Newly released bodycam footage offers a firsthand account of the desperate attempt by police to intercept and apprehend Thomas Matthew Crooks, the would-be assassin who targeted former President Trump at a campaign rally. The video captures the critical moments leading up to the shooting, providing insights into the security failures and heroic actions that unfolded that day.
Exclusive bodycam footage obtained by Fox News Digital on Thursday provides a gripping account of the intense police response to the assassination attempt on former President Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, last month. The footage sheds light on the desperate efforts of officers to intercept Thomas Matthew Crooks, the would-be assassin, seconds before he opened fire.
The footage, recorded from the body cameras of two Butler Township Police Department officers, shows the officers attempting to intercept Crooks on a roof approximately 12 feet above the ground. One officer is hoisted onto the roof by his colleague, but Crooks points his weapon at the officer. Panicking, the officer ducks his head and falls eight feet to the ground, spraining his ankle.
Trump Assassination Attempt: Bodycam Footage Reveals Dramatic Police Response
Moments later, Crooks opens fire, grazing Trump's right ear and wounding three rallygoers. Tragically, Corey Comparatore, 50, was killed while protecting his family from danger.
The footage captures the confusion and frustration among the officers as they attempt to neutralize Crooks and secure the scene. "F------ this close, bro. Dude, he turned around on me," one officer exclaims.
Trump Assassination Attempt: Bodycam Footage Reveals Dramatic Police Response
Additional footage from the Butler Township police department shows officers immediately after Crooks was neutralized by countersnipers. Officers can be seen standing over Crooks' body on the roof, while others express confusion about the security breaches that allowed the attack to occur.
"I thought you were on the roof?" one officer asks.
Trump Assassination Attempt: Bodycam Footage Reveals Dramatic Police Response
"Why were we not on the roof...why weren't we?" another officer questions.
The bodycam footage exposes the security failures that paved the way for the shooting. Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe acknowledged a "failure" after confirming that video footage showed someone moving along the roof minutes before the attack. The FBI revealed that Crooks had driven to the rally site hours before the shooting and flown a drone near the stage.
Trump Assassination Attempt: Bodycam Footage Reveals Dramatic Police Response
Despite local law enforcement officers spotting Crooks and notifying command, there appears to have been a lack of coordination and urgency in responding to the potential threat. The bodycam footage captures the officers' frustration and disappointment over the security lapses.
"I’d say this is a f--- up...somebody f---ed up," one officer says in the footage.
Trump Assassination Attempt: Bodycam Footage Reveals Dramatic Police Response
The release of the bodycam footage comes amid ongoing investigations into the security failures surrounding the assassination attempt. The footage provides critical insights into the heroic actions of the officers involved and the urgent need to strengthen security measures at future political events.
