An assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally led to immediate changes in Secret Service leadership.

New revelations show that though they were alerted via text more than 90 minutes before the incident, counter-snipers had noticed Crooks' suspicious activities but were unable to prevent the attack. Crooks was killed by a Secret Service counter-sniper during the confrontation, according to the Daily Mail.

Initial Discovery of Gunman Raises Alarms

The first signs of trouble were spotted when a countersniper identified Crooks sitting on a picnic table near an exit, displaying behavior that raised suspicion.

Through a group chat, the countersnipers shared observations of Crooks moving peculiarly around the venue.

One message in the group chat noted, "Kid learning around building we are in. I did see him with a range finder looking towards the stage. FYI. If you wanna notify SS snipers to look out. I lost sight of him."

Despite these early warnings, Crooks managed to evade further detection until he positioned himself on the roof of the American Glass Research building, where he fired the shot that struck Trump.

Secret Service Director Resigns Amid Criticism

Following the shooting, an immediate and vast inquiry was launched, resulting in the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle on July 13.

Cheatle admitted to congressional oversight failures, particularly the absence of agents on the rooftop from which Crooks fired.

In a statement to Congress, Cheatle said, "The buck stops with me," and described the oversight as "unacceptable" and a mistake that "shouldn't happen again."

This lapse in security has sparked widespread discussions about the need for significant reforms within the Secret Service to prevent future incidents.

FBI Discloses Gunman's Preparations and Obsession

FBI Director Christopher Wray revealed that Crooks had researched sniper distances online, notably querying about the distance between Lee Harvey Oswald and John F. Kennedy during the latter's assassination. This was part of Crooks' intense focus on Trump leading up to the rally.

Moreover, Crooks had taken the day off from work explicitly to attend the rally, having registered for it on the same day he conducted his ominous online searches. This premeditation adds a layer of chilling calculation to the events that transpired.

Investigators also found explosives in Crooks' car and discovered that he had flown a drone near the rally stage, indicating the extent of his preparation.

Heroism and Sacrifice Amidst Tragedy

During the attack, a retired volunteer fire chief was tragically killed, and several others were injured. The seriousness of the event was further underscored by the actions of a female Secret Service agent who, according to Trump, acted bravely to shield him during the attack. Trump later praised her willingness to "take a bullet" for him.

The countersnipers' communication, especially during the critical moments, reflected both their alertness and the swift, albeit tragically insufficient, response to the unfolding threat. A text from one countersniper stated, "Someone followed our lead and snuck in and parked by our cars just so you know. I'm just letting you know because you see me go out with my rifle and put it in my car so he knows you guys are up there."

The Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies have faced critical scrutiny over how the gunman managed to outsmart extensive security measures meant to protect high-profile figures like the former president.

Conclusion: Reevaluation of Security Protocols Needed

To conclude, the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump not only highlighted critical vulnerabilities in the Secret Service's protection protocols but also prompted immediate administrative changes and a broader reevaluation of security measures.

Despite the harrowing circumstances, the bravery exhibited by agents at the scene prevented what could have been a much more tragic outcome. The event has left many questioning the effectiveness of current security practices and the need for rigorous enhancements.