July 22, 2024
Based on the testimony of US Secret Service (USSS) director Kim Cheatle, it appears that USSS agents would have been able to plainly see the alleged shooter, Thomas Crooks. Furthermore, one can deduce that there was another shooter based on Cheatle's answers.
First, the optics. Rep. Eli Crane (AZ-R) shared a video on X that shows where USSS agents were stationed in Bethel Park, PA according to Cheatle's testimony. If true, the agents could have easily spotted Crooks, whether standing or prone. Further, they would have been privy to his confrontation with the law enforcement officer who climbed the ladder leading to the rooftop.
Cheatle claimed under oath today that a USSS sniper dispatched Crooks with a single shot. However, many shots are clearly audible on recordings of the assassination attempt with different auditory signatures. Therefore, another shooter must have been present. Further, Cheatle repeatedly denied knowledge of a second shooter.
Video has surfaced showing the bleachers near Trump being hit with what appears to be bullets, and reactions from the crowd. Since Cheatle refuses to answer questions about how many shell casings were found near Crooks' body, we cannot assign the shot reports to a specific gunman. Cheatle's common refrain when asked questions she isn't comfortable answering: "refer to the FBI investigation report."
While the video is inconclusive, accounts from bystanders refer to a shooter on the water tower. It's sadly telling that civilians have done more to uncover the truth of what happened in Pennsylvania than our national intelligence services.
