Bodycam footage from local police who intervened seconds before Thomas Matthew Crooks attempted to open fire on former President Trump and a crowd of Pennsylvania political rally attendees last month is set to be released, according to sources from Fox News Digital. The footage, which is expected to be made public later today, will showcase the moments leading up to the tragic shooting on July 13.
The video is anticipated to reveal the swift actions taken by an officer from the Butler Township Police Department who climbed onto the roof where Crooks was positioned just before he began shooting. Another officer assisted in lifting the first officer onto the roof of the American Glass Research (AGR) building after members of the crowd alerted them to a suspicious individual with a gun on the roof.
In a daring move, the officer managed to grab hold of the building’s roof edge, located 12 feet above the ground. However, as soon as Crooks pointed his firearm at the officer, the officer lost his grip, fell approximately eight feet, and sprained his ankle. Unfortunately, the officer was unable to draw his weapon while hanging from the building, leaving him vulnerable.
Shortly after, Crooks opened fire, but the interruption caused by the officers likely distracted him enough to save Trump’s life. Butler County Sheriff Michael Slupe emphasized that the timing of the intervention was crucial, allowing Trump to turn his head in a way that prevented a fatal shot.
The aftermath of the shooting led to confusion and finger-pointing among the various agencies involved, including local, state, and federal authorities. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle faced heavy criticism for the lack of regular briefings to the public, leading to her resignation. Additionally, tensions between the Secret Service and local police escalated as they debated the distribution of responsibility for the incident.
Despite these challenges, the pending release of the bodycam footage offers hope for a clearer understanding of the events that transpired that day. However, a Freedom of Information Act request for similar footage and radio communications from the Butler County Sheriff’s Office was denied, complicating efforts to piece together the full story.
As the investigation continues, the cooperation and coordination between agencies remain essential in uncovering the truth behind the attempted assassination and ensuring the safety of public figures in the future. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
