Newly released police body camera footage shows the frantic moments after a local Butler, Pennslyvania, law enforcement officer was boosted onto the roof of the American Glass Research building and confronted would-be assassin, Thomas Matthew Crooks.
The video sheds new light on the actions taken by local police and lack of communication from the United States Secret Service (USSS) just before Crooks opened fire on the nearby campaign rally, striking former President Donald J. Trump in the ear, wounding two others, and killing rallygoer Corey Comperatore.
After being boosted onto the roof, the police officer briefly makes contact with Crooks and then drops back to the ground after assessing that the 20-year-old would-be assassin is armed with a rifle. The officer then retreats to his patrol vehicle to retrieve a high-powered rifle while coordinating with other local law enforcement on the radio. He informs his fellow officers that he was able to assess that Crooks was armed, carrying a backpack, and was “kitted out.”
The footage reveals the officer aggressively directing other law enforcement to the American Glass Research building rooftop, demanding they get eyes on Crooks. He describes the 20-year-old as having long hair and wearing glasses. Throughout the six minutes of footage, local police can be heard frantically coordinating a search for Crooks and attempting to get units on the rooftop.
At no point can the USSS be heard speaking the local police with or acknowledging the situation as it unfolded—strongly suggesting a breakdown in communications left former President Trump’s security detail unaware. During a recent Congressional hearing, USSS acting director Ronald Rowe, Jr. admitted that agency protocols may have prevented timely communication with local police.
While law enforcement was eventually able to place officers on the roof, they were unable to prevent Crooks from opening fire.
WATCH:
show less🚨Breaking: New bodycam footage obtained by FoxNews via a records request to Butler Township”shows a police officer being lifted up to the roof of the AGR building where would-be Trump assassin Thomas Crooks was perched.” pic.twitter.com/omsrRG1seu
— John Greenewald, Jr. (@blackvaultcom) August 8, 2024