Changes made to Trump's security detail after assassination attempt, Secret Service chief says

The U.S. Secret Service has implemented changes to former President Donald Trump’s security detail after an assassination attempt Saturday at a Butler County rally that resulted in him being wounded and a bystander and the suspected gunman being killed.

In a lengthy statement released Monday, the first by Director Kimberly Cheatle since the shooting, she said security plans for the Republican National Convention had been reviewed and strengthened. She did not provide specifics. The convention started Monday in Milwaukee.

Meanwhile, investigators continue to look into a potential motive behind the shooting at the Butler Farm Show grounds, as well as how the 20-year-old gunman was able to fire multiple shots at the stage from a nearby rooftop. President Joe Biden, who is running against Trump, has asked for an independent review of the security at the rally.

“The Secret Service is working with all involved federal, state and local agencies to understand what happened, how it happened and how we can prevent an incident like this from ever taking place again,” Cheatle said in the statement. “We understand the importance of the independent review announced by President Biden yesterday and will participate fully. We will also work with the appropriate congressional committees on any oversight action.”

Gunshots rang out during Trump’s speech Saturday, prompting hundreds of terrified rallygoers to seek safety. The former president later said on social media that a bullet pierced the upper part of his right ear.

One attendee, Corey Comperatore of Buffalo Township, was killed, and two spectators were critically wounded, authorities said. They were identified as David Dutch, 57, of Plum and James Copenhaver, 74, of Moon.

Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, who authorities have said opened fire with an AR-style rifle from an elevated location, was fatally shot by agents. FBI investigators were working to determine a motive but said they believe he acted alone and did not have any mental health issues. The gun belonged to his father.

The FBI said Monday that technicians were successfully able to get into Crooks’ cell phone and they continue to analyze his devices. The search of his vehicle and home were complete, but interviews were continuing, according to the statement.

A Secret Service spokesperson told CNN that the agency relied on local law enforcement to conduct security in the area of the building where the shooter was perched. The spokesperson did not know which local force should have been responsible at the time.

In a statement released on social media at 1 a.m. Tuesday, the Secret Service said it relies on support police officers and local law enforcement.

“We are deeply grateful to the officers who ran towards danger to locate the gunman and to all our local partners for their unwavering committment,” the statement said. “Any news suggesting the Secret Service is blaming local law enforcement for Saturday’s incident is simply not true.”

State police Lt. Adam Reed said the agency provided all the resources the Secret Service requested for the rally, which included 30 to 40 troopers who helped to secure the inside perimeter. Troopers were not responsible for securing the building or property from where Crooks was seen shooting, Reed said.

“PSP routinely aids our federal partners during large events in Pennsylvania … and will always provide any and all resources needed to ensure Pennsylvanians’ safety,” he said.

At a news conference overnight after the shooting, Lt. Col. George Bivens said the Secret Service was the lead agency on security and state police provided additional resources, such as aviation and police dogs. It can be difficult to protect that type of venue against a determined attacker, he said.

“That’s a huge lift to try and do it,” Bivens said. “And again, the investigation will really give us an opportunity to take a look at where any failures occurred and what can be done better in the future.”

Attempts Monday by the Trib to reach the Secret Service were unsuccessful. Phone calls and messages left for Butler County District Attorney Rich Goldinger and Sheriff Michael Slupe were not returned.

CNN released footage Monday that showed civilians spotting the gunman on the roof of a building before the shooting.

“Officer, officer,” one attendee shouted. “He’s on the roof. Right here. He’s standing up now.”

The footage shows what appears to be at least one law enforcement officer walking around the building.

Crooks bought 50 rounds of ammunition at Allegheny Arms and Gun Works in Bethel Park before the shooting, CNN reported.

In a statement, the store said, “As a responsible member of our community, it is our prerogative to cooperate with law enforcement in every way. We are thankful that President Trump was not assassinated and our hearts and prayers go out to all victims of this horrible incident. Out of respect for the ongoing investigation and that of those affected, we will not make any further statements.”

Westmoreland County Sheriff James Albert said he has worked with the Secret Service on several occasions.

In July 2020, former Vice President Mike Pence visited Main Street in Greensburg during a Cops for Trump campaign event. Greensburg police also were on hand to help during that event.

In May 2022, then-President Trump stumped for Republican U.S. Senate candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz at the Westmoreland Fairgrounds.

In September 2020, then-presidential candidate Joe Biden visited a union training center in Salem on a campaign stop.

All of those events went smoothly, Albert said. Typically, the Secret Service scopes out an area in advance and then tells sheriff’s deputies where to be stationed, he said.

“They usually put us on the perimeter,” Albert said. “The parking areas, they can’t do all that. They just need the local law enforcement to help with farther-out areas.”

The agencies work together in the days before to practice what will happen during the event, he said.

“It was great to work with them,” Albert said. “They stay in touch with you. They’re so thankful afterward.”

Investigators spent hours processing the scene and evidence in Butler County, as well as conducting interviews with people at the site and following up on leads to establish a timeline. The shooter’s weapon, phone and an explosive device found in his vehicle were sent to a lab for testing while authorities comb through his social media accounts.

There also were bomb-making materials found at his home, The Associated Press reported. Authorities remained in his Bethel Park neighborhood Monday.

Crooks was a registered Republican who, at 17, donated $15 to a group called the Progressive Turnout Project, which aims to boost Democratic voter turnout, according to Federal Election Commission reports.

He graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022 and worked as a dietary aide at Bethel Park Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. The Community College of Allegheny County confirmed that he graduated in May with an associate degree in engineering science. His family could not be reached.

The Associated Press reported that rallygoers noticed a man climbing to the roof of a nearby building and warned local police, according to two law enforcement officials.

One local police officer climbed to the roof and encountered Crooks, who pointed his rifle at the officer. The officer retreated down the ladder, and Crooks quickly took a shot toward Trump from about 164 yards away before being shot himself, the officials told the AP. An investigation is underway to determine how the shooter was able to get so close.