Text Messages Reveal Security Failures in Trump Shooting

Newly released text messages reveal that Thomas Matthew Crooks, the would-be assassin of former President Donald Trump, was on law enforcement's radar more than 90 minutes before he opened fire at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. The communications from the Beaver County Emergency Service Unit indicate that officers observed suspicious activity from Crooks, who was seen with a range finder and sitting near the exit of the venue. Despite this knowledge, there was a significant security lapse, described as a 'colossal failure' by former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, leading to Crooks successfully executing the assassination attempt that resulted in casualties. Officers failed to take adequate action to apprehend Crooks before the shooting, as indicated by the timeline of events shared among the countersnipers. This incident has prompted a thorough investigation and subsequent resignations within the Secret Service. The release of these messages contradicts earlier claims by the FBI regarding the timeline of Crooks' identification and actions.