Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Bodycam footage shows sniper dead on roof after Trump assassination attempt

Must read

Bodycam footage shows law enforcement officers gathered near the body of the man who was shot dead after trying to assassinate Donald Trump.

The video has emerged as the former president plans to no longer hold outdoor rallies following the attempt on his life in Butler, Pennsylvania, sources familiar with his campaign’s operations have told Sky’s partner network NBC News.

Thomas Crooks, 20, was killed on the rooftop from where he had taken a shot at Mr Trump on 13 July. The FBI has said there is no evidence yet of any accomplices.

Crooks killed one person and wounded two others when he opened fire at the event.

Mr Trump was seen dropping to the floor after a bullet grazed his ear while he was delivering a speech at the rally.

The bodycam footage was obtained from the Beaver County Emergency Services Unit in Pennsylvania after requests from Congress.

The video, which was later shared on the X social media platform by Republican Senator Chuck Grassley, shows a long stream of blood from Crooks’s body streaking across the rooftop.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Trump shooting: What went wrong?

A firearm can be seen close to the body but it is not clear if it is the one that was used by the gunman.

A man in a black suit and sunglasses speaks with law enforcement officers armed with rifles and body armour as they gather around Crooks’s body.

Read more:
How the assassination attempt unfolded

Secret Service boss admits failings
How a tree may have shielded Trump
Gunman flew drone over rally site

The officer checks an image he received of Thomas Crooks before the shooting
Image:
The officer checks an image he received of Thomas Crooks before the shooting

A stream of blood is seen streaking from the gunman's body
Image:
A stream of blood is seen streaking from the gunman’s body

The officer wearing the bodycam appears to confirm to the man in the suit that a sniper working for law enforcement had identified Crooks as somebody suspicious before the assassination attempt took place.

They then look at an image on the officer’s phone to confirm they had received the same picture.

The officer adds that the sniper had seen Crooks set a bicycle down at the rally before he “lost sight of him”.

The man in the suit later says people in the crowd were seen filming Crooks on the roof with their phones before running off when he opened fire.

Law enforcement officers gathered around Crooks' body
Image:
Law enforcement officers gathered around Crooks’s body

The footage has emerged after US Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle resigned on Tuesday after taking “full responsibility for the security lapse” that allowed Crooks to fire at Mr Trump.

Democratic and Republican lawmakers in Congress have both been demanding answers following the assassination attempt.

Mr Grassley posted on X: “We NEED detailed answers ASAP on security failures… TRANSPARENCY BRINGS ACCOUNTABILITY.”

Appearing before Congress on Wednesday afternoon, FBI director Christopher Wray said there is no evidence yet to suggest Crooks had any accomplaces.

He said eight gun cartridges were found near Crooks’s body after he was shot dead.

“I have been saying for some time now that we are living in an elevated threat environment. And tragically, the… assassination attempt is another example, particularly heinous,” Mr Wray added in his testimony.

“We’re going to leave no stone unturned. The shooter may be deceased, but the FBI investigation is very much ongoing.”

US election latest:
Biden pulls out of race – this is what happens now

Harris brings new energy to presidential race
What bookies say about Kamala Harris’ chances

A firearm is seen on the floor after Crooks was gunned down
Image:
A firearm is seen on the floor after Crooks was gunned down

Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General said it opened three reviews surrounding the shooting.

Pennsylvania State Police Colonel Christopher Paris told a House Homeland Security Committee hearing on Tuesday that Crooks had been identified as suspicious before the shooting.

He said Crooks was “milling about and he stood out” to officers because he never tried to enter the venue.

👉 Click to subscribe to the Sky News Daily wherever you get your podcasts 👈

Colonel Paris said the Butler County Emergency Services Unit shared a photo of Crooks with the state police who then passed the message on to the Secret Service.

Crooks was not designated as an actual threat until seconds before he opened fire, he added.

Latest article