Local Police Refute Claims Of Blame In Trump Rally Shooting
Following the failed assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler County, Pennsylvania, Butler Township Commissioner Ed Natali has strongly defended the local police department. The shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, fired from the roof of the American Glass Research (AGR) building, causing confusion over which law enforcement agency was responsible for the area.
The Secret Service initially suggested that while they secured the immediate event perimeter, local police were responsible for surrounding areas, including the AGR building. However, Natali took to Facebook to refute these claims, stating, “The Butler Township Police Department (BTPD) had no security detail for this event. There were seven officers all assigned to traffic detail. Period! The BTPD was NOT responsible for securing AGR or any other location. Anyone who says so, reports on it, implies it, etc… is uninformed, lying, or covering their own backsides.”
Natali emphasized that BTPD officers were only responsible for managing traffic. They responded to reports of a suspicious person but were not part of the event’s security detail. During the incident, an officer attempted to climb onto the roof where the shooter was positioned but fell and injured himself after the shooter aimed at him.
Natali condemned the finger-pointing that followed, saying, “It is completely disgusting to see finger-pointing has become the priority when we had four people shot, with one of the four fatally wounded. It is more important to affix the blame than address the problem.”
He praised the dedication of BTPD officers, highlighting their commitment to their community and their roles. Natali expressed disappointment over misleading reports that placed blame on local police.
The controversy has drawn attention to the complexities of coordinating security for high-profile events. As investigations proceed, the specific roles of various law enforcement agencies are being closely examined. The incident has sparked a broader discussion about responsibility and the importance of clear communication in managing such events.
