate a former president. The Secret Service has acknowledged their failures and is facing scrutiny over their protection measures.
