New Trump Shooting Bodycam Footage Released, Raises Additional Concerns
Newly released video by Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa sheds light on the confusion at the scene where former President Donald Trump was shot on July 13 after the would-be assassin was killed.
The video, posted on YouTube by Grassley's office, captures members of the Secret Service and Beaver County Emergency Services Unit on the roof where Thomas Matthew Crooks shot Trump from an elevated position. The footage shows the shooter's dead body, a trail of blood, and authorities trying to understand the situation.
Grassley expressed concerns based on the bodycam footage on his website.
“A review of the footage by Grassley’s office particularly raises questions regarding: The fragmented and delayed chain of communication between local and federal law enforcement,” the release said.
Grassley also pointed out “a seemingly delayed response in identifying and disabling a potential detonator device, including a potential device located next to the deceased shooter.”
Subsequent reports revealed that two explosive devices were found in Crooks' vehicle. However, FBI Director Christopher Wray stated that further analysis determined Crooks could not have detonated them from the roof where he shot Trump and was killed, according to CBS.
“The video footage additionally records law enforcement discussing the need to use a drone to inspect and secure the water tower on site,” the release mentioned.
Grassley noted that records obtained by his office showed the Secret Service “had assigned an Unmanned Aerial System drone operator to the event.”
“Despite this, FBI Director Christopher Wray yesterday testified to the House Judiciary Committee that the shooter successfully flew his own drone around the venue two hours before opening fire,” Grassley highlighted in the release.
In a July 23 release of video and records, Grassley emphasized the public's right to full knowledge of the incident.
“For the past 10 days, questions have only been building regarding the catastrophic security failure that occurred on July 13. Federal agencies, particularly the Secret Service, have failed to be transparent with the American people,” Grassley stated.
“This assassination attempt is a matter of significant public interest, and the public’s business ought to be public. I’m releasing these records as part of my efforts to get answers and hold agencies accountable,” Grassley added.
Grassley also sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas requesting the Secret Service operational security plan for the day of the Trump rally.
On Friday, the FBI confirmed that a bullet struck Trump, ending days of speculation that began when Wray said the FBI was unsure what hit Trump, according to Newsweek.
“What struck former President Trump in the ear was a bullet, whether whole or fragmented into smaller pieces, fired from the deceased subject’s rifle,” the bureau stated.
“I assume that’s the best apology that we’ll get from Director Wray, but it is fully accepted!” Trump posted in response on Truth Social.