A shocking revelation emerges as law enforcement officials provide a detailed account of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
According to the Daily Mail, the House Task Force held a public hearing where witnesses detailed the July 13, 2024, assassination attempt on Donald Trump, focusing on the actions of the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks.
Commander Edward Lenz of the Butler County Emergency Services Unit (ESU) testified that his team was not instructed to secure the AGR complex from where Crooks fired his shots. Lenz also revealed that an ESU sniper, positioned 110 yards away, fired at Crooks just six seconds after the initial shots were fired at Trump.
Lenz provided a vivid description of the sniper's actions during the critical moments of the attack. He stated that the ESU sniper quickly identified the source of the gunfire, acquired the target, and fired a single shot at Crooks.
The commander added that the sniper observed Crooks recoil and briefly disappear from view, indicating that the shot had either hit the target or startled him. However, Crooks reappeared seconds later, prompting a fatal shot from the Secret Service.
Dr. Ariel Goldschmidt, the medical examiner who conducted Crooks' autopsy, confirmed that the 20-year-old died from a high-velocity gunshot wound to the head, with the entry point just above his lip.
The hearing also brought to light significant communication gaps between local law enforcement and the U.S. Secret Service. Chairman Mike Kelly likened the situation to a game of telephone, emphasizing the confusion that ensued during the crisis.
Lenz testified that his ESU team, which was larger than requested by the Secret Service, received minimal guidance on positioning and rules of engagement. This lack of coordination raised questions about the overall preparedness for potential threats during the event.
Lieutenant John D. Herold of the Pennsylvania State Police corroborated this sentiment, stating that while his team provided everything requested by the Secret Service, they were not tasked with securing the AGR building from where Crooks launched his attack.
The hearing also addressed concerns raised by Representative Clay Higgins regarding the handling of Crooks' body after the incident. Higgins revealed that the FBI had released the body for cremation just ten days after the shooting, allegedly without the knowledge of local law enforcement or the county coroner.
This decision has sparked controversy, with Higgins accusing the FBI of obstruction. The rapid disposal of potential evidence has raised questions about the thoroughness of the investigation and the coordination between federal and local authorities.
Dr. Goldschmidt confirmed that prior to his examination, Crooks' body was x-rayed and handled by the FBI. However, he dismissed speculation about additional wounds or impacts from other shots, contradicting an independent report released by Higgins.
In conclusion, the House Task Force hearing on the attempted assassination of Donald Trump revealed crucial details about the shooting incident in Butler, Pennsylvania. The testimony highlighted the quick response of local law enforcement while also exposing communication failures between agencies. The controversy surrounding the handling of evidence continues to raise questions about the investigation's integrity.
