'They need to answer': FBI throws Secret Service under bus after shooter managed 'so many shots' at Trump
Law enforcement officers stand over Thomas Crooks' body in Butler
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) officials have admitted they were 'surprised' at how the gunman, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, managed to take multiple shots at Donald Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday (Jul 13), even as Secret Service guarded the former president.
Addressing a press conference after the attack, FBIandPennsylvania State Police officials looked fidgety as they deferred several questions about the efficiency of the US Secret Service - who were notably missing from the gathering.
“It is surprising but, to get all the details of that will come out later in the investigation," saidKevin Rojek, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Pittsburgh field office when quizzed he was surprised at the number of shots.
"The Secret Service really needs to answer that question,” Rojek stated, adding that the FBI was only there to support the Secret Service who were in charge of securing the scene.
While the FBI seemingly threw the Secret Service under the busPennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens came to their rescue.
“In their defence, what I would want to say is it is incredibly difficult to have a venue open to the public and secure that against any possible threat against a determined attacker, that’s a huge lift to try and do it,” Bivens told reporters.
Watch |Trump rally shooting: Thomas Matthew Crooks identified as subject
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Secret Service under fire
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, late on Saturday announced that the panel will soon open an investigation into the failed assassination bid. Comer said the Secret Service had already been asked to testify before the committee about the lapse that led to the nearly fatal accident.
“I have already contacted the Secret Service for a briefing and am also calling on Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to appear for a hearing. The Oversight Committee will send a formal invitation soon,” Comer said in a statement.
Trump, who ison the campaign trail for the November presidential elections, was delivering a speech from the podium in Butler County when the shooter fired multiple rounds.
The Secret Service snipers stationed around the Republican leader managed to neutralise Crooks, who was firing from an 'elevated' position. Media reports later confirmed that Crooks was stationed roughly 130 metres from Trump on the roof of a building when he took the shots.