In a scene straight out of a high-octane action movie, newly released bodycam footage has laid bare the dramatic moments leading up to an attempted assassination of President Donald Trump. This gripping footage, captured by Butler Township Police, showcases the nail-biting seconds before Thomas Matthew Crooks, perched atop a building with a DPMS AR-15 rifle, unleashed chaos during a Trump rally.
The hair-raising video starts with one gutsy officer being hoisted onto the roof of the AGR building by a fellow cop. Seconds later, Crooks turns his weapon on the officer, and all hell breaks loose. The body cameras capture the urgency and intensity as officers scramble, shouting commands, and coordinating with units to neutralize the threat. It’s the kind of edge-of-your-seat drama that leaves you gnawing your fingernails.
“He’s straight up,” one officer yells, pinpointing Crooks’ location. Another officer, in a voice tinged with tension, warns, “He’s got glasses, long hair.” The footage is a whirlwind of flashing lights, frantic footsteps, and rapid-fire communication as officers try to corner the suspect.
????Breaking: New bodycam footage obtained by FoxNews via a records request to Butler Township"shows a police officer being lifted up to the roof of the AGR building where would-be Trump assassin Thomas Crooks was perched." pic.twitter.com/omsrRG1seu
— John Greenewald, Jr. (@blackvaultcom) August 8, 2024
Bodycam footage shows that, even after shots were fired, it took police FIVE MINUTES to reach the location of Trump assassin Thomas Matthew Crooks.
Ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/i23PUjE006
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) August 8, 2024
Crooks’ spree was halted by a Secret Service sniper, bringing an end to his deadly assault. But the aftermath has raised serious questions about security lapses. Crooks had scouted the rally site with a drone, an oversight attributed to a technical glitch by the Secret Service. He was under surveillance for over an hour before the attack, yet crucial strategic positions remained unmanned.
Digging deeper into Crooks’ background reveals an unsettling portrait of a loner with a penchant for chess and video games. Described by classmates as the quiet type, Crooks excelled in academics, graduating with honors. However, he also faced bullying, which perhaps contributed to his reclusive nature. Crooks held an associate degree in engineering science from the Community College of Allegheny County and had voted only once, in the 2022 midterm elections.
In a chilling twist, investigators found bomb-making materials in Crooks’ car and residence. His digital footprint revealed searches related to Trump, high-profile figures, depressive disorders, and historical shootings. Despite a $15 donation to a Democrat voter turnout initiative, Crooks was registered as a Republican.
This jaw-dropping footage and the revelations about Crooks’ meticulous planning have ignited a firestorm of scrutiny over security protocols. As the nation grapples with the implications, one thing is clear: the courage and quick actions of police officers prevented a potential catastrophe, a testament to their unwavering commitment to protect and serve.