A source has disclosed to Fox News that Thomas Matthew Crooks, who tried to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, hid his gun at the site before the event. This revelation has sparked further criticism of the Secret Service’s handling of the incident.
According to the source, Crooks stashed an AR-15 rifle at the rally location in advance, although the exact timing remains unclear. This information surfaced as Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) unveiled a report from whistleblowers, alleging that most of Trump’s security detail were not Secret Service agents but personnel from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Sen. Hawley has called for Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to resign, citing the severe security lapses. “The failure of her agency to protect Trump has shattered her credibility,” Hawley asserted. Cheatle has been subpoenaed by the House Oversight Committee to explain the security breakdowns.
Initially, Crooks was seen carrying a golf range finder, which did not raise immediate concern since such items were not banned at rally events. However, he became a recognized threat once he was spotted with the firearm. Authorities suspect he could have hidden the gun days before the rally.
In his letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Hawley detailed numerous security failures, including the lack of detection dogs and inadequate policing of the security perimeter. Whistleblowers indicated that many DHS officials at the event were not properly trained for high-security situations.
Former Secret Service agent Dan Bongino criticized the agency for its lack of preparedness, noting the absence of aerial drones and high-tech surveillance. “Most of the agents were temporary HSI staff who lacked the necessary training to protect a president,” Bongino said.
The House Oversight Committee, led by Chairman James Comer (R-KY), is investigating the security lapses. Comer expressed frustration over DHS’s lack of cooperation and transparency, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation to hold those responsible accountable for the attempted assassination.
