The Butler Farm Show Shooting: A Tactical Analysis of the Secret Service's Response

An analysis of drone footage reveals potential flaws in the Secret Service's counter-sniper strategy during the assassination attempt on Donald Trump at the Butler Farm Show, raising questions about the security measures in place.

On July 13, 2024, Thomas Matthew Crooks fired a volley of rounds toward former President Donald Trump at the Butler Farm Show, killing local firefighter Corey Comperatore and injuring two others. An analysis of drone footage of the event has raised questions about the tactical shortcomings of the U.S. Secret Service's counter-sniper strategy.

Former NYPD inspector and Fox News contributor Paul Mauro, who spoke with attendees, described the event as feeling "unsecured" compared to other rallies. Attendees reported a lack of wand or metal detector screenings upon entry.

The Butler Farm Show Shooting: A Tactical Analysis of the Secret Service's Response

The drone footage shows the location of the stage, counter-snipers on two red buildings, and the building from which Crooks fired. While Crooks had a clear view of the counter-snipers, Mauro noted that tree growth and the snipers' angle limited their visibility of the roof where he was positioned.

Mauro also spoke with residents who attended previous Trump rallies and noted that the July 13 event felt "very disorganized."

The Butler Farm Show Shooting: A Tactical Analysis of the Secret Service's Response

According to sources familiar with the investigation, the sniper who killed Crooks had a "one-in-a-million" shot, as they could only see the top of his head and his gun scope due to the lip of the roof.

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has stated that the sloped roof of the building where Crooks perched was a "safety hazard," which resulted in agents being stationed inside the building instead. However, Mauro questioned the effectiveness of this strategy, as the windows facing the stage appeared narrow and may not have been operable.

The Butler Farm Show Shooting: A Tactical Analysis of the Secret Service's Response

Mauro also highlighted hallways adjoining the building that could have provided Crooks with access to the roof, and an air conditioning unit that may have been used to stash his AR-15 before the rally.

Windows in a neighboring building that gave agents a direct vantage point of the roof were also visible in the footage, but Mauro expressed skepticism about their effectiveness due to their low-set position.

The Butler Farm Show Shooting: A Tactical Analysis of the Secret Service's Response

The Secret Service's counter-sniper strategy has come under scrutiny following the incident, with an independent committee assigned to review the agency's actions before and during the attack.

Secret Service Director Cheatle is scheduled to testify before lawmakers on Monday regarding the assassination attempt. The drone footage and expert analysis raise important questions about the security measures in place and the effectiveness of the Secret Service's tactical response.

The Butler Farm Show Shooting: A Tactical Analysis of the Secret Service's Response