Bodycam video shows moments police encounter Trump’s would-be assassin, officer saying he warned Secret Service

Published on August 8, 2024

Newly released bodycam footage from Butler Township shows police encountering Thomas Matthew Crooks, the sniper who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump during a rally on July 20, 2024. The footage captures officers securing the area and reveals they had prior warnings about Crooks.
The assassination attempt resulted in the death of firefighter Corey Comperatore and injured several others. The FBI is leading the ongoing investigation with cooperation from the Secret Service, which has been questioned about potential security failures.
In response to the incident, the Secret Service is implementing enhanced security measures for the upcoming Republican National Convention and has made changes to former President Trump's security detail to ensure his continued protection.

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New body camera video released by Butler Township shows the moment police encountered Thomas Matthew Crooks, the man who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump. The video, which was released on August 8, 2024, captures the tense encounter between the police and the would-be assassin, providing a gripping insight into the events following the assassination attempt.

The Incident

The attempt on former President Trump's life occurred on Saturday, July 20, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania. Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old sniper, opened fire on the former president during a political rally. The incident left one person dead and several others injured, including a heroic firefighter who was fatally shot. Corey Comperatore, a firefighter, lost his life in the incident, and his family and friends continue to mourn his loss.

The Bodycam Footage

The bodycam footage released by Butler Township provides a chilling account of the moments immediately following the shooting. The video shows police officers arriving on the scene and encountering Crooks, who was lying motionless on the roof. The footage reveals that the officers were warned about Crooks' presence on the roof before they arrived.

In the video, an officer is heard saying, "So this is the guy. We were warned about this individual." This statement suggests that the police were informed about Crooks' suspicious behavior before they arrived on the scene. This warning, given by an officer, underscores the importance of the intelligence provided to the police prior to the incident.

The video also shows the police securing the area and ensuring that no one else was injured. The footage is a poignant reminder of the bravery and professionalism of the police officers involved in the incident.

Background and Investigation

The investigation into the assassination attempt is ongoing, with the FBI assuming the lead role. The Secret Service has been cooperating with the FBI in the investigation and has also implemented new security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Secret Service has released a statement indicating that they were aware of potential threats and had beefed up their presence around the event. FBI Director Christopher Wray has also been questioned regarding the security failures during the incident.

The video released by Butler Township provides a stark reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining public safety. The footage highlights the importance of effective communication and timely intelligence sharing in preventing and responding to such incidents.

Security Measures

In the wake of the assassination attempt, the Secret Service has announced plans to enhance security measures at the upcoming Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. The agency has been working closely with local and federal authorities to ensure the safety of attendees and public figures.

The security plans are designed to be dynamic and adaptable, allowing for swift responses to changing security environments. The Secret Service has also implemented changes to former President Trump's security detail to ensure his continued protection during the campaign.

Conclusion

The bodycam footage released by Butler Township provides a gripping account of the moments immediately following the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The video underscores the importance of timely intelligence sharing and effective communication in preventing and responding to such incidents. The investigation into the assassination attempt is ongoing, and the Secret Service is working to implement new security measures to ensure the safety of public figures and the public at large.