On Saturday, President Trump expressed his satisfaction with the security briefing he received regarding the assassination attempt against him in Butler, Pennsylvania, during an appearance on Fox News’ “My Views with Lala Trump.” He discussed the incident where 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks fired shots at a crowd supporting Trump on July 13, 2024.
While in conversation with Lara Trump, he acknowledged a mistake by the U.S. Secret Service but mentioned he felt reassured after numerous briefings on the matter. “They explained it to me many times. Like the FBI, the Secret Service, everyone, DOJ. I think Pamela is doing a great job,” he remarked, referring to Attorney General Pam Bondy. “But they explained to me, and I’m happy with it. I’m happy with it.”
Trump pointed out that the situation could have been prevented if there had been proper communication and security measures in place. “They should have had someone in the building; that was a mistake. They should have had communication with the local police,” he said, adding that these oversights shouldn’t have occurred.
Reports indicated that in connection with the security failures at the rally, six U.S. Secret Service agents had been suspended. Though their identities were not revealed, sources noted that the suspensions had been issued recently, and agents were subject to a penalty lasting between 10 to 42 days.
The attempted shooting not only caused injuries to Trump but also resulted in the death of former volunteer fire chief Corey Comperatore. Concerns immediately arose about the event’s security, yet little information has emerged regarding Crooks’ background or his motives. According to the Wall Street Journal, the assailant had even managed to capture drone footage of the rally setup prior to the incident.
Following the incident, Trump quickly demanded answers from then-secret service director Kimberly Cittle regarding the agency’s shortcomings. Less than two weeks after the attack, Cittle resigned and took “full responsibility for the lapse of security.”
Shortly after the Butler incident, Ryan Wesley Rouse was arrested for allegedly attempting to assassinate Trump again at the Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach, Florida.