Secret Service Declines Drone Support Before Trump Rally Shooting
- A whistleblower revealed that the Secret Service turned down a drone technology offer from local police for a rally where Donald Trump was targeted.
- This incident has raised questions about the effectiveness of security measures in place for high-profile political events.
- The lack of drone surveillance may have contributed to the gunman's ability to attack.
In a troubling revelation, the Secret Service reportedly declined an offer from local law enforcement to utilize drone technology at a rally where a gunman opened fire on former President Donald Trump. According to an anonymous whistleblower who spoke to Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO), the Secret Service “repeatedly” objected to the use of a drone capable of identifying and neutralizing an active shooter, despite the offer being made the night before the event. The situation escalated when Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, flew a drone over the rally site in Butler, Pennsylvania, just two hours prior to the shooting. Crooks managed to fire multiple shots into the crowd from a nearby rooftop, resulting in one death and critical injuries to two others, along with a minor injury to Trump. FBI Director Christopher Wray confirmed that the agency reverse-engineered the drone's flight path, revealing it was operated approximately 200 yards from the stage where Trump spoke. Senator Hawley expressed concern over the Secret Service's failure to utilize drone technology, questioning why they did not prevent Crooks from flying a drone so close to the rally. This incident marks the first assassination attempt on a current or former president since 1981, prompting intense scrutiny of the Secret Service's security protocols. Following the incident, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle announced her resignation amid bipartisan calls for accountability. Investigations into the shooting and the Secret Service's actions are underway, with the Department of Homeland Security indicating it will address the whistleblower claims directly with Senator Hawley.