The Attempted Trump Assassination, July 13, 2024
Security Lapses
The assassination attempt on Donald Trump exposed critical vulnerabilities in security protocols designed to protect high-profile figures.
Multiple lapses allowed Thomas Crooks to breach defenses and position himself for the attack. Crooks used a drone for reconnaissance, taking advantage of a delayed deployment of the Secret Service’s drone-detection system, which left the airspace around the venue unsecured and allowed him to map the area without detection.
Crooks gained access to a rooftop overlooking the stage, highlighting deficiencies in both pre-event security assessments and active monitoring. Despite multiple security checkpoints, he managed to carry an AR-15-style rifle, explosives, and reconnaissance equipment to this location, pointing to gaps in the screening process.
Due to personnel shortages, the rooftop was left unguarded, leaving an unobstructed line of sight to the stage. While police snipers were stationed inside the building, no personnel were assigned to cover the rooftop area, with Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle pointing to safety concerns with the sloped roofs. Additionally, requests for added security were reportedly denied.
Communication failures further complicated the response. Local snipers observed Crooks’ suspicious behavior for over an hour but did not relay their observations to the Secret Service. Key details about his position were not shared through the Secret Service radio network, preventing timely intervention.
Moreover, coordination challenges among the 155 law enforcement personnel—including Secret Service agents and SWAT teams—left several coverage gaps, and reports from eyewitnesses of suspicious activity went unaddressed.
In the days leading up to the incident, Crooks purchased over 50 rounds of ammunition and a ladder — activities that went unnoticed. Just hours before the event, Crooks’ parents reported him missing and voiced concerns, raising further questions about missed warning signs.
Sources:
The Spin
Democratic narrative
The assassination attempt was a result of preventable mistakes and negligence. The delay in deploying drone detection allowed Thomas Crooks to easily gather intelligence, a failure that should have been anticipated. Letting him access a rooftop with a rifle exposed critical flaws in screening. Communication breakdowns and poor coordination among agencies only made matters worse. With better planning and a more proactive approach, this breach could and should have been prevented.
Republican narrative
The near-assassination of Trump resulted from flawed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies within the Secret Service. Director Kimberly Cheatle’s focus on diversity quotas led to hiring personnel less qualified for critical roles. A high number of women on Trump’s protective detail appeared unprepared, revealing gaps in training and competence. By prioritizing diversity over merit, these failures created vulnerabilities that could have been avoided with a more common sense security approach.
Narrative C
The incident revealed just how difficult it is to secure high-profile events. The unexpected use of a drone pushed surveillance systems to their limits, showing that not every threat can be anticipated. Limited personnel meant that securing every potential risk, like the rooftop, was nearly impossible. In such a fast-moving situation, communication and coordination between agencies are naturally challenging. It’s a stark reminder that even with thorough preparation, some risks are simply unavoidable.
Establishment-critical narrative
The Secret Service deliberately undermined Trump's safety by denying his legitimate requests for additional security and ignoring multiple warnings about the shooter. This represents a systematic failure to protect a former president who had specifically requested enhanced protection, and raises serious questions as to why Trump was not adequately protected.
