Local officer confronted gunman on roof at Trump rally but couldn't engage, sheriff says

In a shocking turn of events, Thomas Matthew Crooks attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday. The incident unfolded when a local officer encountered Crooks on a rooftop before the shooting but had to retreat, as reported by The Washington Post. Crooks, armed with a gun, turned towards the officer, prompting him to drop back to the ground before firing at Trump. The Secret Service intervened, fatally shooting Crooks. Butler County Sheriff Michael T. Slupe confirmed the encounter between the officer and Crooks, highlighting the security lapse that allowed the gunman to have a clear shot at Trump. President Biden has ordered an independent review of the national security protocols at the rally. The FBI has taken the lead in the investigation, emphasizing the importance of unity and resilience in the face of such threats. The local police officer's attempt to engage the shooter was thwarted when Crooks aimed his gun at him, leading to the officer taking cover for his safety. Trump, who sustained a gunshot wound to the ear, was quickly escorted offstage. Sheriff Slupe acknowledged the security failure and pledged to learn from the incident, noting that there were no prior warnings or red flags regarding the threat. Despite security preparations involving various law enforcement agencies prior to the rally, the direct threat posed by Crooks caught authorities off guard. The incident has raised questions about the effectiveness of security measures at public events and the need for enhanced vigilance to prevent such attacks in the future. The community remains on edge as investigations continue into the attempted assassination and the circumstances surrounding it.