A former FBI assistant director reveals the Bureau had multiple opportunities to prevent Thomas Crooks from attempting to assassinate Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally, raising serious questions about federal law enforcement’s competence and priorities.
Story Highlights
- FBI missed clear warning signs and opportunities to stop shooter Thomas Crooks before July 13, 2024 attack
- Security failures led to one death and Trump’s injury at Butler, Pennsylvania rally
- Misinformation spread falsely identifying FBI personnel as being present at the scene
- Congressional oversight resulted in Secret Service director’s resignation amid accountability questions
Critical Security Failures Exposed
The attempted assassination of President Trump on July 13, 2024, represented the most significant security breakdown since the Reagan shooting in 1981. Thomas Crooks managed to position himself with a clear line of sight to the former president despite multiple security agencies being present.
The shooter purchased a ladder that morning, flew a drone near the rally grounds at 3:51 p.m., and was photographed as a suspicious person at 5:38 p.m. Yet officers lost sight of him between 6:02 and 6:08 p.m., allowing him to fire eight rounds that injured Trump and killed one attendee.
Timeline Reveals Multiple Missed Opportunities
The events leading up to the shooting demonstrate a cascade of intelligence and operational failures. Security teams established a perimeter that morning, but Crooks successfully breached it after being identified as suspicious.
The fact that a private citizen could access a rooftop overlooking a presidential candidate with weapons and equipment reveals fundamental gaps in protective protocols. These failures occurred despite advance planning that began July 3rd when the campaign announced the Butler rally.
Misinformation Campaign Complicates Investigation
Social media posts between July 17-19, 2024, falsely identified FBI Assistant Director Janeen DiGuiseppi as being present at the rally, fueling conspiracy theories about an “inside job.” The FBI was forced to publicly clarify that DiGuiseppi was not at the event and condemn the spread of misinformation.
These false claims demonstrate how quickly fabricated narratives can undermine legitimate investigations and public trust in law enforcement agencies, particularly when those agencies have already failed in their primary mission of protection.
Congressional Action and Leadership Changes
The security failure prompted immediate congressional hearings where the Secret Service director testified on July 22-23, 2024, before ultimately resigning under pressure. Multiple independent reviews were launched to examine how Crooks acted alone without clear motive yet came so close to succeeding.
While the FBI concluded in November 2025 that no co-conspirators were involved, serious questions remain about the competence and preparedness of federal protective services when defending conservative political leaders.
Ex-FBI Assistant Director: The Bureau Had Many Chances to Stop Trump's Would-Be Assassin
https://t.co/OqcPWM6a9y— Strict Constructionist (@StrictConst) November 24, 2025
The Butler rally shooting serves as a stark reminder that federal agencies tasked with protecting our constitutional system and elected leaders must be held to the highest standards of competence and accountability, particularly when defending those who champion conservative values and America First policies.
Sources:
AFP Fact Check – FBI Assistant Director Misidentification Claims
Wikipedia – Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump in Pennsylvania
Times Union – Former Albany FBI Agent Misidentified in Trump Rally Incident
