Staff Reports
The shocking attempt on former President Donald Trump’s life in Butler, Pennsylvania, has left many with raised eyebrows about the security failures that enabled such a dangerous encounter. Three weeks later, new revelations from bodycam footage have surfaced, shedding light on the chaotic moments before the assassination attempt, though it may raise even more questions than answers.
The footage released by Fox News Digital depicts a scene that resembles something out of a poorly produced action movie. Local police officers, in a commendable but questionable show of bravery, were seen scaling a roof with the aide of fellow officers, only to stumble upon the would-be assassin, Thomas Crooks, moments before he unleashed a hail of gunfire. Surprisingly, there seems to be no audio, leaving viewers to imagine the awkward banter as officers confronted the imminent threat. The visuals do capture the urgency of the moment but also highlight serious lapses in planning and communication.
WATCH: New Bodycam Footage From Cop Who Confronted Crooks on Roof During Trump Assassination Attempthttps://t.co/yJ7NJNW7pT
— RedState (@RedState) August 8, 2024
As the events unfolded, one officer managed to catch a glimpse of Crooks and his weapon but apparently had a little too much faith in his own stealth. The officer, after encountering the would-be shooter, found himself in a bit of an embarrassing predicament when he lost his grip on the roof, leading to an awkward eight-foot drop that resulted in a sprained ankle. Perhaps it is time to revisit the training manuals for police officers because scaling rooftops doesn’t seem to be a common requirement—unless they’re auditioning for the next installment of a superhero flick.
The chaos didn’t end there. After a Secret Service sniper finally subdued Crooks, the frustration among law enforcement was palpable. Officers were recorded expressing their anger over the inability to locate the shooter quickly, as they repeatedly asked why the roof—where the attack originated—was left unmanned. One can only shake one’s head at what appears to be a significant oversight in the planning of a public event featuring a former President.
The whole situation raises critical questions about the preparedness of law enforcement. Reports suggested officers were left wondering about the tactical decisions that led to such confusion, and some were overheard declaring that if someone had been on the roof, the shooting might have been avoided altogether. In a world where active shooter training is increasingly emphasized, the lack of proactive measures here is alarming. It seems that nobody really wants to admit that someone arguably dropped the ball—hard.
As investigations into this harrowing incident continue, the combination of poor communication, lack of proper planning, and general confusion paints a concerning picture. Answers must be provided, not just for the sake of accountability but also to ensure that those entrusted with the safety of public figures in this volatile climate are adequately prepared for the inevitable threats that may arise. Until then, the lessons of Butler stand to remind everyone of the unthinkable reality of violence in America today.
