Trump Comments on Security Lapse Following Assassination Attempt
During an appearance on Fox News’ “My Views with Lala Trump,” President Donald Trump expressed satisfaction with the briefings he received regarding a security lapse linked to an assassination attempt on his life. This incident occurred in Butler, Pennsylvania, where 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks shot at the crowd supporting Trump on July 13, 2024.
While discussing the situation with his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, the president mentioned that the U.S. Secret Service made an error but, after numerous briefings, he felt content with what the administration uncovered regarding the case. “They explained it to me many times. The FBI, the Secret Service, everyone—Doj. I think Pamela is doing a great job,” he stated, referring to Attorney General Pam Bondy. “I’m happy with it. I’m happy with it.”
Trump noted, “They should have had someone in the building; that was a mistake. They should have communicated with local police. They weren’t tied up, and they should have been.” He candidly acknowledged that it was an error that should not have happened.
Reports emerged that six U.S. Secret Service agents were suspended due to their failure to ensure security at the Butler rally, although their identities were not disclosed. Sources indicated that the suspensions took place in recent months, allowing agents the option to contest penalties ranging from 10 to 42 days.
The shooting resulted in injuries among attendees and tragically led to the death of former volunteer fire chief Corey Comperatore. There were immediate questions about security measures at the event, but little has been revealed about Crooks and his motives. He accessed a clear shot by climbing a nearby building and had also flown a drone earlier to capture footage of the rally setup, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.
Trump, comparing his role to that of a race car driver and a bull rider, remarked on the dangers associated with being in his position. “It’s like 5%,” he said about the risks. He reflected, “I could have made another decision, but things are going well, so I wouldn’t have changed my choice.”
In the aftermath of the attempt, Trump quickly called on then-Secret Service Director Kimberly Cittle to address the agency’s shortcomings. Following bipartisan criticism regarding security, Cittle resigned ten days later, taking full responsibility for the lapse.
Just weeks after Crooks’ attempt on Trump’s life, 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Rouse was arrested for allegedly trying to assassinate Trump at the Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach, Florida.
