Pennsylvania Police Commissioner Reports Three More People Deemed ‘Suspicious’ Before Attempt on Trump’s Life

Former President Trump’s Rally in Butler, PA: A Closer Look at the Security Concerns

Colonel Christopher Paris, Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner, revealed startling details about the security concerns during former President Donald Trump’s rally held in Butler, PA on July 13, 2024. According to his disclosure, not one but four individuals were flagged as suspicious.

The information came to light during a congressional hearing that followed an assassination attempt on the former President. Preliminary findings reported by Senator Ron Johnson’s office indicated that local law enforcement had identified a suspicious individual, named Crooks, nearly an hour before the shooting incident.

At 5:10pm on July 13, 2024, nearly one hour before former President Trump was shot, one of two local law enforcement snipers (hereafter AGR sniper 1) positioned in the AGR building observed the shooter, Crooks, for the first time. Local law enforcement told Senator Johnson’s office that at the time, even though Crooks did not have a weapon, he seemed suspicious.

Crooks was first spotted by a local law enforcement sniper who noticed his suspicious behavior but did not observe any immediate threat of a weapon. The timeline provided by local law enforcement offers further insight into this alarming situation.

At 5:14pm AGR sniper 1 took at least two pictures of Crooks (one of the pictures appears to show Crooks on his phone).

At 5:28pm, AGR sniper 1 took a picture of a bicycle and backpack near the AGR building (it is unclear whether these items are associated with Crooks).

At 5:32pm, AGR sniper 1 saw Crooks again near the AGR building apparently looking at news feeds on his phone and holding a range finder, according to information reported to Senator Johnson’s office. Shortly after, AGR sniper 1 reported the suspect to a group text of other law enforcement snipers on site and was instructed to report the suspect to command.

During Tuesday’s congressional hearing, Representative Nick Lalota (R-NY) questioned Colonel Paris about this chain of events. The conversation revealed more about the security measures in place during such high-profile events.

Rep Lalota:
Colonel Paris, you’re the Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police Department?

Colonel Paris:
Yes, sir, I am.

Rep Lalota:
And your testimony, sir, is that approximately 25 minutes before the first shots were fired, that local law enforcement officers identified Crooks as suspicious?

Colonel Paris:
Yes, sir. He stood out because he never made his way to a point of ingress to the venue.

WATCH:

This incident raises important questions about security protocols during political rallies and underscores the need for vigilance in ensuring public safety. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.