Claim: Crooks Hid Gun Before Trump Assassination Attempt

A recent report from Fox News has revealed that Thomas Matthew Crooks, who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, had hidden his weapon at the site prior to the event. This information has further exposed significant security lapses by the Secret Service.

The source indicated that Crooks stashed an AR-15 rifle at the rally location before the event. This news emerged just before Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) released a report from whistleblowers, stating that most agents around Trump were not from the Secret Service but from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Sen. Hawley has criticized Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, calling for her resignation due to the security failures. “The breakdown in security means she’ll have a tough time before the House Oversight Committee,” Hawley commented. Cheatle has been subpoenaed to testify regarding the security breaches.

Initially, Crooks was spotted with a golf range finder, which did not raise alarms as such items were allowed at the rally. However, he became a recognized threat when later seen with a firearm. It is unclear exactly when Crooks hid the rifle, but authorities suspect it could have been days in advance.

In his letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Sen. Hawley outlined multiple security failures, including the absence of detection canines and improper security around the event’s podium. Whistleblowers reported that many DHS personnel at the rally were not adequately trained for such high-security operations.

Former Secret Service agent Dan Bongino expressed astonishment at the agency’s ineptitude, pointing out the lack of aerial drones and high-tech surveillance measures. “Most of the agents were temporary HSI staff who lacked the necessary training to protect a president,” Bongino remarked.

The House Oversight Committee, led by Chairman James Comer (R-KY), is investigating the security failures. Comer has criticized DHS for its lack of cooperation and transparency, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation to hold those responsible accountable for the attempted assassination.

These new revelations highlight the urgency for improved security protocols and accountability within the Secret Service and DHS to prevent future threats against public figures.