(ConservativeJournal.org) – A recent attempted assassination against former President Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, PA over the weekend on Saturday, July 13 has generated a number of concerning questions for the Secret Service. The most glaring is how 20-year-old Matthew Crooks was able to climb up onto a rooftop just 150 yards (~450 feet) away from Trump with a rifle without being detained or otherwise interrupted by police.
Critics have highlighted that witnesses at the rally saw the shooter before he opened fire with many rally-goers attempting to flag law enforcement. It’s unclear how much time passed between witnesses informing law enforcement and Crooks opening fire. What is known is that shortly after he opened fire, counter-snipers with the Secret Service were able to spot and kill him.
Democratic Representative and former Marine Ruben Gallego wants to see those responsible for the security planning at the Butler rally “testify before Congress” suggesting a need for accountability.
One rally-goer was killed by stray bullets meant for the former and potential future president. Another attendee was also injured by the shooter. The Secret Service is the focus of much of the scrutiny.
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has already been maligned as an incompetent diversity hire in comments on social media. She’ll face additional scrutiny from Congress and may even have to testify as investigations into the fiasco continue. Another Secret Service agent was photographed cowering behind the dogpile of agents who surrounded Trump and escorted him off stage.
Gallego added that there’s no reason such a direct sight-line to Trump’s position should have been available, suggesting that the roof should have been secured by agents physically present. Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL) told the corporate press that there were multiple failures by the Secret Service. He called the attack on Trump a basic shot that anyone could make at boot camp, citing his experience as an Army sniper. He added that the failures were so numerous, he’s wondering if some of them were intentional.
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