Trump Questions Lack of Communication in Fatal Shooting

Former President Trump and Secret Service officials face scrutiny over a critical failure in planning that led to an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania.

In an exclusive interview with Fox News' Jesse Watters, former President Trump raised questions about the security measures in place at his July 13 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire, killing one and injuring three others.

"How did somebody get on that roof?" Trump asked Watters. "Nobody mentioned it. Nobody said there was a problem."

Trump Questions Lack of Communication in Fatal Shooting

The lack of communication between the Secret Service and local law enforcement has come under intense scrutiny. Jason Woods, the lead sharpshooter for the Beaver County SWAT team assigned to Trump's rally, told ABC News that there was no face-to-face briefing with Secret Service members.

"We were supposed to get a briefing with the Secret Service members whenever they arrived," Woods said. "That never happened."

Trump Questions Lack of Communication in Fatal Shooting

One of the Beaver County snipers spotted Crooks and called into command, but the gunman was still able to position himself on the roof of the building. Meanwhile, Secret Service members and Trump's top advisers said they were not aware of any suspicious activity.

Trump's advisers have questioned why they weren't alerted about Crooks' suspicious presence. They said they heard the sounds of shots but mistook them for fireworks.

Trump Questions Lack of Communication in Fatal Shooting

"They could’ve said, ‘Let’s wait for 15 minutes, 20 minutes, five minutes,’ something," Trump said. "Nobody said — I think that was a mistake."

The Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned following the incident, and multiple law enforcement and congressional probes have been announced. Security at upcoming Trump rallies has been increased due to fears of copycat attacks.

Trump Questions Lack of Communication in Fatal Shooting

Beaver County Chief Detective Patrick Young, who runs the SWAT team, said the group "did everything humanly possible that day."

"We talk a lot on SWAT that we as individuals mean nothing until we come together as a team," Young said.

Trump Questions Lack of Communication in Fatal Shooting

The lack of communication, missed warnings, and questionable security measures have raised serious concerns about the safety of political rallies in the United States. As investigations continue, the full extent of the security failures that led to the failed assassination attempt on Trump remains to be fully understood.