A Republican congressman, Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ), took a bold step by climbing the roof where Trump’s would-be assassin, Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, attempted to fire on the former president on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania. Crane’s visit was a stark contrast to Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle’s failure to set foot at the rally site.
The investigation revealed that the rooftop, approximately 200 yards from the rally stage, was left unguarded, despite being a flagrant security vulnerability. Moreover, no drones were deployed, despite Crooks taking aerial surveillance with his drone before the attack. The glaring security failure has ignited outrage, with many labelling it a cover-up.
Initially, Cheatle suggested that the roof was too sloped, making it dangerous for agents to deploy sniper teams. However, Crane’s visit debunked this narrative, leaving the Secret Service reeling. The incident has placed Cheatle under intense scrutiny, with congressional Democrats and Republicans alike urging her resignation.
The House Oversight Committee members were left unsatisfied by Cheatle’s evasive testimony, even prompting some left-leaning representatives to express frustration with her reticent demeanor. The botched security operation has raised alarms, as Trump narrowly dodged a fatal head wound by millimeters. As the fallout continues, Cheatle faces mounting pressure to step down from her position.
