Lawmakers have been briefed by the FBI and Secret Service about the assassination attempt on Donald Trump. They learned that the shooter, Thomas Crooks, was spotted by Secret Service agents a full ten minutes before Trump walked onstage and twenty minutes before he opened fire.
Attack Leaves Tragic Consequences
On Saturday, 20-year-old Crooks fired multiple rounds at Trump, injuring several attendees and tragically killing former firefighter Corey Comperatore. The attack has raised serious questions about the response time and the security measures in place.
Secret Service Response Under Scrutiny
The congressional briefing revealed that over an hour passed between spotting the shooter and his first shot. Secret Service counter snipers had seen Crooks on the roof at 5:52 p.m., but Trump was allowed to walk onstage at 6:02 p.m., with the first shots fired at 6:12 p.m. This delay has been heavily criticized by lawmakers and the public alike.
Senators Demand Answers
Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, expressed frustration over the briefing, noting that senators were only allowed to ask four questions and received no clear answers about the delay in response. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle admitted that she did not know how Crooks managed to get onto the roof, adding to the growing concerns about the agency’s performance.
Motive Remains Unclear
Officials have yet to determine Crooks’ motive for the attack. They have found no ideological material that might explain his actions. Crooks operated several accounts on encrypted platforms, which authorities are still trying to access. This has made it difficult to understand why he decided to target Trump.
Criticism of Security Measures
Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., highlighted that Crooks was identified as suspicious due to his rangefinder and backpack over an hour before the shooting. Barrasso criticized the lack of follow-up, calling it a significant oversight. He later described the briefing as a “100 percent cover-your-a**” session, reflecting the frustration of many lawmakers.
Secret Service Admits Failures
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle acknowledged the agency’s shortcomings, calling their performance at the rally “unacceptable.” Initially, she attempted to shift blame to local authorities for securing the building Crooks was on. However, she later accepted full responsibility, stating that the Secret Service was solely responsible for not preventing the attack.
Multiple Investigations Underway
There are ongoing investigations into the shooting by the Department of Homeland Security and Congress. Cheatle is expected to testify about the incident before the House Oversight Committee on Monday, where she will likely face tough questions about the Secret Service’s actions and the overall security protocols.
A Call for Accountability
The assassination attempt on Donald Trump has sparked a broader discussion about security measures and accountability. As investigations continue, there is a growing demand for transparency and improvements to prevent such incidents in the future. Lawmakers and the public are eager for answers and assurances that such a lapse in security will not happen again.
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