U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley has recently shared a video on social media that shows the aftermath of the tragic killing of Thomas Crooks, the shooter who targeted former President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The video, obtained from the Beaver County Emergency Services Unit, captures the scene of law enforcement agents on a rooftop alongside Crooks’ body.
Grassley, a Republican from Iowa, has demanded answers and accountability following the July 13 assassination attempt on Trump. In the video, Crooks’ body can be seen lying on the roof of the building from where he fired at Trump. The video also shows blood near the shooter’s body.
“We NEED detailed answers ASAP on security failures,” Grassley wrote on social media. “TRANSPARENCY BRINGS ACCOUNTABILITY.” His call for transparency and accountability is echoed by both Democratic and Republican lawmakers in Congress, who have also demanded answers about how Crooks was able to open fire at a former president.
The body camera footage also shows someone in a black suit and sunglasses speaking with law enforcement officers who were armed with rifles and wearing body armor. The officers can be seen pointing out a rifle lying on the roof, although it is not clear if it belongs to Crooks. The footage also captures an officer mentioning that a sniper had seen a suspicious person coming from a bike and setting a backpack down, but lost sight of him. It is not clear if the officer is referring to Crooks.
The video was obtained from the Beaver County Emergency Services Unit after requests from Congress. The Beaver County Sheriff’s Office, which has a tactical team that responds to high-risk incidents, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The U.S. Secret Service and Beaver County Sheriff’s Office are currently investigating the incident, and the Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General has opened three reviews surrounding the incident. In a recent development, U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned, taking “full responsibility for the security lapse.”
Crooks’ motive for the shooting has not been determined. However, Pennsylvania State Police Col. Christopher Paris, who heads the agency, revealed during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing that Crooks had been identified as suspicious before the shooting. He had been spotted “milling about” and was later seen with a range finder, but did not attempt to enter the venue.
Paris also stated that the Butler County Emergency Services Unit, responsible for securing the building where Crooks fired from, had relayed the suspicion and a photo of Crooks to the state police, who then passed the message along to the Secret Service. However, Crooks was not designated as an actual threat until seconds before he opened fire.
In light of the incident, Trump, who is now the official Republican nominee for president, has decided to no longer hold outdoor rallies and instead hold them indoors, according to sources familiar with his campaign’s operations. This decision comes as a precautionary measure following the assassination attempt.
The shooting at the rally has sparked concerns about security measures and protocols in place for such events. The incident has also raised questions about the safety of political figures and the need for increased security measures.
In the wake of this tragedy, Senator Grassley’s call for transparency and accountability is crucial. It is important to thoroughly investigate the security failures that led to this unfortunate event and take necessary measures to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
As we mourn the loss of life and condemn the violence, let us also remember the importance of peaceful and safe political events. Our democracy thrives on the ability to freely express our opinions and engage in open dialogue, and it is our responsibility to ensure the safety of all individuals involved.
This story first appeared on NBCNews.com. More from NBC News:
– Harris rips Trump before fired-up crowd at first presidential rally in battleground Wisconsin
– Pennsylvania State Police identified Trump shooter as ‘suspicious’ as he hung around before rally
– Sunday was the hottest day ever recorded on Earth.
In conclusion, the shooting at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania has raised concerns about security measures and the safety of political figures. Senator Grassley’s call for transparency and accountability is crucial in ensuring the safety of all individuals involved in political events. Let us work towards a safer and more peaceful future for our democracy.
