Law enforcement officials in Pennsylvania are challenging [1] United States Secret Service (USSS) Director Kimberly Cheatle’s version of events surrounding the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald J. Trump.
Contrary to Cheatle’s claims that police were present inside the building where the assailant fired shots, sources from “multiple counties” in the state are stating otherwise.
Cheatle defended the decision not to station personnel on the building’s sloped roof, opting instead to secure it from within.
However, Channel 11 [1]‘s Nicole Ford uncovered information revealing that local police had identified the would-be assassin, Thomas Matthew Crooks, through photographs taken at least 26 minutes prior to the attempt on Trump’s life.
You know that photo of the would-be assassin that’s been circulating since Saturday?
It was taken by the Secret Service.
And yet somehow he was allowed to roam the complex, with a gun and a range finder, climb the roof of the closest and most obvious building with a clear shot… pic.twitter.com/SXdVU3SfQo [2]
— Sean Davis (@seanmdav) July 17, 2024 [3]
Additionally, sources disclosed that police had even spotted Crooks using a range finder.
Retired Navy SEAL @realErikDPrince [4] responds to news that counter-snipers spotted the failed Trump assassin with a range finder and watched him scope out the roof: “[The head of the Secret Service] should resign, effective immediately…It’s astounding how bad the bungling was.” pic.twitter.com/7yO6O3BKA0 [5]
— Glenn Beck (@glennbeck) July 16, 2024 [6]
Oh yes the classic “He was on our radar”
This guy got caught by Secret Service carrying a range finder
He was photographed by SS crawling around
Dozens of people were yelling about him crawling on the roof
And yet he still was able to take close range sniper shots at Trump… pic.twitter.com/wdAvnOYc4T [7]
— DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) July 17, 2024 [8]
According to Ford’s sources, Crooks ascended to the roof only after Trump had commenced his speech and remained there for less than seven minutes before being confronted by a local officer.
The Secret Service’s lapses in security that enabled Crooks to target Trump, resulting in injuries to the former president and three rally attendees, including one fatality, have sparked widespread scrutiny.
Despite Cheatle taking responsibility by stating, “the buck stops with me,” she has not offered to resign amidst mounting questions about the agency’s handling of the assassination attempt.
Secret Service Director Kim Cheatle says “the buck stops with me”—and she has no plans to resign pic.twitter.com/3GgTUW3rbf [9]
— Julia 🇺🇸 (@Jules31415) July 16, 2024 [10]
Dan Bongino says he has an unimpeachable source’ who also refutes the Secret Service Director’s claims. Watch:
Whoa
Former Secret Service Agent @dbongino [11] On @DonaldJTrumpJr [12]‘s Show Today With @TuckerCarlson [13] And @DavidSacks [14]
“I was also told that the Secret Service Director has been given instructions from the Administration and the DHS Secretary that if you want to keep your job, you’ll… pic.twitter.com/7UUqNpZ1Gx [15]
— The Columbia Bugle 🇺🇸 (@ColumbiaBugle) July 16, 2024 [16]