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Bodycam: PA Officer Warned Secret Service of Issues Days Before Trump Assassination Attempt

 August 11, 2024

Bodycam footage from July 13 captured the chaotic scene following an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The footage, released by CNN, reveals the immediate aftermath of the incident, highlighting the frustrations of local law enforcement officers regarding what they perceived as inadequate security arrangements by the Secret Service, as Breitbart reports.

The bodycam video, filled with the sounds of sirens and hurried conversations, shows a local officer repeatedly expressing frustration over the lack of security measures in place.

The officer claimed that he had informed the Secret Service about the need for additional security in specific locations five days before the incident, but to no avail.

Frustrations Emerge Over Security Lapses

In the footage, the officer can be heard vehemently stating, "I f*cking told [the Secret Service] they need to post a guy f*cking over here."

This statement was repeated multiple times throughout the conversation, emphasizing the officer’s belief that the security arrangements were insufficient.

The officer continued to express his concerns, saying, "I told them that f*cking Tuesday," indicating that he had previously alerted the Secret Service on July 9.

Another officer questioned the frustrated officer, asking, "Told who?" to which the response was, "The Secret Service, I told them that f*cking Tuesday." This exchange sheds light on the apparent communication breakdown between local law enforcement and the Secret Service.

Security Discrepancies Highlighted in Bodycam Footage

The bodycam footage further reveals a conversation among officers that points to discrepancies in who was responsible for securing certain areas.

At one point, an officer can be heard saying, "I thought you guys were supposed to do it," to which the frustrated officer replied, "No, we’re inside." This exchange suggests that there was some confusion or miscommunication about the division of responsibilities between local police and the Secret Service.

This incident has raised questions about the overall security protocols in place for protecting former presidents. Although former presidents receive protection, it is not as extensive as the protective details provided for sitting presidents.

The Secret Service, while primarily responsible for these duties, often supplements its team with additional personnel, including other Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents, local police officers, and advanced units.

Criticism of Secret Service's Protective Measures

Criticism of the Secret Service's handling of the situation has grown since the incident. Three days after the assassination attempt, on July 16, Breitbart News reported that several sources were critical of the Secret Service’s supplemental approach to protective details.

The shortfall, according to these reports, lies in the fact that while DHS agents are utilized to bolster security, they are not specifically trained for protective detail work, unlike Secret Service agents.

This lack of specialized training could contribute to gaps in security coverage, particularly in situations involving high-profile figures like former President Trump. The bodycam footage and subsequent reports have only fueled concerns about whether the current protocols are adequate to prevent such incidents from occurring.

Conclusion: The Need for Reevaluation of Protective Measures

The bodycam footage from the July 13 incident in Butler, Pennsylvania, provides a stark look at the immediate aftermath of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

The footage highlights the frustrations of local officers who believe their warnings about security vulnerabilities were ignored by the Secret Service.

This incident has led to increased scrutiny of the Secret Service's protective measures, particularly their reliance on supplemental personnel who may not be fully trained for such duties.

As investigations continue, the conversation around the adequacy of protective details for former presidents is likely to intensify. The incident underscores the need for a reevaluation of the protocols in place to ensure the safety of high-profile individuals, particularly in politically charged environments.