Detailed breakdown of newly released bodycam footage, shedding light on the harrowing moments before the tragic shooting at a Donald Trump rally on July 13. The video, obtained by Fox News Digital, captures the tense encounter between Butler Township police officers and Thomas Crooks, an armed man positioned on the roof of AGR International, just moments before he opened fire.
The Build-Up to the Confrontation
The footage begins with officers arriving at the scene, responding to reports of an armed individual on the roof near the rally site. The atmosphere is charged with tension as officers quickly assess the situation. One officer, whose bodycam recorded the incident, is seen being lifted by a fellow officer onto the roof of the building. This roof, approximately 12 feet high, became the focal point of the intense standoff.
As the officer peers over the edge of the roof, he finds himself face-to-face with Crooks, who is armed with an AR-15 rifle. The moment is fraught with danger; the officer is unable to draw his weapon as both hands are occupied in hoisting himself up. Realizing the immediate threat, he quickly drops back down to the ground. His swift reaction likely prevented a direct confrontation that could have turned deadly.
The Chaotic Moments Before the Shooting
After retreating to safety, the officer is seen sprinting around the building, urgently signaling his fellow officers and nearby bystanders. The bodycam footage, initially without audio, soon captures the chaotic communication between officers as they attempt to strategize their next move. The officer who had just faced Crooks describes the suspect’s appearance, noting his long hair, glasses, and the backpack he was carrying along with the AR-15.
Over the police radio, frantic calls for an ambulance to the rally’s VIP tent can be heard, indicating the gravity of the situation unfolding nearby. The officers, fully aware of the potential for mass casualties, quickly regroup and plan their next course of action.
The Moment of the Shooting
Seconds after the officer’s initial encounter with Crooks, gunfire erupts. Crooks, perched on the roof, opens fire on the rally below. His first shot strikes Donald Trump in the ear, and another bullet tragically kills a bystander. The officers, who had been encircling the building and preparing to advance, respond with lethal force. Crooks is shot dead within seconds, his body collapsing onto the sloped roof.
The footage then shows officers boosting each other up onto the roof once more, determined to secure the area. When they reach the top, they find Crooks lying motionless, with a long trail of blood flowing down the roof. The scene is a grim testament to the rapid escalation of violence and the officers’ swift response.
Aftermath and Conspiracy Theories
The release of this bodycam footage has not only provided a clearer picture of the events leading up to the shooting but has also sparked a wave of conspiracy theories. Some viewers have questioned the police’s actions, particularly why no one warned Trump on stage about the armed threat once Crooks was spotted. Speculation has arisen, with some suggesting the shooting might have been an “inside job,” although there is no evidence to support such claims.
Butler Township police Lt. Matthew Pearson addressed some of these concerns, explaining that the officer couldn’t draw his gun on Crooks because both his hands were pinned as he tried to pull himself onto the roof. The officer’s bodycam footage clearly shows this limitation, highlighting the precarious situation he was in.
Despite the speculation, the video stands as a powerful reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in moments of crisis. The footage, while harrowing, also underscores the quick thinking and bravery of the officers involved, who acted swiftly to neutralize the threat and prevent further loss of life.
