An analysis of drone footage of the Butler Farm Show, where a tragic shooting incident involving former President Trump took place, has revealed significant flaws in the U.S. Secret Service’s security measures, according to experts. The shooting, carried out by Thomas Matthew Crooks, resulted in the death of a bystander and injuries to others.
Former NYPD inspector and Fox News contributor Paul Mauro spoke with attendees who described the event as feeling “unsecured” compared to other rallies. Witnesses mentioned that there were no security checks with wands or metal detectors upon entry to the venue, raising concerns about the overall safety protocols in place.
The drone footage of the venue highlighted the positioning of counter snipers on two red buildings, while Crooks, located on a lower gray building across from the stage, had a clear view of them due to tree growth and the angle of the snipers. Residents who had attended previous Trump rallies in Butler mentioned that the event on July 13 appeared disorganized.
During the shooting, Crooks managed to evade security measures and position himself on the roof with a clear line of sight to the stage where Trump was speaking. The sniper who ultimately took down Crooks with a single shot had a challenging task due to the limited visibility of the perpetrator’s head and gun scope.
Mauro raised questions about the effectiveness of Secret Service agents stationed inside the building, given the narrow, low-set windows that may not have provided a sufficient vantage point to oversee the rally. The access points between buildings and the presence of an air conditioning unit where Crooks potentially stashed his weapon before the attack further underscored the security vulnerabilities at the venue.
As the investigation continues, U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle is set to testify before lawmakers regarding the assassination attempt. An independent committee has been tasked with reviewing the agency’s actions leading up to and during the attack, shedding light on the need for enhanced security protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.