Former SWAT Commander Dismisses Secret Service Sloped Roof Theory

A former SWAT commander criticized the Secret Service Director's explanation for not positioning snipers on a building's roof during an assassination attempt on former President Trump, calling it "shocking" and a "massive security failure."

Gene Petrino, a former SWAT commander with nearly three decades of law enforcement experience and a master's degree in security management, questioned the Secret Service's security measures after the shooting incident at a rally for former President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Petrino dismissed Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle's reasoning that a sloped roof prevented snipers from being stationed on the building where the gunman, Thomas Crooks, opened fire. Cheatle claimed that the slope posed a safety concern, but Petrino pointed out that published photos showed other Secret Service snipers perched on sloped roofs in the vicinity.

Former SWAT Commander Dismisses Secret Service Sloped Roof Theory

Petrino highlighted several potential vulnerabilities in the security plan, including the lack of drone surveillance and the absence of snipers at a nearby water tower that could have provided a vantage point of all the roofs. He emphasized that the gunman should never have been able to access the roof and fire shots.

Petrino stated that the security team's response after the shots were fired raised concerns about their training and experience. He criticized the agents' physique and questioned their ability to effectively protect Trump, who should have been immediately moved off the stage.

Former SWAT Commander Dismisses Secret Service Sloped Roof Theory

The expert attributed the security lapse to the responsibility of Cheatle, stating that such failures ultimately fall on the leadership. He also suggested that the team may have been underfunded or inexperienced, contributing to the botched response.

Despite Trump's ability to rally the crowd after the incident, Petrino maintained that he should have been removed from the stage for his safety. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of comprehensive security measures and the accountability of security leaders in preventing such incidents.

Former SWAT Commander Dismisses Secret Service Sloped Roof Theory