Newly released bodycam footage shows a Pennsylvania police officer claiming he notified the Secret Service days before a rally where former President Trump faced an assassination attempt that the building from where the shooter fired should be secured, raising questions about the agency's response.
Newly released bodycam footage has sparked controversy over the Secret Service's handling of security measures ahead of a Trump rally where the former president faced an assassination attempt. A Pennsylvania police officer alleges that he instructed the Secret Service to secure the building from where the shooter fired, but the agency disputes his claims.
The officer's comments, captured on bodycam video, have prompted Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) to demand an explanation from Secret Service Acting Director Ronald Rowe. Grassley claims that local law enforcement is disputing the line-of-sight evidence presented by Rowe at a Senate hearing, alleging that the counter-snipers did not have a clear view of the shooter.
Secret Service Disputed Over Pre-Trump Rally Security Measures
Grassley has written to Rowe, requesting details of a "Tuesday meeting" with the Secret Service, a list of attendees, and a description of whether the officer's statement accurately reflects the events. He also questioned whether Rowe had reviewed the bodycam footage before his congressional testimony.
The bodycam footage shows the officer expressing frustration, stating, "I f---ing told them they need to post the f---ing guys over here … the Secret Service. I told them that f---ing Tuesday. I told them to f---ing post guys over here."
Secret Service Disputed Over Pre-Trump Rally Security Measures
Grassley's letter highlights concerns raised by Beaver County ESU that the Secret Service had not met with them to discuss the events of July 13th. He emphasizes that such meetings are crucial, especially before providing testimony to Congress.
Grassley's investigation has revealed that local law enforcement disputes the angle of the image provided by Rowe, claiming that it does not accurately depict their line of sight or physical placement in the building. Grassley provided an image showcasing the alleged true physical location of the snipers, with circled second-floor windows.
Secret Service Disputed Over Pre-Trump Rally Security Measures
The letter demands that Rowe provide a site diagram indicating the positions of all local and federal law enforcement counter-snipers, their coverage areas, and the shooter's positions throughout the day. Grassley seeks clarification on whether any photographs or diagrams conflict with Secret Service records.
He also inquires about pre-rally meetings and whether the agency conducted a walkthrough of the AGR building. Finally, Grassley asks if any federal law enforcement personnel observed a person on the roof before the shooting began.
Secret Service Disputed Over Pre-Trump Rally Security Measures
Grassley's investigation extends beyond the rally incident, as he has written to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas regarding Asif Merchant, a Pakistani man allegedly linked to the Iranian government who sought to assassinate Trump. Merchant was arrested while attempting to leave the U.S. weeks before the rally. Grassley seeks Merchant's immigration records and details of any parole granted before or after his placement on the terrorist watchlist.
