A local Pennsylvania sheriff has defended the armed officers who encountered would-be Trump assassin Thomas Matthew Crooks on a rooftop moments before the shooting, arguing they were right to retreat after the gunman pointed his weapon at the officers.
Butler County Sheriff Michael Throop confirmed Monday that a local police officer made contact with Crooks after he was hoisted onto a roof by another officer, but he fled when the shooter pointed an AR-style assault rifle at the officers.
“I absolutely would have done the same thing,” the sheriff said.
“All I know is that the officer put his hands on the roof to get onto the roof, but was unable to do so because the shooter turned towards the officer, and the officer naturally and wisely let go.” Throop told KDKA..
The gunman then fired eight shots at former President Donald Trump, wounding him, killing one brave firefighter in the stands, and wounding two others.
