Staff Reports
The events surrounding the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump in July have taken a turn that raises serious questions about the preparedness and effectiveness of law enforcement. Initial claims suggested a lack of awareness about the threat posed by Thomas Matthew Crooks, the gunman in question, but recent revelations indicate that the authorities had actually flagged him over 90 minutes prior to the shooting. This was a significant oversight that nearly cost Trump dearly.
New information unearthed by the New York Times through text messages from the Beaver County Emergency Service Unit shows that law enforcement was aware of Crooks, a 20-year-old who exhibited suspicious behavior as he plotted his attack. He had even managed to climb onto the roof of a building near the rally using HVAC equipment. This level of determination to bypass security should have propelled a swift response from the authorities. However, it seems that the alarms were ignored, leaving Trump vulnerable while he addressed his supporters.
NEW: Trump Rally Gunman on Radar 90 Minutes Prior to Shooting, Used HVAC Unit to Access Roof: RedState pic.twitter.com/Oue4GTx6Ex
— Ian Hansen 🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@IanHansenFeed) July 29, 2024
As Crooks maneuvered through multiple rooftops, the question arises: where were the security measures that should have been in place? At least one sniper was aware of Crooks’ movements shortly before he opened fire, yet there appears to have been a hiccup in communication or a lack of decisive action in response. Those entrusted with the safety of the former president and rally attendees were evidently aware of a suspect fitted with a gun poised on a rooftop but failed to engage in a meaningful way.
The legal definitions governing the Secret Service’s rules of engagement appear vague at best, leading to an unfortunate misalignment between their operational readiness and the urgent reality they faced. Insufficient training or unclear protocols should not be an excuse for an oversight that contributed to the near-fatal incident. One can only wonder what could have transpired if the response had been as robust as any patriotic American would expect while protecting a former president.
As more details surface, the sense of disarray surrounding the incident becomes increasingly pronounced. There is an urgent need for accountability and a thorough investigation into why Crooks was allowed to take such dangerously bold actions without being intercepted. conservatives deserve a government that prioritizes the safety of its leaders and citizens alike, and this tragic event serves as a glaring reminder that there is much work to be done in ensuring security against those who would do harm in an increasingly unpredictable world.
