Security Concerns Raised After Attempted Assassination of Former President Trump
By Christen Smith (The Center Square)
A Butler Township police officer issued a warning to the U.S. Secret Service regarding security concerns at an unguarded building where a would-be assassin shot and nearly killed former President Donald Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania on July 13.
Drew Blasko, a patrolman with the department and assistant team leader of one of the local sniper units on duty that day, informed the congressional task force investigating the incident that there was no clear line of sight for the AGR building roof or its surrounding complex beyond the security perimeter set by the Secret Service.
Blasko requested additional manpower to post guards at the building but was assured by the Secret Service that they would handle it. However, 20-year-old Thomas Crooks managed to scale the roof of the AGR building and open fire just three minutes later.
Adams Township Police Sgt. Edward Lenz, who commanded the Butler County Emergency Services Unit during the rally, stated that once he realized Crooks was a threat, he attempted to alert the quick-reaction force on site, but it was too late.
The testimonies provided by the officers align with a 133-page bipartisan Senate interim report released recently. Legislation has been introduced to enhance security detail for Trump and running mate Ohio U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance.
Outdoor guards and additional barriers were among the resources discussed that were not put in place on the day of the rally. The absence of these measures allowed Crooks to position himself on the roof of the building without being detected.
Lawmakers on the task force emphasized the proximity of the AGR building to the rally stage, expressing disbelief that the Secret Service failed to include it in their security perimeter.
Retired Secret Service agent Patrick Sullivan highlighted the strain on agents assigned to campaigns, noting that they are overworked and lack adequate resources. Despite the planning and communication failures, Sullivan commended the agents who risked their lives to protect former President Trump during the incident.
The revelations of security lapses in Butler have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the Secret Service in ensuring the safety of high-profile individuals. The need for improved planning, communication, and resource allocation within the agency has become evident in the aftermath of the attempted assassination.
Syndicated with permission from The Center Square.
