Secret Service Video Points to Failure in Trump Assassination Attempt

Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe confirms a "failure" after exclusive video from a rally shooting victim shows a figure moving along the roof minutes before gunfire rang out.

In the wake of the alarming July 13 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, the Secret Service has acknowledged a "failure" in its protective measures. Acting Director Ronald Rowe expressed this candid assessment in response to exclusive video footage obtained by Fox News Digital, which captured the movements of a suspicious individual on the roof of a building adjacent to the rally site.

The video, captured by rally victim Jim Copenhaver, reveals a figure traversing the roofline of the American Glass Research (AGR) building just minutes prior to the eruption of gunfire targeting Trump. According to Rowe, this footage confirms a critical lapse in security.

Secret Service Video Points to Failure in Trump Assassination Attempt

"Looking at this, it even just affirms to me that this was a failure," Rowe told reporters. "We should have had better protection. For the protectee, we should have had better coverage on that roofline."

The Secret Service's failure to prevent the suspect, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Crooks, from accessing the AGR building rooftop raised serious concerns. The video suggests that Crooks had ample time to establish his position and prepare for his sinister plan.

Secret Service Video Points to Failure in Trump Assassination Attempt

At approximately 6:11 p.m. on July 13, Crooks unleashed eight shots toward the audience, targeting the former president. Counter snipers quickly neutralized Crooks, but not before he had injured three individuals, including Trump.

Further video evidence from rally attendees captured local law enforcement officers surrounding the AGR building with guns drawn, two minutes before Crooks opened fire. This footage indicates that authorities were aware of a potential threat but failed to locate the gunman in time.

Secret Service Video Points to Failure in Trump Assassination Attempt

In the aftermath of the shooting, questions have been raised about the adequacy of the Secret Service's protective measures. Congressional hearings have been initiated to investigate how Crooks managed to climb onto the roof undetected and nearly execute his assassination plot against a former president.

The Secret Service has acknowledged its shortcomings and promised to address the security failures. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in protecting high-profile individuals from acts of violence.

Secret Service Video Points to Failure in Trump Assassination Attempt

As the investigation continues, the video footage serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of security lapses and the importance of robust protective measures for public officials.