A shocking assassination attempt that unfolded at former President Donald Trump's July 13 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, has sparked concerns over significant security lapses, which were detailed in a recently revealed report.

The House task force probing the incident has released interim findings that highlight failures in planning and communication among law enforcement agencies involved and underscore the U.S. Secret Service’s role in the collapse, as Fox News reports.

According to the report released on Oct. 21, the tragic event was deemed "preventable" due to serious deficiencies in planning and communication.

At the rally, a gunman identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks conducted a rooftop shooting spree, tragically claiming the life of one attendee and injuring two others.

Former President Trump narrowly escaped major injury, with a bullet grazing his ear.

Interim Report Critiques Event Communication

The House task force, established by a unanimous vote of the lower chamber, has been assigned to investigate the Pennsylvania incident, as well as a similar event in Florida on Sept. 15.

The interim report pointed out that there was no centralized communication among law enforcement agencies, with the U.S. Secret Service being particularly criticized for not offering clear guidance to state and local agencies regarding the security layout.

On the day of the rally, a lack of coordination was apparent. No central meeting was held between the Secret Service and law enforcement to align security measures before the event. This lack of organization appears to have contributed to the breakdown in communication during crucial moments.

Crooks Identified as a Threat Before Shooting

Crooks, the shooter, had been under suspicion by local officers for 40 minutes before the Secret Service was alerted. Local law enforcement independently flagged Crooks as suspicious around 5 p.m., but communication channels failed to effectively convey this to federal agencies.

From 5:38 p.m. to 5:51 p.m., the movements of Crooks were communicated between local police and the Secret Service. During this critical window, a Butler Township Police officer cried out about seeing an armed man on a rooftop: "THERE’S AN AR! AN AR! AN AR! A GUY WITH AN AR!"

Unshared Intelligence Hindered Law Enforcement

Despite these warnings, separate briefings held by the Secret Service and local units were not cross-referenced, leading to fragmented operational information. In particular, snipers from local Emergency Services Units (ESU) were not made aware of a specific plan to surveil the building from which Crooks later launched his assault.

In a potent critique, the report asserts that "the lack of planning and coordination between the Secret Service and its law enforcement partners" before the rally played a crucial role in the occurrence of the shooting.

Debate Over Gunman’s Fatal Shooting

The confrontation ended with Crooks being fatally shot, though there remains conflicting testimony regarding who delivered the lethal headshot. A Butler Emergency Services Unit member has claimed the credit over a Secret Service agent.

An autopsy confirmed Crooks died from a single bullet wound and found no evidence of another gunman's involvement, which dispelled earlier rumors of a second shooter. His bloodwork showed the presence of several substances, including antimony, selenium, and lead.

Investigation Continues to Unfold

In the wake of the shooting, questions about the efficiency and preparedness of law enforcement and Secret Service officials have persisted.

A final detailed report is expected by Dec. 13, as the House Task Force seeks to answer outstanding questions and make recommended improvements to prevent future breaches.

The report concludes with acknowledging that "to date, the Task Force has not received any evidence" that the alert about Crooks "reached the former President’s USSS detail prior to shots fired."

With its preliminary findings already drawing sharp criticism of existing protocols and operational missteps, this ongoing investigation may unveil more about the dynamics of security management at high-profile events.