Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Top News
Top News
Politics

Bodycam Footage Of Thwarted Assassination Attempt On Trump To Be Released

Donald trump is standing outside corporation

Bodycam footage from local police who interrupted a potential attack on former President Trump and a crowd of Pennsylvania political rally goers is set to be released. The incident occurred last month when Thomas Matthew Crooks was seconds away from opening fire.

The footage, scheduled for release later Thursday, is expected to show the moment an officer from the Butler Township Police Department climbed onto the roof where Crooks was stationed, just before he fired his DPMS AR-15 rifle, injuring several individuals.

Lt. Matthew Pearson of the Butler Township Police Department stated that the footage will offer a clearer view of the events leading up to the shooting. Another officer assisted in getting onto the roof of the building after reports of a suspicious individual with a gun.

Officer climbed onto roof where suspect was stationed moments before he opened fire.
Bodycam footage to be released showing police intervention in potential attack on Trump.
Suspect pointed firearm at officer, causing the officer to fall and sprain his ankle.

As the officer approached Crooks, the latter pointed his firearm at the officer, causing the officer to fall to the ground and sprain his ankle. Crooks then proceeded to open fire, but the interruption likely saved Trump's life, according to Butler County Sheriff Michael Slupe.

Slupe emphasized the importance of timing and how the officers' intervention provided a crucial distraction, potentially preventing a more severe outcome. The incident has raised questions about security breaches and responsibilities among different agencies involved.

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle faced criticism for lack of public briefings and subsequently resigned. Disputes between the Secret Service and local police have also emerged regarding accountability for the shooting.

Despite initial denials of a Freedom of Information Act request for bodycam footage and radio communications, the impending release of the footage signals a step towards transparency. The investigation is ongoing, and details about the day's events continue to unfold.

Butler County's decision to withhold certain information has added to the complexity of the situation, with radio communications between agencies being kept confidential for the time being.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.