Footage has just been released showing the confrontation between local police and Thomas Crooks, who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally on July 13.

The footage reveals the intense moments leading up to and following the shooting, including the police officers' immediate responses and the eventual neutralization of the threat, as the Washington Examiner reports.

At 6:10 p.m. on the fateful day, a police officer ran toward a building where Crooks was positioned just one minute before Trump was shot. The officer was hoisted onto the American Glass Research building and peeked over the roof. Crooks then turned his gun on the officer, leading to a dramatic confrontation.

Initial Police Response to the Shooter

The confrontation was intense as the officer clung to the roof but was unable to draw his weapon. He subsequently fell approximately 8 feet, resulting in a sprained ankle. Despite his injury, the officer sprinted to warn his colleagues and provided a detailed description of the shooter.

Crooks, identified by his long hair, glasses, bag, and full kit, opened fire on Trump and the rallygoers at 6:11 p.m. Responding officers, armed with rifles, tried to locate Crooks, who was described as "prone out" on the roof.

Shooter's Actions and Police Neutralization

Seconds after Crooks fired, he was fatally shot by counter-sniper fire. The officers on the ground were initially unaware of Crooks' death until footage captured an officer discovering his body on the roof.

The video also shows four officers carrying Crooks’ body, which was covered in blood, to a white tent.

Rallygoers witnessed the dramatic end of the confrontation from the ground, with some exclaiming that they saw the shooter’s death. "I seen his head pop off," remarked one witness, while another simply noted, "He’s dead."

Questions Raised About Security

In the aftermath, questions arose about how Crooks managed to scale the roof unnoticed. Speculations included the use of a ladder or a wooden plank. Although a bloodied receipt for a five-foot ladder was found on Crooks, the FBI does not believe he used it for the attack.

Butler County Sheriff Michael Slupe suggested that the officers' quick actions might have saved Trump's life by buying precious seconds. Slupe remarked, "Can you imagine 10 seconds before that? That the president was looking straight ahead and where that bullet could have potentially landed."

Officers' Actions Praised Amidst Criticism

In response to criticism about the police response, Slupe defended the officers. "When someone points a gun at you and you can’t get to your weapon, you tell them a**holes online that they are Superman," he stated.

This highlighted the split-second decisions and bravery exhibited by the officers under extreme pressure.

Lt. Matthew Pearson of the Butler Township Police Department shared the bodycam footage with the Washington Examiner. The footage offers a raw and detailed look at the police's experiences before, during, and after the shooting.

Shooter's Background and Motive

Further insights into Crooks' background emerged from a 46-page report and additional footage released by Sen. Chuck Grassley.

The report detailed Crooks’ membership at the Clairton Sportsmen's Club, established on Aug. 10, 2023, and his frequent visits to the rifle range throughout 2024, including the day before the rally.

The detailed document provided context to Crooks’ familiarity and proficiency with firearms, raising concerns about his intentions and planning leading up to the attack.

Conclusion

The release of the bodycam footage has provided a clearer understanding of the events surrounding the July 13 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

The footage and subsequent reports reveal the immediate and calculated responses of the officers involved, ultimately leading to the neutralization of the threat.

The investigation into Crooks’ background continues to shed light on his actions and motivations, while authorities reflect on the critical moments and decisions that may have prevented a potentially more devastating outcome.