An assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally has exposed critical security lapses.
Bombshell text messages from Secret Service countersnipers reveal they were aware of the gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, 90 minutes before he shot at Trump, contradicting previous FBI reports.
According to Daily Mail, a series of bombshell text messages from countersnipers have revealed critical delays in tracking the gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned following the shooting on July 13, citing significant security failures. Countersnipers were aware of Crooks' presence 90 minutes before Trump was shot, not just an hour as the FBI initially claimed.
At around 4:26 p.m., a countersniper noticed Crooks sitting on a picnic table near the rally stage. Despite spotting Crooks early, the gunman still managed to carry an AR-style rifle and shoot Trump through the ear. Crooks was seen lurking near the rally stage and later climbed onto the roof of the American Glass Research building to execute the attack.
One of the countersnipers wrote:
Guys I am out. Be safe. Someone followed our lead and snuck in and parked by our cars just so you know. I'm just letting you know because you see me go out with my rifle and put it in my car so he knows you guys are up there.
Witnesses reported seeing Crooks crawl onto the roof, solidifying the timeline of events. The FBI's assessment indicates that Crooks acted alone, a conclusion supported by his previous online searches about the Kennedy assassination. Crooks also flew a drone near the rally site two hours before the shooting, further underscoring the premeditated nature of the attack.
FBI Director Christopher Wray provided insights into Crooks' planning and actions during the investigation. The shooting resulted in the death of retired volunteer fire chief Corey Comperatore and injuries to two other rallygoers. These security failures led to significant criticism and the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle.
Cheatle admitted that agents were warned multiple times about a suspicious person but failed to act in a timely manner. The absence of an agent on the roof was a critical lapse that allowed Crooks to position himself for the shot. Additionally, Crooks used mechanical equipment and piping to get onto the roof, indicating a well-thought-out plan.
A firefighter died protecting his family from gunfire during the incident, adding to the tragedy. Crooks' father called the police when Crooks didn't return from a trip to a gun range, raising concerns about his whereabouts. Despite carrying a rangefinder, Crooks was not stopped or questioned, highlighting another security oversight.
The FBI is investigating the shooting as an act of domestic terrorism, though no ideological motive has been confirmed. Trump praised a female Secret Service agent who shielded him during the shooting, showcasing the bravery and quick thinking of some agents.
Cheatle faced significant criticism for the security lapses, stating, "The buck stops with me," and acknowledging that the security failures were unacceptable and should not happen again.
Crooks had previously searched online about the Kennedy assassination, suggesting a level of premeditation. The FBI's investigation into Crooks' actions and planning continues to uncover more details about the attack. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about security protocols at high-profile events.
The assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally has led to significant investigations and the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle. Bombshell text messages revealed that countersnipers were aware of the gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, 90 minutes before the shooting. Security lapses, including the absence of an agent on the roof, allowed Crooks to carry out his plan. The FBI is investigating the shooting as an act of domestic terrorism, although no ideological motive has been confirmed. The incident has prompted a reassessment of security protocols for high-profile events.
