Staff Reports
In a chilling turn of events, a local police officer nearly came face to face with Thomas Matthew Crooks just moments before he unleashed gunfire towards former President Donald Trump at a rally in Western Pennsylvania. The Associated Press report detailed how rally attendees spotted Crooks climbing onto a rooftop with a weapon in hand, prompting them to try and alert law enforcement as the situation escalated.
Despite an officer bravely attempting to confront Crooks on the rooftop, the assailant brandished his rifle, forcing the officer to retreat, clearing the path for Crooks to take aim at the former President. The swift actions of U.S. Secret Service snipers ended the threat in a matter of seconds, although not before Crooks managed to graze Trump’s ear with a bullet and tragically claim the life of Corey Comperatore, a retired firefighter and father shielding his loved ones from harm.
Eyewitness accounts, later corroborated by the AP report, shed light on the frantic moments leading up to the assassination attempt. One attendee described the harrowing sight of seeing Crooks making his way onto the roof with a weapon in hand, raising alarm amongst the crowd and prompting attempts to alert law enforcement present at the scene.
Footage obtained by TMZ captured the terrifying instance of Crooks opening fire, with shouts of warning permeating the air as chaos ensued. The Secret Service’s revelation that the building from which Crooks launched his attack was outside the established security perimeter highlights glaring lapses in ensuring the safety of all present, given its close proximity to the former President.
BREAKING: TMZ obtains video of shooter on rooftop at Trump Rally pic.twitter.com/Sb4cxVnCgY
— Intel Point Alert (@IntelPointAlert) July 14, 2024
Further revelations from the investigation into Crooks’ background uncovered disturbing findings, including the discovery of explosive devices and suspicious packages at his residence. Despite these unsettling discoveries, authorities maintain the belief that Crooks acted alone, alleviating immediate concerns of an ongoing threat to public safety stemming from the attack.
In response to the shocking events, President Biden shared his intention to address the nation following discussions with former President Trump, underlining the gravity of the situation and the need for a unified stand against such acts of violence and terror.
