American Secret Service clarifies flop to secure rooftop utilized by Trump shooter
Date
7/18/2024 4:46:26 AM
(MENAFN) Kimberly Cheatle, the head of the United States Secret Service, has defended her agency's decision not to station agents on the roof of a building from where an attempted assassin targeted Donald trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Speaking to a news agency, Cheatle explained that safety concerns related to the building's sloped roof influenced their decision to secure the premises from inside rather than deploying personnel on the rooftop.
The incident occurred when Thomas Matthew Crooks fired multiple shots at Trump, narrowly missing him but injuring several attendees, one fatally, and seriously wounding two others. The shooter had climbed onto the factory building, gaining a clear line of sight to Trump from a distance of less than 120 meters. Notably, the roof where the shooter positioned himself was reportedly less sloped than the one behind the rally stage, where Secret Service counter-snipers were stationed.
Cheatle's explanation has sparked criticism and disbelief among security experts and commentators. Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent turned conservative talk show host, expressed incredulity at the decision, questioning why access points to the building were not secured to prevent such incidents.
The incident has raised broader concerns about the Secret Service's protocols and preparedness in ensuring the safety of political figures during public events. Critics argue that the agency's decision not to place snipers on the building's roof, despite the clear threat posed by the shooter, underscores potential lapses in security measures and protective strategies.
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