Staff Reports
Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) recently voiced her concerns about the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump and demanded answers from the Secret Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). In an interview with Breitbart News, Blackburn highlighted the unanswered questions surrounding the incident at a Trump rally.
During a call with Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle and FBI Director Christopher Wray, Blackburn emphasized the need for clarity regarding how 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks managed to get onto a nearby roof with a direct line of sight to Trump. She questioned how the Secret Service could lose track of an individual carrying a backpack and a range finder and why they still don’t know how he accessed the roof.
I just got off a briefing with the Secret Service and FBI. I am appalled to learn that the Secret Service knew about a threat prior to President Trump walking on stage.
I have no confidence in the leadership of Director Cheatle and believe it is in the best interest of our…
— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) July 17, 2024
Blackburn also criticized the Secret Service's delayed response, asking why it took two days to release any information to the public. She stated that the American people deserve answers and that the Secret Service and FBI directors owe explanations to both senators and the public regarding the attempted assassination.
Though Blackburn did not disclose specific details of the call, she expressed her dismay in a social media post, claiming that the Secret Service had prior knowledge of the threat against Trump. She expressed a lack of confidence in Director Cheatle’s leadership and called for her resignation.
Reports of security failings during the incident include multiple law enforcement officers identifying Crooks as a security threat. Two Butler Township police officers attempted to confront Crooks but retreated upon discovering he was armed. Numerous rallygoers and law enforcement officers alerted authorities about Crooks’ suspicious behavior. One officer reportedly warned superiors after seeing Crooks using a range finder to calculate the distance between Trump’s speaking area and his location.
In response to these concerns, Cheatle explained that no Secret Service agents were on the roof due to its sloped structure and safety considerations.
The incident raises significant questions about the security measures and protocols followed by the Secret Service and FBI. As investigations continue, it is crucial to provide the American people with the transparency and answers they deserve. Failure to do so will undermine public trust in our law enforcement agencies.
