The Secret Service has placed blame on local police for the security lapses that allowed gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks to attempt the assassination of former President Donald Trump during a rally at the Butler Farm Show Grounds in Pennsylvania. Secret Service representative Anthony Gugliemi stated that securing and patrolling the factory grounds of AGR International Inc., located near the rally stage, fell under the responsibility of local police. The Secret Service’s task was limited to covering the rally grounds, with local police recruited to assist in securing the surrounding area.
Residents living near the fairgrounds have reported that neither local nor federal law enforcement agencies contacted them before or during the rally. Valerie Fennell, whose home backs up to the fairgrounds, expressed surprise at the lack of communication from law enforcement. She mentioned that her entire neighborhood had not received any calls or visits from authorities, raising questions about why the area was left unsecured.
Security lapses continued during the rally itself, as attendees reported observing Crooks acting suspiciously near metal detectors. Local law enforcement was alerted and broadcasted warnings to the Secret Service, but Crooks managed to enter the rally area with a rifle. He was later seen moving from roof to roof before settling on the AGR factory. Despite the alerts, police failed to locate him until reports of an armed man on the factory roof prompted a response.
Around 6:10 p.m., a local police officer climbed onto the roof and encountered Crooks, who aimed his rifle at the officer. The officer retreated, and in that moment, Crooks fired approximately eight shots towards the rally. Trump was struck in the ear, and bystander Corey Comperatore was fatally shot, while two others in the crowd sustained grave injuries. Secret Service snipers stationed on a nearby barn rooftop quickly responded, fatally shooting Crooks. It remains unclear whether the snipers had visual contact with Crooks before opening fire.
The Secret Service confirmed that they relied on local law enforcement to assist with security at the event, as is common practice. At least six officers from Butler County tactical units were part of the Secret Service’s counter assault team, which included only two Secret Service members. Additionally, two local sniper teams supported the Secret Service’s two sniper teams.
Calls for an investigation into the Secret Service’s handling of the incident have emerged, with House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer announcing plans to hold a hearing on July 22 with Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle.
