By Joanna Putman
Police1
BUTLER, Pa. — Butler County Sheriff Michael Slupe has confirmed that an armed municipal officer encountered shooter Thomas Crooks before he fired shots at former President Donald Trump’s rally on July 13, KDKA reported.
Slupe stated that the officer was alerted to a suspicious person and was hoisted by another officer to the roof where Crooks was positioned.
The gunman, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, fired multiple shots at the stage from an “elevated position outside of the rally venue”
The officer let go and dropped off the roof when Crooks pointed his rifle at him, according to the report. Crooks then began firing into the crowd, grazing Trump, killing one bystander and injuring two others.
“All I know is the officer had both hands on the roof to get up on the roof, never made it because the shooter had turned towards the officer, and rightfully and smartly, the officer let go,” Sheriff Slupe told KDKA.
Crooks was ultimately killed by sniper fire.
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“I would have done the same thing, absolutely,” Slupe said. “I mean, people think the officers are supermen like you hold on the roof with one hand while you are hanging on for dear life and pull a gun out. It doesn’t work that way.”
Slupe acknowledged there may have been a security failure but stressed the importance of waiting for the investigation’s results.
“There is not just one entity responsible; the Secret Service plays a key role in protecting, in this case, former President Trump, but they don’t act alone,” he said. The Secret Service receives support from local police departments, which form a secondary ring of security around high-profile figures.
Effective presidential protection relies on more than just federal efforts. Learn how local officers can contribute, stay informed and maintain crucial roles
Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger noted that multiple local agencies assisted with SWAT teams and snipers, according to the report.
“We provided some snipers for them. Some quick response teams. We didn’t have any responsibility with securing the perimeter or anything outside of that venue,” Goldinger said. He explained that the hierarchy of command for security was led by the Secret Service, followed by state police, and then local municipal departments.
Slupe expressed concern over how Crooks accessed the rooftop and remained undetected.
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