Executive Summary
On July 13, 2024, former President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The event resulted in one fatality and critical injuries to two others. Senator Ron Johnson promptly demanded transparency from Attorney General Merrick Garland, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and FBI Director Christopher Wray, requesting records and communications regarding the rally’s security. Despite these demands, federal agencies have not confirmed their intent to preserve the relevant records, raising significant concerns about transparency and accountability.
Key Findings
Secret Service Absence at Security Briefing: On the morning of the rally, a security briefing was held by Butler County Emergency Services (Butler ESU) for local SWAT teams and snipers, including those from Washington and Beaver counties. The Secret Service did not attend this briefing. This raises questions about the coordination and implementation of the security plan, particularly given that the briefing included crucial details such as the security perimeter and drone protocols.
Siloed Communications: Local law enforcement reported that communications during the rally were siloed, with SWAT and sniper teams operating on separate radio channels from patrol units. This structure necessitated routing information through Butler ESU command, which then relayed messages to the Secret Service or other local law enforcement. The lack of direct communication between local law enforcement and the Secret Service potentially hindered response times and decision-making processes.
Observation of the Shooter: Approximately one hour before the shooting, local law enforcement observed the alleged shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, at the AGR building. Despite taking photographs and reporting his suspicious behavior, the response from command, including the Secret Service, was inadequate. The failure to send agents immediately to the AGR building and to prevent former President Trump from going on stage remains unexplained.
Post-Shooting Actions: Following the shooting, Secret Service agents, along with local law enforcement, were seen on the roof of the AGR building where Crooks was found deceased. Photographs of Crooks and his belongings were sent to the ATF for facial recognition purposes, although the role of the ATF in this process and the timing of the Secret Service's arrival on the roof are unclear.
Initial Sniper Plans: Local law enforcement revealed that the Secret Service initially did not plan to deploy snipers for the rally, leading to an increased burden on local law enforcement to provide sufficient coverage. The reasons behind this decision and its subsequent reversal are not clear.
Preliminary Timeline
- July 5, 2024: Secret Service informs Butler County Emergency Services about the rally.
- July 8, 2024: Butler ESU meets with the Secret Service to discuss the event’s timeline and location.
- July 10, 2024: Secret Service conducts a site visit at the Butler Farm Show grounds.
- July 13, 2024 (Day of the Rally):
- 9:00 AM: Butler ESU holds a briefing for local SWAT and sniper units; Secret Service does not attend.
- 9:27 AM: Crooks enters a Home Depot in Bethel Park, PA.
- 9:41 AM: Crooks purchases a ladder.
- 5:10 PM: Crooks is first observed by a sniper at the AGR building.
- 5:14 PM: Sniper takes photos of Crooks.
- 5:28 PM: Additional photos of a bicycle and bags near the AGR building are taken.
- 6:11 PM: Crooks begins shooting; Secret Service returns fire and Crooks is killed.
- 6:23 PM: Local law enforcement confirms Crooks’ death on the roof of the AGR building.
Outstanding Questions
Senator Johnson’s letter to the Attorney General, DHS Secretary, and FBI Director raises several critical questions:
- Security Plan: What was the security plan for the rally, and who had access to it?
- Federal and Local Coordination: How did federal, state, and local law enforcement coordinate, and why were communications siloed?
- Threat Awareness: Were there any known threats or requests for additional security prior to the rally?
- Shooter’s Background: What is the background of Thomas Matthew Crooks, including his criminal history, mental health, and social media activity?
- Law Enforcement Response: How did the Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies respond to the initial sightings and reports of Crooks?
Conclusion
The preliminary findings expose critical security lapses and failures at the July 13, 2024 rally, including the absence of the Secret Service at key briefings, fragmented communications, and delayed responses to threats. These issues highlight serious concerns about the rally's security protocols. Transparency and accountability are essential as Congress and law enforcement continue their investigation. Senator Johnson’s office emphasizes the need for a thorough and truthful investigation, urging anyone with relevant information to come forward to help uncover the truth and prevent future incidents.
Bombshell Preliminary Findings on the Attempted Assassination of President Trump
Background and Immediate Response
Senator Ron Johnson released preliminary findings on the investigation into the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump on July 13, 2024. The attack occurred during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, resulting in Trump's injury, one death, and two critical injuries. Johnson demanded records and communications from key federal agencies, including the DOJ, DHS, and FBI, but received no confirmations of preservation of these records.
Key Findings
Secret Service Absence at Key Briefing:
- On July 13, 2024, Butler County Emergency Services held a security briefing for local SWAT and sniper teams. The Secret Service did not attend.
- The briefing included details on the security perimeter and responsibilities, but excluded the American Glass Research (AGR) building where the shooter was later found.
- The briefing addressed drone threats, but it's unclear if any action was taken regarding Crooks’ drone.
Siloed Communications:
- Local law enforcement reported that communication was fragmented, with SWAT and sniper teams on separate radio channels from patrol units.
- Information had to be relayed through Butler ESU command, delaying response times and decision-making.
Advance Notice of the Shooter:
- Nearly an hour before the shooting, a sniper observed the suspect, Thomas Matthew Crooks, and reported him to command.
- Secret Service was informed but did not take immediate action or prevent Trump from going on stage.
Post-Shooting Actions:
- After the shooting, local law enforcement and Secret Service accessed the roof of the AGR building where Crooks was found dead.
- Photos of Crooks and his belongings were sent to the ATF for facial recognition, raising questions about the ATF's role in this process.
Initial Sniper Deployment Plans:
- Initially, the Secret Service planned not to deploy snipers for the rally, placing the burden on local law enforcement.
- The decision was later reversed, but the reasons remain unclear.
Timeline of Events on July 13, 2024
- 9:00 AM: Butler ESU holds a security briefing; Secret Service is absent.
- 9:27 AM: Crooks is seen entering a Home Depot and purchasing a ladder.
- 5:10 PM: Crooks is observed by a sniper at the AGR building.
- 6:11 PM: Crooks begins shooting; Secret Service returns fire.
- 6:23 PM: Crooks is confirmed dead on the roof of the AGR building.
Outstanding Questions
Senator Johnson raised several critical questions, including:
- Security Coordination: What was the extent of the coordination between Butler ESU and the Secret Service?
- Threat Awareness: Were there any known threats, and why did the Secret Service not act on reports of Crooks?
- Shooter’s Background: What is the full background of Thomas Matthew Crooks, including any criminal history and social media activity?
Conclusion
The preliminary findings reveal significant security failures and lack of coordination that contributed to the severity of the assassination attempt. Transparency and thorough investigation are crucial to uncovering the truth and preventing future incidents. Senator Johnson continues to seek answers and urges anyone with relevant information to come forward.
Call to Action
Senator Johnson encourages individuals with relevant information to contact his office and cooperate with law enforcement. Preserving and securing all potential evidence is crucial in the early stages of this investigation to uncover the truth behind the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
