According to a high-ranking security official, former President Trump received heightened protection on the day he was grazed by a bullet in the ear.
“This was the first occasion on which Secret Service counter snipers were deployed in support of the former president’s security detail,” Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe Jr. disclosed during a press briefing on Friday afternoon.
“At campaign events, the former president has been utilizing state and local resources — tactical support, including counter snipers from both state and local agencies. In terms of their presence in Butler, we assess our threat environment daily. Our strategy is adjusted based on these evaluations. We identified a specific threat stream and dispatched our Secret Service counter sniper personnel accordingly.”
Trump was shot in the ear by 20-year-old Thomas Crooks while addressing supporters during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13.
VIDEO FROM TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT VICTIM’S PERSPECTIVE SHOWS FIGURE ON ROOF MOMENTS PRIOR TO GUNFIRE
Former President Trump, a Republican presidential candidate, reacts as gunfire erupts during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pa., on July 13, 2024. (Reuters/Brendan McDermid)
Following the shooting, additional information regarding the incident has surfaced, including text messages indicating that authorities were aware of Crooks 90 minutes prior to the shooting.
TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT VICTIM JAMES COPENHAVER EXPRESSES SADNESS OVER THE ‘POLITICAL DIVISION’ IN THE U.S.
Shortly thereafter, the House of Representatives convened a hearing to interrogate Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, who resigned amid increasing pressure from both parties.
In the wake of this hearing, the House established a bipartisan task force to further examine the assassination attempt. The task force is chaired by Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Pa., representing the area where the shooting occurred, along with Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., a former Army Ranger.
Former President Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, is hurried offstage during a rally on July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
The panel also comprises several additional members, including Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green, R-Tenn.; Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla.; Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa.; and Rep. Glenn Ivey, D-Md.
