Recently, new bodycam footage has emerged from the Pennsylvania rally, where an attempt on former US President Donald Trump’s life was thwarted. The footage reveals critical moments before the attack, showing that the Secret Service was warned about Thomas Matthew Crooks, the shooter, hours before he opened fire.
Detailed Analysis of the Footage
The bodycam footage was released by Republican and Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley. It originates from the Beaver County Emergency Services Unit. The video shows local police officers and a man who appears to be a Secret Service agent discussing Thomas Matthew Crooks. They identified Crooks as a suspicious individual before the attack unfolded.
In the footage, the Secret Service agent points out Thomas Crooks to the police officer. “So, this is the guy,” he says, standing near the lifeless body of Crooks, who lies with a visible blood trail. The agent mentions that Crooks had been reported to them earlier.
The police officer confirms this, stating, “This is him.” He also informs the agent that a police sniper had taken photos of Crooks, including shots of him riding a bicycle. The footage shows the officer scrolling through pictures on a phone.
The Attack
On July 13, Thomas Crooks opened fire at Donald Trump. The bullet narrowly missed Trump’s face, grazing his ear. Unfortunately, the attack injured three rallygoers and killed a 50-year-old volunteer firefighter. A Secret Service agent swiftly responded, gunning down and killing Crooks.
Reaction and Resignation
Senator Chuck Grassley released the video on X, demanding “detailed answers” from the Secret Service regarding the security failures. “Transparency brings accountability,” he tweeted. The footage has intensified scrutiny on the Secret Service, leading to the resignation of Director Kimberly Cheatle. President Joe Biden and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas have appointed Deputy Director Ronald Rowe as the Acting Director.
In an email to staff obtained by The Associated Press, Cheatle took full responsibility for the security lapse. President Biden issued a statement emphasizing that such incidents must never happen again. He plans to appoint a new Secret Service director soon.
Senator Grassley’s Demands
Senator Grassley has been vocal about the security failures. He described the incident as a “catastrophic security failure” and criticized the Secret Service for lacking transparency. In a letter to Homeland Security chief Mayorkas and Acting Director Rowe, Grassley claimed that the Secret Service had joint jurisdiction with local police over the AGR International building where Crooks was present. This contradicts the federal agency’s previous statements that they were only responsible for the rally grounds.
The new bodycam footage raises significant questions about the security protocols in place during the Pennsylvania rally. Senator Grassley’s demands for transparency and accountability highlight the need for a thorough investigation into the events leading up to the attack. The Secret Service faces a critical moment as it addresses these concerns and works to restore public trust.
Share this:
Discover more from Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
