Newly released bodycam footage from the Butler Township Police Department and additional reports paint a vivid and detailed picture of the moments leading up to and following the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump on July 13. The video and audio recordings underscore the intense confrontation between the police and the shooter, Thomas Crooks, and have sparked significant criticism about the handling of security by the Secret Service.

The footage, shared with the Washington Examiner, Townhall, and Fox News Digital, shows police officers desperately trying to reach Crooks, who was stationed on the roof of the American Glass Research (AGR) building. The released videos capture the tension and chaos that ensued as officers attempted to intercept the gunman. In one dramatic scene, an officer, hoisted onto the roof, can be heard exclaiming, F***ing this close, bro, he turned around on me, moments before he falls and sprains his ankle.

Fox News Digital described the peril faced by the officers. The footage shows an officer peering over the roof ledge only to come face-to-face with Crooks's weapon, forcing him to drop back down. Despite the intense situation, officers coordinated frenetically to get better positioning, with one officer describing Crooks as having long hair, wearing glasses, and lying prone on the roof.

Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal revealed audio recordings demonstrating the police's frustration with the Secret Service. A Butler Township officer expressed his annoyance at having warned the Secret Service five days prior about securing the AGR area, only to see those recommendations unmet. Officers' heated exchanges over the radio highlighted their perception of the Secret Service's lack of preparedness, with one stating, We should have had better protection for the protectee, better coverage on the roofline.

The assassination attempt resulted in Crooks being shot dead on the roof by a Secret Service counter-sniper, moments after he fired eight shots. According to the Butler County Coroner's office and detailed by Arcamax, Crooks was killed by a single gunshot wound to the head, just as he began his assault. Former President Trump narrowly escaped death, sustaining only a graze to his ear due to his timely reaction to the first shot.

Senator Chuck Grassley's released documents shed light on Crooks's preparation for the attack. Records reveal his frequent visits to the Clairton Sportsmen's Club, where he honed his rifle skills, particularly on the range. His final visit to the club was just a day before the attempted assassination.

Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe Jr. has pledged accountability and an investigation into the security lapses witnessed on July 13. He admitted the failure to have adequate coverage of the roof and promised that better measures would be in place in future events. Officer testimonies suggest that communication breakdowns between local enforcement and the Secret Service significantly impacted their ability to effectively neutralize the threat quickly.

The incident has had widespread ramifications within the Secret Service, leading to the resignation of Secret Service head Kimberly Cheatle. Cheatle described the event as the agency's worst failure in decades. The intense scrutiny has prompted ongoing investigations by Congress, the Department of Homeland Security, and the FBI.

The released videos have sparked further discussions on the protocols and effectiveness of event security surrounding high-profile figures. Local law enforcement has defended its actions, asserting that they acted correctly with the limited information and support from federal agencies. The command execution, the cooperation between different levels of law enforcement, and the necessary improvements remain a topic of intense debate and review.

The attempted assassination of Donald Trump and the subsequent revelations about the events of July 13 have brought to light significant concerns regarding the security measures at public political events. The examination of these incidents is crucial in ensuring better protection and preparedness in the future.