Local law enforcement officers in Pennsylvania were not allowed access to a Secret Service command center during former President Trump’s rally in Butler on July 13, according to reports from Republican Tennessee Rep. Mark Green. Green, along with other bipartisan members of the House Committee on Homeland Security, visited the site where Thomas Crooks attempted to assassinate Trump.
Green highlighted the breakdown in communication between local and federal law enforcement, noting that typically local officers have a presence in the Secret Service control room during such events. However, this time they were denied access for unknown reasons. The committee is also looking into the communication equipment used by officers during the rally.
Paul Mauro, a former NYPD commanding officer, explained that a command center is crucial for coordinating efforts between different law enforcement agencies during events like rallies. The highest-ranking officials from each agency usually convene at the command center to make critical decisions. Mauro emphasized the importance of effective communication and coordination in ensuring the safety of everyone involved.
During the rally, the command center was set up under a tent, and the Secret Service has stated its commitment to understanding what happened before, during, and after the assassination attempt. The Butler County Sheriff’s Office, Butler Police Department, and Pennsylvania State Police have not provided immediate responses to inquiries.
Green expressed disappointment in the security lapses at the rally site, calling it an “abysmal failure.” Members of Congress were able to access the roof from which Crooks fired shots without any specialized equipment, raising concerns about the security measures in place. Additionally, a water tower overlooking the site was not utilized for security purposes.
Lawmakers are also investigating reports that law enforcement was aware of a suspicious individual before Trump took the stage but did not act. Green and other legislators are demanding accountability, with calls for the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle following the shooting incident.
Federal law enforcement is still investigating Crooks’ motives for the attempted assassination. The House Oversight Committee questioned Cheatle about potential repercussions for those who made poor decisions during the rally. The Secret Service director pledged cooperation with all ongoing investigations into the agency’s handling of the incident.
Overall, the incident has raised concerns about the coordination between local and federal law enforcement agencies during high-profile events and the need for improved communication and security measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
