Written by Caleb Thompson.
New footage has emerged from the July 13 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, capturing a moment of chaos just before the attacker, Thomas Crooks, opened fire. The video, shared by a man identifying himself as Dave Stewart, reveals panicked local police officers surrounding Crooks while Trump was speaking on stage.
Stewart’s footage begins with him urgently noting, “There’s somebody in this building.” He was right to be concerned. One of the counter snipers, Greg Nicol, had initially spotted Crooks and moved from his second-floor position to track him on the building’s lower levels. Unfortunately, Nicol lost sight of Crooks as he descended, just moments before the shots rang out.
Seconds after Nicol’s departure, the scene erupted in violence. Trump sustained a gunshot wound to the ear, a firefighter was killed, and at least two other individuals were hospitalized with serious injuries. The video not only documents the intense moments leading up to the shooting but also provides a glimpse into the chaotic aftermath.
Unraveling the Aftermath
Stewart’s footage continues to capture the confusion that followed. A federal agent approached Stewart, taking a photo of his driver’s license before later appearing in footage captured by local police body cameras. The federal agent discussed the situation, including the detainment of individuals who were filming the incident.
According to the federal agent, “Those people detained were filming. Maybe they were involved; maybe they weren’t. The guys that saw them filming were like, ‘Oh they were filming us then, filming the guy on the roof, and then filming us. And when shots started firing, they tried to run away.’” The agent added, “But isn’t that what everyone would do who had a phone? I’m not saying they’re not involved, but you know what I mean? I’ve got no problem detaining them, but … Detain them, find out what they know and who they are, whatever. But I’m trying to get clear information to get back to DC. So, we’ve got one shooter—deceased.”
The chaotic nature of the response has sparked further questions, with Stewart claiming that he was arrested and had his phone confiscated by the FBI. He only posted the footage after the FBI returned his phone.
Upcoming Senate Hearing
The incident has raised significant concerns, and lawmakers will have an opportunity to delve deeper into the matter during a joint Senate hearing scheduled for Tuesday. FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate and Secret Service Acting Director Ronald L. Rowe are expected to testify, providing further insights into the events of that day and the subsequent investigation.
The Senate hearing promises to shed light on the decisions and actions taken by law enforcement before, during, and after the assassination attempt. The public and lawmakers alike await answers as the investigation continues.
Our Take
The chaotic nature of the July 13 assassination attempt on Trump and the subsequent handling of the situation is more than just unsettling—it’s a glaring example of how poorly managed critical incidents can be. The confusion and disorganization displayed by various agencies raise serious questions about the efficacy of their operations. If law enforcement agencies struggle so visibly in high-stakes scenarios, how can we trust them to handle everyday security concerns effectively? This episode highlights a troubling gap in competence and communication that could have dire implications for future security measures.
