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.
Former Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Company chief Corey Comperatore “died a hero” when he “dove on his family to protect them,” Gov. Josh Shapiro said
“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.
Drones are an escalating threat to stadiums, concerts and public gatherings — but law enforcement faces legal roadblocks. Here’s how multi-layered drone detection technology helps track, identify and stop bad actors
February 28, 2025 01:37 PM
The deadly New Orleans crowd attack shows how extremists weaponize vehicles to target public spaces, stressing the importance of stronger security and counter-radicalization measures
January 01, 2025 09:36 PM
·
A sanitation truck, snow removal equipment or public works vehicle are moveable barriers that can harden mass gatherings from vehicle terror attacks and other threats
January 01, 2025 09:01 PM
·
A disheveled chess fan with a troubled past attempted to derail the prestigious international chess event in New York City, but the NYPD’s response ensured the games went on
December 30, 2024 09:23 PM
Report identifies preventable failures in communication, planning, execution and leadership on and before July 13 incident
December 23, 2024 12:32 PM
A critical examination of the lapses in security that allowed a shooter to target former President Trump
September 25, 2024 10:50 AM
·
From Lincoln to Trump, the list of attempts and successful assassinations offers critical insights for modern-day presidential security measures
September 19, 2024 10:17 PM
·
Drones are extraordinary force multipliers that provide unique response and investigative tools for first responders. However, their increasing popularity and easy availability raises sobering security concerns
The Trump rally shooting demonstrated commendable actions like quick thinking by citizens, as well as shortcomings such as poor site selection and training gaps
Effective presidential protection relies on more than just federal efforts. Learn how local officers can contribute, stay informed and maintain crucial roles
Study seeks insights into how fear of retaliation influences officers’ decisions to report internal issues
Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe on leading with accountability, embracing change and staying true to his roots in policing
Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived to find three people with gunshot wounds; the shooter was also injured by the patrons who detained him
The agreement includes suspending parts of the HALT Act for 90 days and safeguarding against excessive mandatory overtime
