Security Failures Allowed Assault on Donald Trump
A dramatic and alarming series of events took place on Saturday, January 26, when a semi-automatic rifle was used to attempt to assassinate former US President Donald Trump during a rally at the Butler Farm Show grounds in Pennsylvania. As the story unravels, it becomes clear that security failures, warnings ignored, and a series of critical errors culminated in a near-disastrous outcome.
Security Negligence
Former US Secret Service agent Charles Marino, who was responsible for protecting presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Joe Biden, slammed the handling of the situation, calling it "shocking" and saying, "The hair should stand up on the back of your neck as a Secret Service agent when walking into that building."
One critical mistake made by the Secret Service was the failure to secure the building from which the shooter fired, which was left unsecured, making it a perfect location for an assailant. According to Marino, as a Secret Service agent, he would not have taken his eyes off that building even for a moment.
Warning Signs Ignored
Members of the crowd and police officers on site tried to raise the alarm, shouting "he’s got a gun!" as the shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was armed and aiming for the former president. Despite the warnings, no immediate action was taken.
The timeline of events is crucial: Trump took the stage around 6:05 pm, with warnings ignored or missed until at least two minutes had passed. This period is key, as snipers stationed nearby could have taken aim sooner, potentially preventing the shooting.
Countersnipers: Late Response
Two teams of countersnipers were present, and while one pair did engage the shooter, it took nearly 30 seconds from the initial gunfire to respond. Meanwhile, a second sniping team on a different roof did not have a clear line of sight.
"The tree line is blocking that line of sight… That’s where it will become even more important. That’s why we would want other resources and assets by the tree line and the parking lot," explained Marino.
The slowness of the countersnipers was partly due to communication issues and inadequate positioning, according to ex-agents.
Communications Chaos
There are concerns that poor communication among agencies and officers led to a slow response. As a result, snipers took 10-15 seconds to engage the shooter after the first shot rang out. Trump, at the time, was under gunfire, and it was fortunate that his protective detail swiftly rushed him to safety.
Local Police Support
Local law enforcement officials claimed their deputies performed their duties and "operated precisely within the guidelines established" by the Secret Service. The Butler County Sheriff, Michael Slupe, said three deputies supported the rally but faced criticism for the handling of the incident.
Expert Analysis
High-risk outdoor events are "one of the hardest, potential risky environments to secure," said former Secret Service agent Mike Olson. Fatigue or complacency may have played a role in security team lapses, allowing the security breach.
The two experts emphasized the need for swift, independent investigations to dispel rumors and uncover the truth. Marino believes, "The evidence available to investigators should be very clear… This should not take months and months and months."
FAQs
Q: Who is Thomas Matthew Crooks?
A: Crooks, a 20-year-old man, attempted to assassinate Donald Trump using a semi-automatic rifle during the rally in Pennsylvania.
Q: How many shots were fired?
A: Initial reports suggest Crooks fired approximately 8-10 shots at Trump before being neutralized by the countersnipers.
Q: Did local law enforcement play a role in the security failures?
A: While local officials supported the rally, critics argue their deputies failed to effectively respond to warnings, allowing the shooter to gain a clear shot at Trump.
Q: What is being done to investigate and improve security?
A: Investigations are ongoing, with a focus on ensuring accountability and transparency. Expert testimony and evidence are being examined to shed light on the security failures.
In conclusion, the incident at the Butler Farm Show grounds in Pennsylvania serves as a wake-up call for security protocols surrounding high-profile events. It highlights the importance of vigilance, clear communication, and swift action in the face of danger.
Author: www.ft.com
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