In a troubling revelation, the Wall Street Journal reported that the gunman who allegedly fired at President Donald Trump was able to use a drone to gather aerial footage of the rally site prior to the attack. This disclosure has intensified scrutiny on the Secret Service for security lapses during the event.
Thomas Matthew Crooks, the alleged shooter, reportedly flew a drone along a predetermined path just hours before the rally on July 13, according to law enforcement officials who spoke to the Journal. The officials also found explosives in Crooks’ car, suggesting he may have planned further violence beyond the shooting.
The incident has led to a blame game between local law enforcement and the Secret Service. Each agency has been accused of failing to prevent the security breach that allowed Crooks to get close enough to attempt the assassination.
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has faced heavy criticism for the security failures. Despite acknowledging responsibility, she has refused to step down from her position.
Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee expressed frustration over the situation, emphasizing the need to verify facts and hold the Secret Service accountable.
“The thing that is so frustrating about this is we’re getting these bits and pieces we’re trying to verify and make certain that we know what is information, what is rumor, and that we hold the director to account,” Blackburn said on Fox News. “This is just unbelievable! What a mess!”
The continuous leaks and revelations have placed the Secret Service under intense pressure to explain how such a significant lapse in security could occur, endangering the former president and others at the rally.
