Trump assassination attempt: Sniper body camera video shows moments after shots fired

BUTLER, Pa. — New body camera video showing the moments after a gunman opened fire at former President Donald Trump has been released.

In the video, released by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) on the social media platform X, Beaver County law enforcement can be seen talking to a member of the Secret Service on the rooftop from where Thomas Crooks was perched, WPXI reported. They can be heard discussing how snipers noticed Crooks before the shots rang out.

>>Note: The video may be disturbing for some but can be viewed here. Viewer discretion is advised.

“Beaver County snipers seen and sent the pictures out. This is him.” they said as Crooks’ body lay on the roof nearby.

“That’s the sniper that sent the original pictures and seen him get off the bike and set the book bag down, then lost sight of him.”

Local law enforcement last week told CBS News that moments before Crooks pulled the trigger, a sniper from a local team had taken a photo of Crooks as he was looking through his rangefinder.

Federal authorities have said Crooks acted alone.

Bystanders had attempted to alert officials about Crooks’ presence 2 minutes before shots rang out. The video released today confirms that several bystanders who captured video of the gunman before the shooting were detained. The Secret Service agent can be heard mentioning this in the bodycam footage:

“There’s people detained who were filming ... maybe they were involved, maybe they weren’t,” the Secret Service agent said on the video.

The shooting has sent ripples through American politics and law enforcement, and helped shove the race for president into turmoil. During the shooting, Trump’s right ear was grazed, and one bystander was killed. Two more bystanders were seriously wounded. A motive has not been determined, NBC News reported.

Grassley said in releasing the 3-minute video on X:

“July 13 Bodycam footage provides more info than Secret Service will share w America We NEED detailed answers ASAP on security failures TRANSPARENCY BRINGS ACCOUNTABILITY Vid obtained from Beaver Co Emergency Services Unit in compliance w congressional requests.”

Several investigations looking into how a gunman was able to get so close to Trump and shoot at the former president have begun.

On Tuesday, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned after Monday’s intense grilling by Congress, saying she takes “full responsibility for the security lapse,” NBC News reported.

“The Secret Service is committed to better understanding what happened before, during, and after the assassination attempt of former President Trump to ensure that never happens again,” an agency spokesperson said. “That includes complete cooperation with Congress, the FBI and other relevant investigations.”

ExpandAutoplay

Image 1 of 20

Trump attempted assassination BUTLER, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 13: Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump arrives for a rally at Butler Farm Show Inc. on July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania. Shortly after, shots rang out and Trump slumped before being whisked away by Secret Service with injuries visible to the side of his head. Butler County district attorney Richard Goldinger said the shooter and one audience member are dead and another was injured. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images) (Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)

©2024 Cox Media Group