Thomas Matthew Crooks was shot and killed by snipers on July 13, 2024, after attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a Butler, Pennsylvania, rally, sparking calls for answers on security failures.

The brazen assassination attempt, which left one retired firefighter dead and two other attendees critically wounded, has triggered a wave of scrutiny over security lapses at the rally. Despite being identified as a threat moments before the shooting, Crooks managed to open fire, raising serious concerns among lawmakers and prompting the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle. The Department of Homeland Security has initiated three reviews to investigate the incident as bipartisan demands for accountability escalate.

Sen. Chuck Grassley posted graphic bodycam footage that shows law enforcement standing over Crooks' body on a rooftop where he was killed after opening fire. The footage sheds light on the critical moments following the attempted assassination, contributing to public concern over how the event unfolded.

Crooks was found with an AR-style rifle, a remote transmitter, and a cellphone. Additional items discovered in his car included two explosive devices, a drone, a tactical vest, and four magazines of the same ammunition used in the shooting. These findings indicate a level of premeditation and preparedness that has heightened the scrutiny of the security measures in place.

According to authorities, Crooks acted alone in the assassination attempt. The shooting began when he was spotted with a rangefinder, indicating he was preparing to take a shot. Pennsylvania State Police identified him as suspicious and alerted the Secret Service, who officially designated him a threat just seconds before he fired at the crowd.

Cellphone video from rally attendees revealed that several attempts were made to alert officers to Crooks' presence two minutes before he opened fire. This delay has raised serious questions about the effectiveness and responsiveness of the security personnel present at the event.

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle's resignation came after she admitted that law enforcement teams had been sent to interview Crooks before the event due to his suspicious behavior. Her resignation underscores the perceived failures in the security apparatus responsible for protecting the former president and the crowd.

Lawmakers across the political spectrum, including Sen. Chuck Grassley, have demanded full accountability for the security shortcomings that allowed Crooks to open fire. Grassley and others have called for thorough investigations and pointed to the need for significant changes in rally security protocols.

Former President Trump has announced that he will no longer hold outdoor rallies in response to the assassination attempt. This decision reflects ongoing concerns about the safety of such events and signals a shift in how his future campaign activities might be conducted.

The Department of Homeland Security's Office of the Inspector General has opened three reviews to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. These reviews aim to uncover any security failings and provide recommendations to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

A local law enforcement officer with direct knowledge of the events stated that a sniper observed Crooks with a rangefinder before the shooting. Despite spotting this behavior, the immediate threat was not neutralized in time, which allowed Crooks to carry out his attack.

The explosive devices, drone, and tactical equipment found in Crooks' car are being analyzed to understand the extent of his planning. This examination will help authorities determine if there were any missed red flags that could have pointed to his intentions before the rally.

The two critically wounded attendees are being treated in local hospitals. Their conditions have drawn sympathy and concern from the community and officials alike, further emphasizing the toll of the shooting beyond the initial chaos.

As the investigation continues, the focus remains on identifying potential failures in threat assessment and response procedures at the rally. Law enforcement agencies are reviewing protocols to ensure that security measures are robust enough to prevent future incidents of this nature.

Trump's decision to shift away from outdoor rallies underscores the gravity of the incident. The potential changes in campaign strategy may involve more controlled environments to mitigate security risks, providing a safer setting for both the former president and his supporters.

In the wake of the attempted assassination, the political discourse has been dominated by questions of security preparedness and the adequacy of current measures. The bipartisan demand for answers reflects a shared concern for the safety of public figures and citizens alike.